Visitors to Imakoyasan area in Hiroshima enjoy autumn colors

Visitors to the Imakoyasan area in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, are enjoying autumn foliage at its peak. The tourist destination in Sera Town houses Ryugeji, a temple that is believed to have been opened by renowned Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi as hallow ground. The area around the temple is known as a famous autumn leaves viewing spot.

A local preservation group said the recent arrival of cold weather caused the maple leaves to rapidly change colors about 10 days later than usual due to warm weather. The autumn foliage season at Imakoyasan will continue until early next month, according to officials.