Kyoto illuminations 2026–27: 41 winter light events (dates & hours)
Winter illuminations in Kyoto: dates, lighting hours and prices from the official announcements.
As of Nov 11: 41 events, 6 free.
Quick answer
As of Nov 11 (Wed), Kyochika lists 41 matching events in Kyoto, 6 of them free. Highlights: Kodaiji Autumn Night Illumination (Kodaiji Temple, Oct 23 (Fri) – Dec 13 (Sun)); Toji Autumn Illumination and Special Night Viewing of Kondo and Kodo Halls (Toji Temple (Kyo-o-gokoku-ji), Oct 31 (Sat) – Dec 13 (Sun)); WONDER NIGHT JINGU: Gekka (Heian Shrine) (Heian Shrine, Nov 2 (Mon) – Nov 29 (Sun)). Every listing is checked against the official page, with hours, prices and nearest stations.
At a glance
41 events · 6 free · 1 for kids
Festival & seasonal event 37 · Art exhibition 3 · Food event 1
Highlights
- Kodaiji Autumn Night Illumination Kodaiji Temple · Oct 23 (Fri) – Dec 13 (Sun)
- Toji Autumn Illumination and Special Night Viewing of Kondo and Kodo Halls Toji Temple (Kyo-o-gokoku-ji) · Oct 31 (Sat) – Dec 13 (Sun)
- WONDER NIGHT JINGU: Gekka (Heian Shrine) Heian Shrine · Nov 2 (Mon) – Nov 29 (Sun)
- Maple Garden at the Historic Odoi Earthworks: Autumn Illumination at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Odoi Maple Garden · Nov 13 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun)
- Special Autumn Foliage Viewing 2026 at Tentokuin Temple Tentokuin Temple · Nov 14 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun)
Art exhibition
NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2026 at Former Imperial Villa Nijo Castle
Former Imperial Villa Nijo Castle (Nijojo-mae Sta.)
Oct 23 (Fri) – Dec 5 (Sat) 18:00 – 22:00
A night art exhibition marking 400 years since the Kan'ei imperial visit, exploring the aesthetics of Kan'ei-era culture that shaped kimono and everyday design. Inspired by the sensibility of Tokugawa Kazuko, it reinterprets traditional beauty as artworks, with audio guides in Japanese and English. Last entry 9:00 PM; open daily, rain or shine. Students and Kyoto City residents get a 500 yen cashback on site.
Details →Art exhibition
Entokuin Temple: Teikan-zu Folding Screens and Autumn Night Light-Up
Entokuin Temple (Kodaiji sub-temple) (Gion-Shijo Sta.)
Oct 23 (Fri) – Dec 13 (Sun) 10:00 – 22:00
The sub-temple of Kodaiji where Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, spent her final years. It shows the Teikan-zu folding screens handed down in the Toyotomi family, and in autumn lights up its pond-stroll and dry landscape gardens at night. Lights come on at 17:00, last entry is 21:30 and the gate closes at 22:00, with no day/night changeover. Closed December 11 and 12 for temple services.
Details →Oct 23 (Fri) – Dec 13 (Sun) 17:00 – 22:00
See illuminated autumn gardens at Kodaiji, founded by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Projection mapping also transforms the garden in front of the Hojo Hall. Last admission at 9:30 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Manpuku-ji Temple Special Night Viewing & Light Art Installation at Obaku Zen Head Temple Manpuku-ji
Obaku Zen Head Temple Manpuku-ji (Obaku Sta.)
Oct 23 (Fri) – Feb 21 (Sun) 17:00 – 21:00
Night viewing of Manpuku-ji, founded by Ingen Ryuki in 1661, with lighting designed to bring out the shapes of the halls and Buddhist statues, the texture of the wood and the shadows. In its second year the lit area extends deeper into the temple grounds; open mainly on Fridays to Sundays until February 21, 2027.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Ninnaji Temple Autumn Leaves Sea-of-Clouds Light-Up (Night Viewing)
Ninnaji Temple (Omuro-Ninnaji Sta.)
