Kyoto Autumn Leaves Illumination (light up)

The information about Kyoto Autumn Leaves Illumination (light up) is presented here. In Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodai-ji Temple, To-ji Temple, Eikan-do Temple, Hogon-in Temple, Daigo-ji Temple, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, and other places may be illuminated during the best time to see the autumn leaves (fall foliage). Generally, the schedule of the fall foliage illumination are from late October to early December. However, the schedule may change from year to year.

★Kyoto Autumn Leaves

• To-ji Temple (東寺) Southern Kyoto City
• Eikan-do Temple (永観堂) Eastern Kyoto City
• Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮) Central Kyoto City
• Tofuku-ji Temple (東福寺) Eastern Kyoto City
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺) Eastern Kyoto City
• Byodo-in Temple (平等院) Uji City

【Basic knowledge of autumn leaves (fall foliage)】

Generally, the best time to see autumn leaves (fall foliage) is earlier when the autumn temperature is low, and later when the autumn temperature is high. It is said that the best time to see autumn leaves (fall foliage) closer when the minimum temperature is 8 degrees Celsius or lower, and it progresses quickly when the minimum temperature is 5 to 6 degrees Celsius. It is said that autumn leaves (fall foliage) will become vivid under the following conditions: fine weather (direct sunlight), moderate humidity, temperature difference between day and night, consecutive days with a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius or less, and high temperature and heavy rain in summer.

【Sagano Trolley Train (嵯峨野トロッコ列車) Arashiyama to Kameoka】

On the Sagano Trolley Train, maple trees, ginkgo biloba trees, lacquer trees, and other trees are distributed along the route in the Hozukyo Gorge, and the area along the route is illuminated, and special trains are operated. At the place with beautiful autumn leaves, the train moves slowly.
★schedule: confirming
Sagano Trolley Train (嵯峨野トロッコ列車)

【Ninna-ji Temple (仁和寺) Western Kyoto City】

At Ninna-ji Temple, maple trees, cherry trees and other trees are distributed, and the approach from Chumon Gate to Kondo is illuminated, and the illuminated maple tunnel is said to be beautiful. Ninna-ji Temple originated in 886, when the 58th Emperor Koko requested to the construction of Nishiyama Goganji Temple.
★schedule : confirming
Ninna-ji Temple (仁和寺)

【Kodai-ji Temple (高台寺) Eastern Kyoto city】

At Kodai-ji Temple, maple trees (yamamomiji, irohamomiji), cherry trees and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated Garyu-ike pond in the walking garden with a pond is said to be beautiful. Kodai-ji Temple was founded in 1606 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s wife, Kita no Mandokoro, to mourn Hideyoshi’s bodhi. It is also held at Entoku-in Temple (圓徳院), sub-temple of Kodai-ji Temple.
★schedule (Kodai-ji Temple) : confirming
Kodai-ji Temple (高台寺)
★schedule (Entoku-in Temple) : confirming
Entoku-in Temple (圓徳院)

【To-ji Temple (東寺) Southern Kyoto City】

At To-ji Temple, maple trees, cherry trees and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated Hyoutan-ike pond and the floating Gojyu-no-to (five-story pagoda) are said to be beautiful. To-ji Temple was built in 796 at the request of the 50th Emperor Kanmu, as an official temple for the protection of the nation, along with Sai-ji Temple, to the east of Rajomon Gate, the entrance to Heian-kyo.
★schedule : confirming
To-ji Temple (東寺)

【Eikan-do Temple (永観堂) Eastern Kyoto City】

At Eikan-do Temple, Iwagaki maple trees and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated Taho-to (two-story pagoda) and Hojyo-chi pond in the walking garden with a pond are said to be beautiful. Eikan-do Temple was founded in 853 when Shinjyo bought the ruins of the residence of Fujiwara Sekio and enshrined Gochi Nyorai in order to build a practice dojo.
★schedule : confirming
Eikan-do Temple (永観堂)

【Hosen-in Temple (宝泉院) Northern Kyoto City】

At Hosen-in Temple, maples (irohamomiji, itayamomiji, nishikimomiji) and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated Gakubuchi Garden is said to be beautiful. Hosen-in Temple was founded in 1012 as one of the monks’ quarters of Shorin-in Temple. Shorin-in Temple is said to have been founded by Ennin in 835.
★schedule : confirming
Hosen-in Temple (宝泉院)

