Autumn Night Special Viewing (Shoren-in)
- Dates
- Nov 6 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun)
- Hours
- 18:00 – 22:00
- Price
- Adults ¥1,500, students (elementary to high school) ¥1,000
- Where
- Shoren-in Temple (Higashiyama)
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Illumination inspired by Shijoko Nyorai
Good to know
Evening illumination of the pond garden, bamboo grove and giant camphor trees, inspired by the light of the temple's principal deity. Last entry 9:30 PM; day and night admissions are separate.
- Dates
- Nov 6 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun)
- Hours
- 18:00 – 22:00
- Venue
- Shoren-in Temple
- Nearest station
- Higashiyama
- Admission
- Adults ¥1,500, students (elementary to high school) ¥1,000
About this event
Shoren-in's autumn illumination draws its meaning from Shijoko Nyorai, the temple's principal deity associated with wisdom and light. Illuminated maple leaves surround the strolling pond garden, while bamboo groves and monumental camphor trees emerge from the darkness. Visitors can admire the garden from the temple buildings before exploring its paths. Shoren-in is also an imperial-affiliated Buddhist temple that once served as a temporary imperial residence. The experience brings together Buddhist traditions, historic gardens and lighting.
Highlights
- Illumination inspired by Shijoko Nyorai
- Autumn foliage around the strolling pond garden
- Monumental camphor trees and illuminated bamboo
- Garden views from inside the temple
- Architecture associated with the imperial family
- Good for
- For visitors interested in autumn foliage, Japanese gardens and Buddhist heritage.
Good to know before you go
- Daytime and evening admissions are separate.
- The event does not take place at Shogunzuka Seiryuden.
- An early-entry option is available separately through EX Travel Reservations and requires eligible membership.
Pochikichi's story cornerWhy is Shoren-in illuminated with light?
The illumination reflects the temple's devotion to Shijoko Nyorai, a Buddhist figure associated with wisdom and light. Shoren-in has enshrined a mandala of this deity since its foundation in the late Heian period.
The present mandala was reconstructed and donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Momoyama period. Measuring approximately two metres square, it uses a costly deep-blue pigment to represent the vast universe.
Shoren-in also became an important temple associated with the imperial family. Prince Kakkai, a son of Emperor Toba, served as its head, establishing a tradition of imperial and aristocratic leadership.
Its gardens include sections traditionally attributed to Soami and Kobori Enshu. Look beyond the autumn leaves to the relationship between the light, the architecture and the garden.
Sources: Shoren-in Temple: Mandala of Shijoko Nyorai (Japanese), Shoren-in Temple: Night Illumination (Japanese), Kyoto City: History of Shoren-in (Japanese)
Long ago, around hereWas Shoren-in once an imperial residence?
Shoren-in originated from Shorenbo on Mount Hiei. Its connection with the imperial family grew when Prince Kakkai became the temple's head.
The present site previously accommodated a residence belonging to Juraku-in. After buildings were destroyed during the Onin War, the complex was rebuilt in the Edo period and later served as a temporary residence for Retired Empress Go-Sakuramachi.
Many present buildings were reconstructed after a fire in the Meiji period. Look for the architectural features that preserve the temple's imperial associations.
Sources: Kyoto City: Shoren-in (Japanese)
Also nearby
Within walking distance, with dates overlapping
Next stop: book for later today PR
Experiences near here you can book on Klook.
Kimono RentalKimono rental (Kawai, Kyoto)→Gion Walking TourGion and Yasaka Pagoda small-group walking tour→Ad: Klook affiliate links.
🍜 Where to eat after
Restaurants near here on Google Maps→Many restaurants in Kyoto take reservations, and some are cash only. Check the restaurant page before you go.
FAQ
- What is Autumn Night Special Viewing (Shoren-in)?
- Shoren-in's autumn illumination draws its meaning from Shijoko Nyorai, the temple's principal deity associated with wisdom and light. Illuminated maple leaves surround the strolling pond garden, while bamboo groves and monumental camphor trees emerge from the darkness. Visitors can admire the garden from the temple buildings before exploring its paths. Shoren-in is also an imperial-affiliated Buddhist temple that once served as a temporary imperial residence. The experience brings together Buddhist traditions, historic gardens and lighting.
- When is Autumn Night Special Viewing (Shoren-in)?
- From Nov 6 (Fri) to Dec 6 (Sun), 2026.
- What are the opening hours?
- 18:00 – 22:00
- How much does it cost?
- Adults ¥1,500, students (elementary to high school) ¥1,000
- Where is it and what is the nearest station?
- Shoren-in Temple. The nearest station is Higashiyama.
More in Kyoto
Nov 17 (Tue) – Dec 6 (Sun) 17:30 – 21:30
The illuminated highlights of the head temple of Jodo Buddhism include the Sanmon Gate, Yuzen-en Garden, and Miei-do Hall. In 2026, visitors can also access the corridor on the upper level of Sanmon Gate. Last admission at 9:00 PM.
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Chorakuji Temple (behind Maruyama Park, Higashiyama) (Higashiyama Sta.)
Nov 1 (Sun) – Dec 13 (Sun) 10:00 – 17:00 (details on the official site)
An autumn display of temple treasures at Chorakuji, set midway along Kyoto's Higashiyama hills. See seven Important Cultural Property statues of the Jishu sect's Yugyo-shonin leaders, starting with founder Ippen, and a letter from the Ashikaga family. Evening viewing runs 6:00–8:00 PM from November 23 to December 6.
Details →Nov 14 (Sat) – Nov 23 (Mon) 17:30 – 21:30
Murin-an, the former villa of statesman Yamagata Aritomo, opens at night only during the autumn leaf season. Each session includes a short talk by a garden concierge, a stroll through the illuminated garden, and cafe service with matcha or sparkling wine and original sweets. Two sessions (17:30 and 19:30) with 30 places each, booking required on a first-come basis. A day runs only if at least 14 people book. No parking.
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Details →Art exhibition
Who Does Jewelry Dream Of? at The National Museum of Modern Art
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Oct 24 (Sat) – Jan 17 (Sun) 10:00 – 18:00
Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays. Advance-ticket and evening discounts are available, plus a ¥100 discount on same-day tickets for visitors wearing jewelry.
Details →Art exhibition
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Details →