Autumn Leaves at the Former Iitaka Buddhist Seminary (Iitaka Temple)

A seminary is a place of Buddhist study, and Iitaka Temple once served as a major educational center for the Nichiren sect for many years. Today, the grounds remain preserved much as they were at the time of its closure, offering visitors a tangible sense of history. Surrounded by trees, the temple's solemn atmosphere is further enhanced in autumn, when the grounds are adorned with beautiful fall foliage. Every October, the annual Iitaka Seminar Concert takes place under the clear autumn sky, filling the grounds with music. Past events have included live musical and vocal performances, as well as traditional Noh theater, drawing many visitors each year. The autumn leaves are best viewed from mid to late November, when the temple is transformed by the seasonal colors. The area also features attractions such as Tenjin Forest, a scenic woodland featured in popular TV dramas, making it an ideal spot for a stroll. Autumn is the perfect time to visit and experience the temple’s tranquil beauty.