Oct 24 (Sat) – Dec 13 (Sun) 18:30 – 21:00
A night viewing of the National Treasure Kondo hall and autumn leaves, wrapped in a sea-of-clouds effect across the temple grounds. The 2026 theme is a 528Hz healing sound garden. Held on Fridays, weekends and public holidays only, with no viewing on November 8 and November 28. Entry is accepted 18:00-20:30 (from 18:30 on November 20).
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Sagano Scenic Railway Light Fantasy Train (Autumn Foliage Light-up)
Sagano Scenic Railway (Torokko Saga to Torokko Kameoka) (Saga-Arashiyama Sta.)
Oct 24 (Sat) – Dec 29 (Tue) 16:30 – 19:28
Autumn leaves and mountains along the Hozu Gorge are lit after dark for views from the train windows. The current cars retire on December 29, so this is the last season to ride them. Lights on from the 4:30 PM departure from Torokko Kameoka.
Details →Art exhibition
NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS at Higashi Honganji and Shoseien
Higashi Honganji and Shoseien Garden (Kikokutei) (Kyoto Sta.)
Oct 31 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun) 18:00 – 22:00
A special autumn night viewing at Higashi Honganji and its detached garden Shoseien, themed on spending a Kyoto night with five scenes. Higashi Honganji: last entry 9:00 PM, closes 9:20 PM; Shoseien closes 10:00 PM. On November 6-8 and 25, only Shoseien is open.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Toji Autumn Illumination and Special Night Viewing of Kondo and Kodo Halls
Toji Temple (Kyo-o-gokoku-ji) (Kyoto Sta.)
Oct 31 (Sat) – Dec 13 (Sun) 18:00 – 21:30
The five-story pagoda and around 200 maple trees at World Heritage-listed Toji are illuminated at night. Special evening access is also available to the National Treasure Kondo Hall and Important Cultural Property Kodo Hall, home to the three-dimensional mandala. Last admission at 9:00 PM; open daily throughout the event.
Details →Nov 2 (Mon) – Nov 29 (Sun) 17:30 – 21:30
An immersive night walk through Heian Shrine in autumn colors, with light shows in five areas such as LUNAR BLOOM, FLORAL GLOW and LUNAR MIRROR. Last entry 9:00 PM; may be canceled in bad weather. No dedicated parking.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Keihanna Commemorative Park autumn leaves light-up
Keihanna Commemorative Park (Suikeien Garden) (Hosono Sta.)
Nov 3 (Tue) – Nov 29 (Sun) Sunset to 21:00 (last entry 20:30). Nara Kotsu bus from Hosono or Shin-Hosono stations
The Japanese garden Suikeien in this prefectural park in Kansai Science City lights up its autumn maples from sunset to 21:00 (last entry 20:30), rain or shine. On November 3 the garden is open free of charge.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Autumn Night Special Viewing (Shoren-in)
Shoren-in Temple (Higashiyama Sta.)
Nov 6 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun) 18:00 – 22:00
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.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Eizan Railway Autumn Slow Run & Illumination (Momiji Tunnel)
Momiji Tunnel, Eizan Railway Kurama Line (between Ichihara and Ninose) (Ichihara Sta.)
Nov 7 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun) 16:30 – 21:00 (details on the official site)
On the Kurama Line between Ichihara and Ninose stations, about 280 Japanese maples line roughly 250 m of track. Trains slow down through this 'maple tunnel', and after dark it is lit up: catch trains leaving Demachiyanagi from about 4:30 PM or Kurama from about 4:49 PM. The period may be extended depending on the foliage.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Chisan Momijitsuki: Autumn Leaves Light-up at Chishakuin
Chishakuin Temple (Shichijo Sta.)
