Zuihoji Temple

Zuihoji Templeautumn foliagemaple treesToyotomi HideyoshiZen temple

Hyogo · Arima Onsen

34.8011°N, 135.2547°E

Zuihoji Temple (瑞宝寺) is a Zen temple in Arima Onsen's forested hills, famous for autumn foliage — over 2,500 maple trees create a red-orange canopy in November. The temple was originally founded in 713 CE and later frequented by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (16th-century warlord) who held tea ceremonies here and praised the autumn colors as Nihon ichi (日本一, Japan's best).

The temple grounds include a moss garden, stone lanterns, and walking paths through maple groves. A large boulder called Hideyoshi no Koshikake-iwa (秀吉の腰掛け岩, Hideyoshi's Sitting Stone) marks where the warlord allegedly sat to view the foliage. The temple is quieter than Arima's main onsen district, providing contemplative forest atmosphere a short walk uphill from the town center.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Open 24/7 (outdoor garden)

Closed: Open year-round

Entrance Fee

Free (donation box)

Best Season

Mid–late November (peak autumn maple foliage)

Visit Duration

30–60 minutes

Getting There

Access Information

1-3 Arima-cho Tsuzumigataki, Kita Ward, Kobe. A short walk uphill from Arima Onsen Station. Free entry (donation box). Hours: open 24/7 (no buildings to enter, outdoor garden). Best timing: autumn foliage (mid–late November). Visit duration: 30–60 minutes. Combine with onsen town visit.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Autumn foliage peak:** Mid-to-late November typically brings peak color (dates vary yearly by 1–2 weeks based on weather). The temple's 2,500+ maples create complete canopy coverage — walking the paths feels like being inside a red-orange tunnel. This is one of Hyogo's top koyo (紅葉) spots, attracting photographers and autumn leaf enthusiasts. Expect moderate crowds during peak weekends but significantly less than Kyoto's famous temples. **Off-season value:** Outside autumn, the temple is quiet and green — pleasant forest walk but not a primary attraction. The historical Hideyoshi connection provides mild interest (explanatory signs in Japanese with some English). If visiting Arima in summer/spring, the temple is a nice 30-minute forest escape from onsen crowds but skippable if time-limited. Prioritize in autumn; consider optional other seasons. **Combination with Arima Onsen:** The temple is 10-minute uphill walk from Arima's main bath district. A typical Arima day trip: arrive morning → gold/silver baths → lunch in town → Zuihoji Temple forest walk → return to town for shopping/second bath → depart. This pacing balances onsen culture with nature, providing varied experience within compact town boundaries.

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