[Tokyo Area] Come to Nagano to See the Maple Leaves!

: When it comes to viewing maple leaves in Japan, Kyoto is the first place that comes to mind. Indeed, Kyoto has countless places to view maple leaves, but today we will take you to a lesser-known but beautiful place in Nagano Prefecture. ⛺: Choenji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple, officially known as Seiryu-zan Choenji Temple. The temple was built in 1649 and belongs to the Shingon sect, one of the Buddhist sects. The main buildings of the temple include the main hall, the bell tower, and the sutra library. Among them, the main hall is the most important building, enshrining the main deity of the temple. These buildings have been damaged by many historical changes but have been restored. 🛬: Many stone-carved Jizo statues stand outside Choenji Temple, creating a unique and impressive landscape. These small Jizo statues are distributed in the temple courtyard and its surroundings, with different expressions and styles due to their different construction periods. In mid-to-late November, the red of the ice maple and the yellow of the sugar maple intertwine, forming a natural wonder of this ancient temple. If you have never seen the ice maple of Choenji Temple, it is hard to imagine that maple leaves can be so red. They are dazzling and eye-catching, but not thick, like gems, clear and pleasing to the eye, giving people a cool feeling. This maple tree is called the Greenland ice maple, which presents a particularly quiet and harmonious beauty against the backdrop of the temple's traditional architecture and the bright yellow sugar maple. This is not only a visual enjoyment but also an understanding of the beauty of nature. 🧡[Transportation Tips]: Choenji Temple is located in Anayama, Tamagawa, Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, central Japan. From Tokyo, take the JR Chuo Line express train to Chino City. This train departs from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station and goes directly to Chino Station. The journey takes about 2 hours. After arriving at Chino Station, you can transfer to a local bus to Choenji Temple. The bus stop is located near the exit of Chino Station and is easy to find. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes. However, please note that there is only one bus per day, so it is especially recommended to take a taxi at the station entrance. The journey is about 6 km. Be sure to keep the driver's business card and call to book a taxi when you leave, otherwise, walking back to the station will be a very difficult journey. Before you go, remember to check the time and return schedule, and plan your trip in advance to ensure a smooth trip!