【Kibune Momiji Toro (貴船もみじ灯篭) Northern Kyoto City】

In Kibune Momiji Toro (Kibune Momiji Lantern), maple trees and other trees are distributed at Kifune Shrine, and lanterns are lined up along the approach from Kibune-guchi to Ryokan-gai and then to Kifune Shrine, illuminating the banks of the Kibune River.
★schedule : confirming
Kibune Momiji Toro (貴船もみじ灯篭)

【Momiji Tunnel (もみじのトンネル) Northern Kyoto City】

Maple trees and other trees are distributed along the 250-meter long stretch between Ichihara Station and Ninose Station on the Eizan Kurama Line, also known as the Momiji Tunnel, and the area along the line is illuminated. Visitors can enjoy the illuminated autumn leaves from the inside of a moving train.
★schedule : confirming
Momiji Tunnel (もみじのトンネル)

【Umekoji Park (梅小路公園) Central Kyoto City】駅近くのライトアップ

In Umekoji Park, maple trees and other trees are planted, and Suzaku-no-Niwa (Suzaku Garden), created to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of the founding of Heian-kyo is illuminated. It is said that the scenery of autumn leaves reflected in the pond at the center of the garden is beautiful.
★schedule : confirming
Umekoji Park (梅小路公園)

【Kyoto Botanical Garden (府立植物園) Northern Kyoto City】

At Kyoto Botanical Garden, maple trees, metasequoia trees, orchid simboku trees and other trees are planted, and the illuminated pond in the Nakaragi-no-Mori (Nakaragi Forest) is said to be beautiful. Construction of Kyoto Botanical Garden began in 1917, and it opened on January 1st, 1924, as the first public botanical garden in Japan.
★schedule : confirming
Kyoto Botanical Garden (府立植物園)

【Murin-an (無鄰菴) Eastern Kyoto City】

At Murin-an, maples and other trees are planted, and visitors can view the illuminated garden while listening to the concierge’s commentary. Murin-an was a villa in Kyoto owned by Yamagata Aritomo. Murin-an was donated to the city of Kyoto in 1941.
★schedule : confirming
Murin-an (無鄰菴)

【Rokuo-in Temple (鹿王院) Western Kyoto City】

At Rokuo-in Temple, maple trees and other trees are distributed, and the flat garden-style dry landscape garden borrowed from Mt. Arashiyama is beautiful. Rokuo-in Temple was built in 1387 as the Kaizan pagoda within Houdou-ji Temple and named Rokuo-in Temple.
★schedule : confirming
Rokuo-in Temple (鹿王院)

【Hogon-in Temple (宝厳院) Western Kyoto City】

At Hogon-in Temple, maple trees (yamamomiji, irohamomiji) and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated Shishiku-no-Niwa (borrowed landscape walking garden) is said to be beautiful. Hogon-in Temple was founded in 1461 by Hosokawa Yoriyuki, who invited Seichu Eiko to establish the temple.
★schedule : confirming
Hogon-in Temple (宝厳院)

【Daigo-ji Temple (醍醐寺) Yamashina Kyoto City】

At Daigo-ji Temple, maple trees, ginkgo trees, serrata trees, and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated Rinsen and Muryoju-en are said to be beautiful. Daigo-ji Temple was founded in 874 when Rigen Daishi Shobo, through a revelation from Yokoo Myojin, built a small hall on Mt. Kami-Daigo with a sacred spring of Daigosui (Daigo water).
★schedule : confirming
Daigo-ji Temple (醍醐寺)

【Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮) Central Kyoto City】

At Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, maple trees and other trees are distributed in Momiji-en (the maple garden) and other areas, and the illuminated vermilion-painted taiko-bashi (drum bridge) is said to be beautiful. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine was founded in 947 by Tajihi no Ayako, a Shinto priest of Hiranomiya Shrine, Saichin, a monk of Kitano Asahi-ji Temple, and others, and the Sinden was enshrined Sugawara no Michizane.
★schedule : confirming
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (北野天満宮)

【Ruriko-in (瑠璃光院) Northern Kyoto City】

At Ruriko-in, maple trees and other trees are distributed and the area around Shoin is illuminated. Ruriko-in Temple is said to have been rebuilt at the end of the Taisho period (1912-1926) and the beginning of the Showa period (1926-1989) period by the carpenter Nakamura Sotoji and the gardener Sano Toemon.
★schedule : confirming
Ruriko-in (瑠璃光院)

