Kyoto Fall Foliage Nighttime Guide: Top Illuminations and Special Temple Visits

No Reservation Needed

1. To-ji Temple
Illuminated Grounds and Special Night Viewing of Kondo, Kodo, and Three-Dimensional Mandalas

• Location: To-ji Temple
• Dates: October 26 – December 8, 2024, 18:00–21:30 (Last entry 21:00)
• Admission: Adults ¥1,000, Children ¥500
• Highlights: The illuminated five-story pagoda surrounded by glowing autumn leaves creates a magical atmosphere.
• Website: To-ji Temple Night Special Viewing
• No Reservation Needed

2. Eikan-do Temple
Autumn Night Illumination and Special Viewing

• Location: Eikan-do Temple
• Dates: November 11 – December 1, 2024, 17:30–20:30 (Last entry; closes at 21:00)
• Admission: ¥700 (Junior high or above)
• Highlights: With around 3,000 maple trees illuminated, Eikan-do offers an unforgettable nighttime foliage experience.
• Website: Eikan-do Temple Light UP
• No Reservation Needed

3. Hosen-in Temple
Autumn Night Illumination

• Location: Hosen-in Temple
• Dates: November 9 – December 1, 2024, 17:45–21:00 (Last entry 20:30)
• Admission: ¥900
• Highlights: The famous “Framed Garden” is beautifully lit, showcasing five-leaf pines and vivid autumn leaves.
• Website: Autumn Night Light Hosen-in Temple 2024
• No Reservation Needed

4. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Historic Odoi Maple Garden

• Location: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
• Dates: November 9 – December 8, 2024, 9:00–20:00 (last entry 19:40)
• Admission: ¥1,200 for junior high school students and above, Children ¥1900 (incl. tea & sweets)
• Highlights: This historic shrine offers a captivating illuminated garden experience, bringing out the charm of traditional Kyoto.
• Website: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Momiji-en Light Up
• No Reservation Needed

5. Daigo-ji Temple
Autumn Night Viewing

• Location: Daigo-ji Temple, Kyoto
• Dates: November 18–December 3, 2024
• Time: 17:30–20:00 (Last entry 19:30)
• Admission: ¥1,500 for adults, ¥1,000 for middle and high school students, ¥500 for children
• Highlights:
  • Experience the temple’s five-story pagoda, a National Treasure, illuminated amidst vibrant autumn leaves.
  • Explore the Seiryugu (Blue Dragon Valley), with its picturesque streams and illuminated maple trees, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
• Website: Daigoji – Autumn Night Viewing
• No Reservation Needed

Daigo-ji’s night illumination offers visitors a unique, magical setting to enjoy Kyoto’s renowned autumn foliage in a historical and spiritual environment.

6. Hogen-in Temple
Autumn Night Illumination

• Location: Hogen-in Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto
• Dates: November 15 – December 8, 2024
• Time: 17:30–20:30 (Last entry at 20:15)
• Admission: ¥600 for adults; ¥300 for children
• Highlights:
  • Shishiku Garden: A traditional Japanese garden designed in the Muromachi period, featuring a borrowed landscape of Arashiyama’s natural beauty.
  • Illuminated Foliage: The garden’s maple trees are illuminated, creating a serene and picturesque evening atmosphere.
  • Cultural Experience: Visitors can enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the temple grounds, enhanced by the soft glow of the lights reflecting off the autumn leaves.
• Website: official Hogen-in Temple website.
• No Reservation Needed

7. Ninna-ji Temple
Autumn Foliage Illumination

• Location: Ninna-ji Temple, Kyoto
• Dates: October 25 – December 8, 2024 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays), except November 1, 2, 15, 30, and December 1 due to religious events.
• Time: 18:30–21:00 (Reception starts at 18:00; last entry at 20:30)
• Admission: ¥2,800 for adults; free for high school students and younger (as part of cultural support for the next generation)
• Highlights:
  • Illuminated Gardens: Experience the temple’s historic gardens bathed in enchanting light, highlighting the vibrant autumn foliage.
  • Cultural Significance: Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage designation of “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” which includes Ninna-ji Temple.
  • Special Access: Evening access to areas typically closed during regular hours, offering a unique perspective of the temple’s architecture and natural beauty.
• Website: Ninna-ji Temple Autumn Foliage Illumination
• No Reservation Needed