Nov 7 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun) 17:00 – 21:00
A new autumn light-up at Chishakuin, head temple of the Chisan school of Shingon Buddhism. Colored maples are joined by 3,000 bamboo lanterns filling the grounds and a sea of mist clouds, created by the team behind Arashiyama Tsukitoro and Toji Tsukikairo. Last entry 8:40 PM; tickets on sale daily from 5:00 PM on the grounds.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Jinzoji Temple Autumn Leaves Light-Up 2026 at Asahiyama Jinzoji Temple
Asahiyama Jinzoji Temple (Kameoka Sta.)
Nov 7 (Sat) – Nov 29 (Sun) Hours: please check with the organizer
The longest of the three temple and shrine light-ups on the Kameoka tourism association's 2026 list, scheduled for 23 days from sunset to 8:00 PM. It ends early once the autumn colors have passed their peak, so the later dates are not guaranteed.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Kifune Shrine Autumn Leaves Illumination
Kifune Shrine, main approach to the Main Shrine (Kibuneguchi Sta.)
Nov 7 (Sat) – Nov 24 (Tue) Lit from sunset until 8:30 PM
The autumn leaves along the main approach to Kifune Shrine's Main Shrine are lit up from sunset. Admission is free; the amulet office is open 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Myokakuji Temple Hoshien Garden Special Opening and Autumn Light-up
Myokakuji Temple (Kuramaguchi Sta.)
Nov 10 (Tue) – Dec 6 (Sun) 10:00 – 15:30
A head temple of the Nichiren school founded in the Muromachi period, once used by Oda Nobunaga as his lodging in Kyoto. The mossy Hoshien garden is open by day, and from November 21 to December 6 it is also illuminated from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, when the Kahoto stupa hall is opened. Closed 3:30-6:00 PM for changeover; last entry 3:00 PM by day and 7:30 PM at night.
Details →Nov 10 (Tue) – Nov 14 (Sat) 17:00 – 20:00
A five-day light-up in Kameoka, running November 10 to 14 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Buses in the area are infrequent, so the local tourism association suggests a taxi at some hours.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Autumn Special Opening: Night Viewing at Kurodani Konkai Komyo-ji
Kurodani Konkai Komyo-ji Temple (Keage Sta.)
Nov 13 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun) 17:30 – 20:30
Maples reflected in the pond of the Shiun Garden, with the main hall, gate, bell tower and approach lit up. Live koto and shinobue performances three times each night. Last entry 8:00 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Maple Garden at the Historic Odoi Earthworks: Autumn Illumination at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Odoi Maple Garden (Kitano-Hakubaicho Sta.)
Nov 13 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun) Sunset–8:00 PM (last admission 7:40 PM)
Around 350 maple trees color the historic Odoi earthworks built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Illumination runs from sunset until 8:00 PM, with last admission at 7:40 PM. Admission includes a sweet inspired by the historic Kitano Grand Tea Gathering.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Hogon-in Temple Autumn Night Illumination
Hogon-in Temple (Tenryuji) (Arashiyama Sta.)
Nov 13 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun) 17:30 – 20:30 (details on the official site)
The Shishiku garden of Hogon-in in Arashiyama is lit up at night for the autumn leaves. Night entry is separate from daytime visits; last entry 8:00 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Umekoji Park Autumn Leaves Festival (Suzaku Garden Light-Up)
Umekoji Park, Suzaku Garden (Umekoji-Kyotonishi Sta.)
Nov 13 (Fri) – Nov 29 (Sun) 17:00 – 21:00
The maples and pines of Suzaku Garden, the Japanese garden in Umekoji Park, are lit up at night. The dark pond turns into a mirror for the trees, and a path runs under maples close enough to touch. Last entry is 20:30. Show a same-day ticket stub from Kyoto Aquarium, Kyoto Railway Museum or VIVA SQUARE KYOTO for 100 yen off.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Special Autumn Foliage Viewing 2026 at Tentokuin Temple
Tentokuin Temple (Tofukuji Sta.)
Nov 14 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun) 09:00 – 20:30
A special viewing of moss gardens and autumn leaves at a subtemple of Tofukuji. Admission is accepted until 8:00 PM, with illumination beginning around 4:00 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Kyoto Botanical Gardens Autumn Night Illumination
Kyoto Botanical Gardens (Kitayama Sta.)