【Konkai Komyo-ji Temple (金戒光明寺) Eastern Kyoto City】

At Konkai Komyo-ji Temple, maple trees, cherry trees and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated San-mon gate and garden are said to be beautiful. Konkai Komyo-ji Temple was founded in 1175 by Honen, the founder of the Jodo sect, who built a hut.
★schedule : confirming
Konkai Komyo-ji Temple (金戒光明寺)

【Myokaku-ji Temple (妙覚寺) Central Kyoto City】

At Myokaku-ji Temple, maple trees and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated natural garden Hoshi-en Garden is said to be beautiful. Myokaku-ji Temple was founded in 1378 by Nichizo at the residence of Ono Myokaku in Shijo Omiya under the protection of Ono Myokaku.
★schedule : confirming
Myokaku-ji Temple (妙覚寺)

【Chion-in Temple (知恩院) Eastern Kyoto City】

At Chion-in Temple, maple trees, cherry trees　and other trees are distributed, and illuminated Fudaraku-ike pond in the Yuzen-en garden is said to be beautiful. Chion-in Temple was founded by Honen, the founder of the Jodo sect, who built a hut in Yoshimizu, Higashiyama.
★schedule : confirming
Chion-in Temple (知恩院)

【Zuishin-in Temple (隨心院) Yamashina Kyoto City】

At Zuishin-in Temple, maples trees, ginkgo trees and other trees are distributed, and temple building and the illuminated moss garden is said to be beautiful. Zuishin-in is also said to be the site of the Ono Komachi’s residence. Zuishin-in Temple was founded in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) by Zoshun, as sub-temple of Mandara-ji Temple.
★schedule : confirming
Zuishin-in Temple (隨心院)

【Daikaku-ji Temple (大覚寺) Western Kyoto City】

At Daikaku-ji Temple, maple trees and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated Hojo-chi Pond and Shinkyohoto Pagoda are said to be a beautiful. Daikaku-ji Temple was the site of the palace Saga-in built by the 52nd Emperor Saga. In 876, Masako naishinno, princess of Emperor Saga and empress of Emperor Junna, transformed Saga-in into Daikaku-ji Temple.
★schedule : confirming
Daikaku-ji Temple (大覚寺)

【Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺) Eastern Kyoto City】

At Kiyomizu-dera Temple, maple trees, cherry trees and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated Kiyomizu Stage (Hondo) is said to be beautiful. Blue light, representing the mercy of Kannon, is shot into the sky. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is said to have been founded in 778 by Enchin (Kenshin). Enchin received a message in a spiritual dream and went from Nara to Kyoto.
★schedule : December 18th – December 30th, 2024, 17:30 – 21:30 (registration closes at 21:00)
Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺)

【Joju-in Temple (成就院) Eastern Kyoto City】

Joju-in Temple is said to have a beautiful garden, Tsuki no Niwa (Moon Garden), which is considered one of the three best gardens in Rakuchu (Kyoto) . Joju-in Temple was originally the residence of Gana, who rebuilt Kiyomizu-dera Temple after it was destroyed by fire during the Onin War (Onin-no-Ran).
★schedule : confirming
Joju-in Temple (成就院)

【Myoken-ji Temple (妙顕寺) Central Kyoto City】

At Myoken-ji Temple, maple trees and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated the Shikai Shodo garden is said to be beautiful. At Myoken-ji Temple was founded in 1321 by Nichizo, as the first dojo of the Nichiren sect in Kyoto under the bequest of Nichiren, the founder of the Nichiren sect.
★schedule : confirming
Myoken-ji Temple (妙顕寺)

【Unryu-in Temple (雲龍院) Eastern Kyoto City】

At Unryu-in Temple, maples and other trees are distributed, and it is said that the scenery of the garden and other places is beautiful. Unryu-in Temple was founded in 1372 at the request of Emperor Go-Kogon, with Chikugaku Shoko as its founder.
★schedule : confirming
Unryu-in Temple (雲龍院)

【Tofuku-ji Temple (東福寺) Eastern Kyoto City】

At Tofuku-ji Temple, about 2,000 tsuten momiji (maple trees) and other trees are distributed around the Sengyokukan Valley, and the illuminated tsuten momiji (maple trees) is said to be beautiful. Tofuku-ji Temple originated in 1236 when Kujo Michiie requested a temple to house the statue of Buddha, and built Butsuden with the Shoichi-kokushi Enni as its founder.
★schedule : confirming
Tofuku-ji Temple (東福寺)