8. Kodai-ji Temple
Autumn Night Illumination

• Location: Kodai-ji Temple, Kyoto
• Dates: October 25 – December 15, 2024
• Time: 17:00–22:00 (Last entry at 21:30)
• Admission: ¥600 for adults; ¥250 for middle and high school students; ¥900 for a combined ticket with Entoku-in Temple
• Highlights:
  • Illuminated Gardens: Experience the temple’s renowned gardens, including the “Hashin-tei” rock garden, beautifully illuminated to showcase the autumn foliage.
  • Projection Mapping: Enjoy a captivating projection mapping display in the main hall, enhancing the evening ambiance.
  • Cultural Significance: This year’s illumination commemorates the 400th anniversary of the passing of Kita-no-Mandokoro (Nene), the temple’s founder.
• Website: Kodai-ji Temple Autumn Night Illumination
• No Reservation Needed

9. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Autumn Night Illumination

• Cultural Significance: The illumination symbolizes the compassion of Kannon, the deity enshrined at Kiyomizu-dera, with a beam of blue light extending into the night sky.
• Location: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto
• Dates: November 18–30, 2024
• Time:
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple:17:30–21:30 (Last entry at 21:00)
  • Jojuin: 18:00-20:00
• Admission: ¥400 for adults; ¥200 for children
• Highlights:
• Illuminated Temple Grounds: Experience the temple’s iconic wooden stage and surrounding gardens bathed in enchanting light, highlighting the vibrant autumn foliage.
• Panoramic Night Views: Enjoy sweeping nighttime vistas of Kyoto city from the temple’s elevated vantage point.
• Website:
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple Autumn Night Illumination
  • Jojuin Special Viewing
• No Reservation Needed

10. Chion-in Temple
Autumn Illumination

• Location: Chion-in Temple, Kyoto
• Dates: November 14 – December 1, 2024
• Time: 17:30–21:30 (Last entry at 21:00)
• Admission: ¥800 for adults; ¥400 for children (ages 5–14)
• Highlights:
  • Illuminated Landmarks: Experience the temple’s iconic structures, including the National Treasure Miei-dō (Main Hall), Sanmon (Main Gate), and Daishōrō (Bell Tower), beautifully illuminated against the autumn night sky.
  • Yūzen-en Garden: Stroll through the illuminated Yūzen-en Garden, featuring a pond and a statue of Kannon Bodhisattva, offering a serene and picturesque setting.
  • Cultural Events: Participate in various events during the illumination period, such as listening to monks’ talks and engaging in traditional Buddhist practices.
• Website: Chion-in Temple Autumn Illumination 2024
• No Reservation Needed

11. Tofuku-ji Temple – Tenkoku-in
Autumn Special Viewing

• Location: Tenkoku-in, a sub-temple of Tokuku-ji Temple, Kyoto
• Dates: November 18 – November 30, 2024
• Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Last entry at 8:30 PM); illumination begins around 4:00 PM
• Admission:
  • General: ¥500
  • Students (Elementary and Middle School): ¥300
  • Preschool Children: Free (when accompanied by a guardian)
  • Matcha and Sweets: ¥800 (available from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM)
• Highlights:
  • Karesansui Garden: Admire the dry landscape garden, believed to have been designed during the Momoyama period, showcasing a harmonious blend of autumn foliage and traditional Japanese aesthetics.
  • Evening Illumination: Experience the garden’s enchanting atmosphere as it’s illuminated in the evening, enhancing the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves.
  • Cultural Significance: Tenkoku-in boasts over 650 years of history, with connections to notable figures such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi and poets like Ogihara Seisensui.
• Website: Tofuku-ji Temple Tenkoku-in Autumn Special Viewing
• No Reservation Needed

12. Unryu-in Temple
Autumn Special Viewing and Nighttime Illumination

• Location: Unryu-in Temple, a sub-temple of Sennyu-ji Temple, Kyoto
• Dates: November 16 – 23, 2024
• Nighttime Illumination: From sunset until 9PM (Last entry at 8:30 PM)
• Admission: ¥400 (Separate from the main Sennyu-ji Temple admission)
• Highlights:
  • Special Exhibitions:
    • “Sōryū Fūrai-zu” Fusuma Paintings: Artworks depicting twin dragons amidst wind and thunder, created by artist Dōno Musui.
    • “Ryū to Kaiwa o Suru Rakan-san” Scroll: A scroll illustrating an arhat conversing with a dragon.
    • “Ryūen” Calligraphy by Ōishi Kuranosuke: A piece inscribed with the character for “dragon” by the famous samurai.
  • Thematic Focus: In honor of the Year of the Dragon, the temple showcases various dragon-related treasures, inviting visitors to discover these hidden gems throughout the grounds.
• Website: Nighttime Illumination , Information
• No Reservation Needed

