Sennyu-ji Temple, Kyoto

Tucked away uphill and blissfully secluded, just a brief 5-minute stroll northeast of Tōfuku-ji, lies Sennyū-ji-a hidden sanctuary boasting with a garden so stunning that even Mother Nature herself gives it a standing ovation during autumn.

Literally the "bubbling spring temple", Sennyū-ji owes its name to a freshwater spring that gushes forth from its grounds. Nestled at the foot of Mount Tsukinowa, its storied past intertwines closely with Japan's imperial lineage, earning it the moniker Mitera, or "Imperial Temple". Within the sprawling grounds lies a walled-off mausoleum, home to the final resting places of several emperors.

Step into the main Buddha Hall ("Butsu-den"), a rebuilt marvel from 1668, featuring architectural quirks borrowed from China's Song Dynasty. Inside, you'll encounter three golden Buddha effigies, while a dramatic dragon mural hangs overhead. And don't miss the museum, where you can find sacred texts, art, and maybe even a few lost tourists wandering around (admission is included in your temple visit).

Tip:
Make the uphill journey more worthwhile by exploring the neighboring sub-temple, Unryū-in (last entry 4:30 PM); the Zen version of a speakeasy-so hush-hush, few tourists even know it exists. With a garden that'll make you weep and a captivating screen adorned with a twisting dragon, (Unryū-in translates to "Cloud Dragon Temple"), it's worth spending an extra ¥500 to sit back, relax on tatami cushions, and enjoy some tea and sweets while contemplating life's mysteries (or just waiting for the next leaf to fall).