Autumn at Joshoji

The last breath of autumn…with the legendary Aoi Tayu…

I meet up with Aoi Tayu every year. Over the past few years, we have done quite a few photo projects together. Some are even featured as permanent displays in iconic hotels in Kyoto.

Even my trusted Japanese driver in Kyoto was amazed that we knew each other.

We usually do a photo session in the morning and then head to lunch together.

I love doing autumn photos in Kyoto…but I usually time it at just the beginning where I get all 4 colors of the autumn leaves together, or right at the end when the red leaves are all on the ground…I leave the trees bald during the latter scenario for obvious reasons…



Joshoji is closely linked to the Edo Period courtesan, Yoshino Tayu, known for her exceptional beauty and grace. According to the tales, Yoshino Tayu either eloped with her lover, the merchant Haiya Joeki, or he paid for her release from her Shimabara tea house. A devout follower of Nichiren Buddhism, Yoshino Tayu is credited with contributing to the financing of the striking vermillion gate at the temple's entrance, named Yoshino-mon in her honor. Yoshino Tayu passed away at the tender age of 38, and her grave, adorned with a tall stone pillar, is located within the temple grounds, alongside that of her partner Haiya Joeki. Josho-ji Temple conducts a memorial service for Yoshino Tayu annually on the second Sunday of April. The service includes a procession of tayu, a small number of whom remain in Kyoto, dressed in stunning kimono, as well as an open-air tea ceremony and a captivating ikebana exhibition within the temple premises.

Joshoji Temple is well-known for its lovely garden which is particularly popular during the autumn leaf viewing season in Kyoto during autumn and for its cherry blossoms in Spring.