13. Zuishin-in Temple
Autumn Nighttime Special Viewing

• Location: Zuishin-in Temple, Kyoto
• Dates: November 22 – December 1, 2024
• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Last entry at 8:00 PM)
• Admission: ¥700 for adults; ¥400 for middle school students
• Highlights:
  • “Wagasa no Kōsai-ten” Exhibition: Experience the “Exhibition of Japanese Umbrella Lights,” featuring vibrant wagasa (traditional Japanese umbrellas) illuminated throughout the temple grounds, including the Noh stage, grand entrance, and areas adjacent to the main hall.
  • Serene Atmosphere: Enjoy a tranquil evening ambiance, offering a unique contrast to the daytime experience, with fewer visitors and a peaceful setting.
• Website: Information
• No Reservation Needed

14. Konkai-Komyoji Temple
Autumn Night Illumination

• Location: Konkai-Komyoji Temple, Kyoto
• Dates: November 15 – December 8, 2024
• Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Last entry at 8:00 PM)
• Admission:
  • Adults: ¥1,000
  • Elementary School Students: ¥500
• Highlights:
  • Illuminated Grounds: Experience the temple’s historic structures, including the Miedo Hall and the Shiun Garden, beautifully illuminated to showcase the vibrant autumn foliage.
  • Cultural Performances: Enjoy traditional Japanese music performances featuring instruments like the koto and bamboo flute, held three times each evening at 5:45 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7:30 PM.
  • Special Exhibitions: View significant cultural artifacts, such as the “Mountain-Crossing Amida Buddha” (a reproduction) and a wooden reclining statue of Honen Shonin.
• No reservations are required for general admission.
• 30 minutes early entry with Japanese guided tour: reservation
• Website: Official website

15. Myoken-ji Temple
Autumn Special Viewing and Nighttime Illumination

• Location: Myōken-ji Temple, Kyoto
• Dates: November 18 – December 10, 2024
• Nighttime Illumination: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Admission: ¥800 (Free for elementary school students and younger)
• Highlights:
  • Illuminated Gardens: Experience the temple’s four renowned gardens, including the “Shikaishōdō” garden, beautifully illuminated to showcase the vibrant autumn foliage.
  • Cultural Significance: Myōken-ji Temple, established in 1321, is the head temple of the Nichiren sect and holds significant historical importance in Kyoto.
  • Special Exhibitions: During the special viewing period, visitors can view various temple treasures and artifacts, offering insights into the temple’s rich history and cultural heritage.
• Website: Official website
• No Reservation Needed

Note: Due to ongoing renovations, certain areas, including the study hall, may be inaccessible during this period.

16. Myokaku-ji Temple
Autumn Special Viewing and Nighttime Illumination

• Location: Myokaku-ji Temple, Kyoto
• Dates: November 10 – 24, 2024
• Time: Nighttime Illumination: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Last entry at 8:00 PM)
• Admission: ¥800 (Free for elementary school students and younger)
• Highlights:
  • Illuminated Gardens: Experience the temple’s three distinct gardens, including the “Hōshien” garden, beautifully illuminated to showcase the vibrant autumn foliage.
  • Historical Significance: Myōkaku-ji Temple, established in 1378, has served as a residence for notable historical figures, including Oda Nobunaga and Date Masamune.
  • Cultural Exhibits: View significant cultural artifacts, such as the “Uranbon Gosho” (a National Important Cultural Property) and fusuma paintings by the Kanō school.
• Website: Official website
• No Reservation Needed

Reservation Needed

1. Sagano Romantic Train
Light-up Fantasy Train

• Location: Sagano Scenic Railway
• Dates: October 12 – December 29, 2024, with special evening schedules
• Admission: ¥880 for adults, ¥440 for children
• Highlights: The scenic train provides a unique view of illuminated autumn landscapes, offering a memorable journey through Kyoto’s fall beauty.
• Reservation

2. Eizan Electric Railway
Special Autumn Foliage Light-Up Train

• Location: Eizan Electric Railway (Eiden)
• Dates: November 15–24, 2024
• Time: Departure at 21:00 from Demachiyanagi Station; return by 22:40
• Admission:
  • November 20–21: Standard train (800 series) – ¥3,500
  • November 15–19, 22–24: Panorama train “Kirara” (900 series) – ¥4,500 to ¥5,500 depending on seat selection
• Highlights:
  • Experience the illuminated “Maple Tunnel” between Ichihara and Ninose stations with a special 3-minute stop for enhanced viewing.
  • Enjoy a 5-minute stop at Ninose Station to appreciate the station’s illuminated maple trees.
  • The “Kirara” panorama train offers expansive windows for an immersive viewing experience.
• Reservation: Required; tickets available via Seven Ticket.

