Late Autumn in Kyoto | The ginkgo trees here are as dazzling as the maple leaves.

Autumn is not just about maple leaves. Every year in early December, whether or not they are the main attraction, the thick and round ginkgo trees at Nishi Honganji Temple in Kyoto are my superstars. 🌟 Highlights: Ginkgo trees are considered sacred plants in Japan. They are not only symbolic plants of Buddhist temples but are also seen as "messengers of hope." After the atomic bomb explosion, ginkgo trees were the first plants to sprout, symbolizing rebirth and hope. Ginkgo trees have a very long lifespan. Once they form a forest, their lifespan can reach thousands of years. In Japanese culture, ginkgo trees also symbolize longevity and resilience. The connection between ginkgo trees and religion, along with their positive symbolism, is evidence of the mutual influence and integration of Japanese and Chinese cultures, isn't it? ❤ Recommended: Nishi Honganji Temple (Ryukokuzan Honganji) is the second-largest wooden architectural complex in Japan (the largest is Todai-ji Temple in Nara). Honganji Temple not only covers a large area but is also very spacious inside. There are two huge ginkgo trees, one is round and tall, and the other is relaxed and loose. The ginkgo tree in front of the Goeido Hall is 400 years old and grows outward, forming a giant tree. ✅ Must-try: Like the thousand-year-old ginkgo trees in ancient temples in Beijing, which are often located between the main halls of courtyards, the narrow space highlights the height and grandeur of the trees. However, the ginkgo trees in the spacious courtyard of Nishi Honganji Temple can only be truly appreciated in person to understand their size.