【Tentoku-in Temple (天得院) Eastern Kyoto City】

At Tentoku-in Temple, maples and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated dry landscape garden covered with cedar moss is said to be beautiful. Visitors can view the illuminated scene through tokamado (window). Tentoku-in Temple is one of the five sub-temples of Tofuku-ji Temple built by Mumu Issei during the Shohei period (1346-1370).
★schedule : confirming
Tentoku-in Temple (天得院)

【Byodo-in Temple (平等院) Uji City】

At Byodo-in Temple, maples, cherry trees and other trees are planted, and the illuminated Phoenix Hall (Houou-do) is said to be a beautiful. Byodo-in Temple was founded in 1052 by Fujiwara no Yorimichi, who transformed the Shinden of the Uji-dono into Hon-do (Main Hall) as the temple of the Fujiwara clan.
★schedule : confirming
Byodo-in Temple (平等院)

【Nijo Castle (二条城) Central Kyoto City】

At Nijo Castle, maple trees and other trees are distributed, and events as such as NAKED FLOWERS Autumn is held. The construction of Nijo Castle began in 1601 by Tokugawa Ieyasu as a guard for the Kyoto Imperial Palace and a residence for shoguns, and the Honmaru Goten (Palace) was completed in 1603.
★schedule : confirming
Nijo Castle (二条城)

【Oharano Shrine (大原野神社) Western Kyoto City】

At Oharano Shrine, maple trees and other trees are distributed, and the path along the approach stretching from the Ichino-torii (First Torii Gate) to the shrine building is said to be beautiful. Oharano Shrine is said to have originated in 784, when the 50th Emperor Kanmu moved the capital to Nagaoka-kyo, and his wife Fujiwara no Otomuro invited a spirit from Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Nara City), the clan deity of the Fujiwara clan.
★schedule : confirming
Oharano Shrine (大原野神社)

【Shorin-ji Temple (勝林寺) Eastern Kyoto City】

At Shorin-ji Temple, maple trees and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated dry landscape garden Shogetsu-tei, which expresses countless tigers barking at the moon, is said to be a beautiful. Shorin-ji Temple was founded in 1550 by Kogaku Reisho, as Shorin-an.
★schedule : confirming
Shorin-ji Temple (勝林寺)

【Tenju-an Temple (天授庵) Eastern Kyoto City】

At Tenju-an Temple, maple trees and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated two gardens with different tastes is beautiful. Tenju-an Temple was originally built in 1339 by Kokan Shiren as a pagoda for Daimyo Kokushi Mukan Fumon, with the imperial permission of Emperor Kogon.
★schedule : confirming
Tenju-an Temple (天授庵)

【Manshu-in Temple (曼殊院) Northern Kyoto City】

At Manshu-in Temple, maple trees and other trees are distributed, and the illuminated garden with its white sand and cedar moss is said to be a beautiful. Manshu-in Temple was originally a small temple built by Dngyo Daishi Saicho, the founder of the Tendai sect, on Mt. Hiei, where Enryaku-ji Temple is located.
★schedule : confirming
Manshu-in Temple (曼殊院)

【Shosei-en Garden (渉成園) Central Kyoto City】

In Shosei-en Garden, maple trees, ginkgo trees and other trees are planted, and the illuminated scenes of Ingetsu-chi Pond, Boka-kaku, Rinchi-tei, and Tekisui-ken are said to be beautiful. Shosei-en Garden is the separate residence of Higashi Honganji Temple with a pond waking garden with the area of about 200 meters from north, south, east to west, and about 3.4 hectares.
★schedule : confirming
Shosei-en Garden (渉成園)

【Shogunduka Seiryuden (将軍塚青龍殿) Eastern Kyoto City】

At Shogunduka Seiryuden, maple trees and other trees are distributed, and illuminated garden and the night view from Daibutai (large stage) and the observation deck are said to be beautiful. Shogunduka Seiryuden is said to have originated in 794, when the capital was moved to Heian-kyo, and the statue of a warlord was made of clay, dressed in armor, holding an iron bow and arrow, tied with a sword, and buried facing west. It is also held at Shoren-in Temple (青蓮院).
★schedule (Shogunduka Seiryuden) : confirming
Shogunduka Seiryuden (将軍塚青龍殿)
★schedule (Shoren-in Temple) : confirming
Shoren-in Temple (青蓮院)

【Remarks】
Always check with the organizer for event information. Information on this site is for reference only. Contents of the event may have changed.
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