Takao Shingoji Temple

Jingo-ji (Shingoji) at Takao in the northwestern Kyoto mountains was a recurring subject in Kotozuka's work, accessible via a steep path above the Kiyotaki River and renowned for its maples. This version likely focuses on the temple's stone-paved approach, its pagoda, or the vermillion-lacquered structures seen through autumn foliage. Takao autumn scenes typically call for a deep palette of red, orange, and gold maple leaves contrasted against grey stone or dark timber. Kotozuka's self-published prints allowed him to vary the leaf color printing across editions, and multiple versions of this subject in his output reflect both the site's popularity and his interest in seasonal and compositional variation.