HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Yuka Momiji in Hotokuji
Hotokuji and the impressive view of their Yuka Momiji (floor maples)
Kiryu City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Hotokuji is a Zen temple built around 1450. It is known for its Yuka Momiji (floor maples), maple trees reflected on the floors. In spring and summer, the beautiful, fresh green trees on the temple grounds take on this Yuka Momiji appearance. In the autumn, over 100 maple trees on the temple grounds change colors, and the exhibition is held during the peak viewing season from mid-October to late November. During those months, you can enter the main temple that is usually closed off to the public. On summer and autumn nights, there is also an illumination exhibition (fee required), and both taking photos and posting them to social media is freely allowed. Be sure to check out the very rare Yuka Momiji (floor maples) Special Exhibition at Hotokuji.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Takasaki Station, then transfer to the JR Ryomo Line and get off at Kiryu Station (about 2 hours). From there, take the Orihime-Bus Kawauchi Line to Hotokuji Iriguchi (about 25 minutes).
5-1608 Kawauchi-cho, Kiryu-shi, Gunma-ken
