Fall Colors in Fukuoka: Nomiyama Kannonji Autumn Foliage Festival 2024

Nomiyama Kannonji Temple's Autumn Foliage Festival

Nomiyama Kannonji Temple is a historic and prestigious temple in Fukuoka. In autumn, it becomes one of the popular spots for viewing fall foliage.

Various trees turn the grounds vibrant red, creating breathtaking scenery! The areas around the back approach to the Tenno-in (main hall), the babbling brook path, and the Hyaku-Kannon Hall are famous for their 1,000 flowering andromeda bushes.

This article introduces the best times to view autumn leaves at Nomiyama Kannonji, how to access the temple, and the annual Autumn Foliage Festival.

Nomiyama Kannonji Temple in Autumn

1. About Nomiyama Kannonji Temple
2. The Best Time to View the Autumn Leaves at Nomiyama Kannonji
3. Autumn Highlights at Nomiyama Kannonji Temple
4. The Nomiyama Kannonji Autumn Foliage Festival
5. How to Get to Nomiyama Kannonji Temple

About Nomiyama Kannonji Temple

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Nomiyama Kannonji Temple, affectionately known as Nomiyama-san, is a distinguished temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect in Fukuoka. Widely recognized as a place of miraculous efficacy, it attracts over a million visitors yearly for prayers concerning the fulfillment of wishes and protection from misfortune.

In spring, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms and rhododendrons. In summer, hydrangeas and fresh greenery bloom on the premises, while autumn welcomes vibrant foliage. Finally, picturesque snow scenes arrive in winter, allowing for a rich nature experience throughout the seasons.

The autumn colors, in particular, are breathtaking! With 1,000 maple trees, andromeda bushes, and cherry and zelkova trees, the temple grounds are beautifully transformed into a sea of red, delighting many visitors each year.

Nomiyama Kannonji Temple also operates an official Instagram account where you can check updates on the best times to view the autumn leaves and event information. Be sure to take a look when planning your visit.

Nomiyama Kannonji Temple Official Instagram

The Best Time to View the Autumn Leaves at Nomiyama Kannonji

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Nomiyama Kannonji Temple is a mountain temple located at an elevation of 450 meters. The trees in the temple grounds and the approach begin to change color about two weeks earlier than in the lowlands, starting from late October. However, the best viewing period occurs in November. Eventually, by late November, the leaves will begin to fall.

In autumn 2023, the prime viewing period was from October 31 to around November 26.

Those planning a visit should aim for this peak viewing time. Be sure to check the official Instagram account frequently to help with your planning.

Autumn Highlights at Nomiyama Kannonji Temple

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Nomiyama Kannonji Temple offers a wealth of autumn foliage spots within its grounds, including the back approach to the Tenno-in and the babbling brook path, delighting visitors.

Around the Hyaku-Kannon Hall, 1,000 flowering andromeda bushes create a breathtaking display that looks like a vivid red wall. This extraordinary scenery can only be viewed here.

Enjoying the autumn leaves from inside the hall adds to the charm. The scenery appears framed, making it perfect for Instagram-worthy photos! Be sure to capture the moment.

The Nomiyama Kannonji Autumn Foliage Festival

The Nomiyama Kannonji Autumn Foliage Festival is held every year, attracting many visitors. In 2024, the festival will be held from October 26 to November 24.

The monthly Fudo Goma ceremony will be held during the festival on October 28 (Monday). The monthly Kannon Festival Goma ritual will also occur on November 20 (Wednesday).

Throughout the Autumn Foliage Festival, there will be many special exhibits to explore. During the special autumn viewing, you can pray at the two-headed Aizen Myo-o enshrined in the Yugi Great Treasure Pagoda.

The Nomiyama Rose Garden, featuring roses and perennials, will also be open for a limited time. There are plenty of attractions beyond the autumn foliage.

Daily food trucks and stalls will be set up during the Autumn Foliage Festival, offering delicious food, flowers, and handmade goods for shopping.

How to Get to Nomiyama Kannonji Temple

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Many people visit during the Autumn Foliage Festival, making weekends and public holidays in November particularly crowded. If possible, visiting on a weekday is recommended.

Access Information

By Train
15 minutes by car from Sasaguri Station on the JR Fukuhoku Yutaka Line.

By Car
20 minutes from Fukuoka IC on the Kyushu Expressway.

By Bus
35 minutes from Tenjin Bus Center to Sasaguri (get off at Sasaguri).
30 minutes from Hakata Bus Center to Sasaguri (get off at Sasaguri).
*Please use a taxi from Sasaguri Station.

For more details on transportation access, please refer to this link: Nomiyama Kannonji Temple Access (Japanese)

Nomiyama Kannonji Autumn Foliage Festival

Festival Dates: October 26 - November 24, 2024
Visiting Hours: 6:00 - 17:00

Nomiyama Kannonji Temple Information

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The basic information about the temple is as follows. Please use this as a reference when you visit.

Address	Fukuoka Prefecture, Kasuya District, Sasaguri Town, Hagiwo 227-4
Contact Information	Tel: 092-947-4423 (Reception Hours: 9:00 - 17:00)
Entrance Fee	Free
Entrance Hours	Open at all times *Visiting hours are from 6:00 - 17:00
Parking	300 spaces (Free)

Visit Nomiyama Kannonji Temple, a Must-See in Autumn!

Nomiyama Kannonji Temple is a historic temple with many points of interest throughout each season. It’s also a great sacred spot for strolling.

Especially during the autumn foliage season, you can enjoy beautiful scenery within the grounds and along the paths alongside many special events for worship. This autumn, be sure to visit the Autumn Foliage Festival at Nomiyama Kannonji Temple!

Main image by Pixta