🌿 Secret Kyoto Escape: Sekiho-ji Temple – Fushimi Inari’s Quiet Neighbor

#summervacay **📍 Where?** 5min walk from Fushimi Inari Shrine’s back exit (Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station) **⏰ Best Time?** Sunrise (beat the crowds) or autumn evenings (illuminated foliage) --- ### **✨ Why Skip the Crowds for Sekiho-ji?** - **🎋 Hidden Bamboo Grove** – Just as atmospheric as Arashiyama’s, but completely empty - **⛩️ Time-Warp Atmosphere** – 17th-century temple with original **blood ceiling** (made with samurai armor!) - **📸 Secret Vantage Point** – Rooftop balcony overlooking Fushimi’s torii gates (no tourists know this!) - **🌸 Seasonal Magic** – Crimson maples in fall, cherry blossoms in spring --- ### **🚶♂️ Solo-Friendly Access** 1. **After Fushimi Inari:** Take the **back exit path** (near the vermilion pond) → 3min walk 2. **Direct Route:** Keihan Line to **Fushimi-Inari Station** → 7min walk through quiet alleys --- ### **🌅 Perfect Solo Itinerary** - **6:30 AM:** Sunrise at Fushimi Inari’s upper trails - **8:00 AM:** Sekiho-ji opens – meditate in the **blood-ceiling hall** - **9:30 AM:** Matcha at nearby **Vermilion Café** (great insta-window seats) - **11:00 AM:** Explore **Gekkeikan Sake Museum** (free tastings!) --- ### **📸 Best Photo Spots (Without People!)** ✅ **Bamboo Corridor** – Morning light creates stripes on the path ✅ **Ceiling Shadows** – Samurai armor patterns at noon sunlight ✅ **Rooftop View** – Secret panorama of Fushimi’s torii gates --- ### **💡 Insider Tips** ✔ **Goshuin Alert** – Temple stamp features rare **samurai helmet design** ✔ **Combine With:** Tofukuji Temple’s autumn views (15min walk) ✔ **Sake Bonus:** Fushimi has 30+ breweries – try **Momokawa Silver** at local izakayas --- ### **🍁 Nearby Hidden Gems** - **Hojoin Temple** – Forgotten golden screens & dragon ceilings - **Fushimi Momoyama Castle** – Stunning replica with night illuminations - **Teradaya Inn** – Samurai assassination site turned museum --- ### **📌 Hashtag Wisdom** #hiddenkyoto #fushimisecret #japansolotravel #bloodtemple #offbeatkyoto --- **🌸 Solo Moment to Steal:** "Sitting alone in Sekiho-ji’s bamboo grove at dawn, hearing only the creak of ancient wood and distant temple bells—this is the Kyoto you dreamed of finding." *Would you brave the blood ceiling or chase the rooftop view first?* 🩸🏯 Comment below! **P.S.** The temple cat **Momo-san** often greets visitors near the tea garden! 🐈