Note: The “Maple Tunnel” is a renowned section of the Eizan Railway where the train passes through a corridor of maple trees, creating a tunnel-like effect, especially enchanting during the autumn illumination.

3. Ruriko-in Temple
Special Night Illumination Tour

• Location: Ruriko-in Temple, Northern Kyoto
• Dates: November 9–10, November 15–24, November 26, and November 30 – December 1, 2024
• Viewing Time: 18:15–20:00 (Last entry 19:30)
• Duration: Approx. 60 minutes at Rurikoin Temple; Eizan Cable Car takes about 15 minutes one way
• Admission: ¥7000, Includes entry to Ruriko-in Temple night illumination, a one-day pass for the Eizan Railway, and a round-trip ticket for the Eizan Cable Car (includes three kawarake, or small clay disks, for symbolic tossing)
• Ticket Pickup: Must be exchanged at Demachiyanagi Station, Eizan Railway Information Counter (open from first train until 18:30). Direct entry at Rurikoin Temple without a ticket exchange is not permitted.
• Reservation Required: Advance ticket purchase is necessary through JR Central’s travel website, and a smartphone or tablet with network access is required for ticket retrieval. Use Incognito Window if fail to open the reservation website.
• Highlights:
  • Scenic Night Reflection: Enjoy the exquisite light-up that enhances the temple’s famous reflections, a key feature in autumn.
  • Complete Northern Kyoto Exploration: Includes transportation for sightseeing around Kyoto’s Rakuhoku area, with a one-day pass on the Eizan Railway and a round-trip on the Eizan Cable Car.
  • Special Stops: Stops include the illuminated “Maple Tunnel” along the Eizan Railway and a nighttime viewing spot at the Hieizan Cable Station.

This exclusive night illumination experience offers travelers a chance to explore Kyoto’s Rakuhoku area with ease and admire the beautifully lit autumn foliage at Rurikoin. For more details: From Day to Night: Discover Kyoto Temples and Rurikoin’s Night Illumination with an Eizan Railway Pass.

4. Kyutei Omuro
Special Autumn Foliage Viewing

• Location: Kyutei Omuro
• Dates: November 23–24, 2024
• Sessions:
  • 1st: 09:00–10:50
  • 2nd: 11:00–12:50
  • 3rd: 14:00–15:50
  • 4th: 16:00–18:00
• Admission:
  • 1st & 4th sessions: ¥7,500
  • 2nd & 3rd sessions: ¥5,500
• Reservation: Required; advance credit card payment necessary. Reservations can be made through the official website.
• Highlights:
  • Guided tour by the director, offering insights into the property’s history and architecture.
  • Enjoy matcha tea and special seasonal sweets in a serene setting.
  • Exclusive access to areas typically closed to the public, including the second floor during the 1st and 4th sessions.
  • Participants receive a complimentary 2025 Kyutei Omuro original calendar.
  • The 4th session includes a special garden illumination viewing, enhancing the autumn foliage experience.

Note: Kyutei Omuro, a historic residence over 80 years old and registered as a Tangible Cultural Property, offers a unique blend of sukiya-style architecture and a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden.

5. Byodoin Temple
Nighttime Illumination: “Radiant Light and Autumn Brilliance”

• Location: Byodoin Temple, Uji, Kyoto
• Dates: Weekends only – November 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and December 1, 2024
• Time: 18:00 – 20:30 (Reception closes at 20:00)
• Admission: ¥1,500 for adults; ¥1,000 for elementary to high school students
• Highlights:
  • Limited Access: Phoenix Hall and Tea Room Toka are closed during this event, offering a peaceful, spacious environment for attendees.
  • Illuminated Garden and Museum: The temple grounds and Hoshokan Museum will be illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy Byodoin’s stunning architecture and gardens in a serene nighttime setting.
• Website: Official website
• Reservation: Advance reservation required; limited to 1,500 visitors per night