Nov 14 (Sat) – Dec 13 (Sun) 18:00 – 21:30
An evening stroll among lit-up autumn leaves and reflections on the water. Last entry 8:30 PM. Hand lanterns ¥1,500 extra.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Unryuin Temple Autumn Special Opening and Light-up
Unryuin Temple (Sennyuji) (Tofukuji Sta.)
Nov 14 (Sat) – Nov 30 (Mon) 09:00 – 17:00
A quiet hidden spot for autumn leaves in Higashiyama, a sub-temple of the imperial family temple Sennyuji. The usually hidden Fudo Myoo triad is unveiled, and garden maples can be viewed from the study halls. On November 20-23 the temple is lit from sunset to 9:00 PM, and the four shoji windows of the Renge-no-ma room frame camellia, a lantern, maples and pine. No day/night changeover; last entry 4:30 PM by day, 8:30 PM at night.
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.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine: Kinkeien Garden Autumn Illumination
Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine (Kinkeien Garden) (Nagaoka-Tenjin Sta.)
Nov 14 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun) 16:30 – 20:00 (details on the official site)
The Kinkeien maple garden inside Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine is lit from late afternoon until 8:00 PM. Maples around a small waterfall are reflected in the pond.
Details →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.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Shinnyodo Exclusive Night Viewing
Shinnyodo (Shinsho Gokurakuji) Temple (Demachiyanagi Sta.)
Nov 18 (Wed) – Dec 8 (Tue) 17:30 – 19:30
The first night illumination of the grounds in seven years: the three-storey pagoda, stone approach and maples. Booked through JR Central's EX travel service (membership required). Main hall interior not open. Last entry 7:00 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Agnes Illumination at Heian Jogakuin University
Heian Jogakuin University, Kyoto Campus (Marutamachi Sta.)
Nov 20 (Fri) – Dec 25 (Fri) 16:30 – 21:00
The 22nd annual illumination display created by students and faculty, themed around 'Love.' The lights switch on at 6:05 PM on the opening day. Power supplied by next-generation vehicles is planned for December 10–12.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Daigoji Temple (World Heritage) Autumn Night Viewing
Daigoji Temple (Daigo Sta.)
Nov 20 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun) 18:00 – 20:50
A limited-time evening visit inspired by the maple-viewing party Toyotomi Hideyoshi dreamed of but never held. Walk past the illuminated National Treasure Golden Hall and Five-Story Pagoda and the autumn colors of the Rinsen and Muryoju-en gardens. Day and night visits are separate; last entry 8:10 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Daimido Kannonji Light-up 2026
Daimido Kannonji Temple and surroundings (Miyamaki Sta.)
Nov 20 (Fri) – Nov 23 (Mon) 17:00 – 20:00
For four evenings the temple and its surroundings in Kyotanabe are lit from 5 p.m., with a special night viewing of the National Treasure Eleven-Headed Kannon statue and bamboo lanterns carrying visitors' written wishes.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Eikando Autumn Illumination and Special Night Viewing
Eikando Temple (Zenrin-ji) (Keage Sta.)
Nov 20 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun) 17:30 – 21:00
Enjoy around 3,000 maple trees glowing with autumn colors around a traditional strolling pond garden. Last admission at 8:30 PM; lights out and gates close at 9:00 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Izumo Daijingu Shrine Autumn Leaves Light-Up 2026
Izumo Daijingu Shrine (Kameoka Sta.)
Nov 21 (Sat) – Nov 23 (Mon) 17:00 – 20:00
Tanba Province's first-ranked shrine lights its autumn leaves for just three days, November 21 to 23, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Buses in Kameoka are infrequent, so plan your return in advance.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Koseiji Temple Autumn Special Opening with Night Viewing
Koseiji Temple (Nijo Sta.)
Nov 21 (Sat) – Nov 23 (Mon) 18:00 – 20:00
The evening session of Koseiji Temple's three-day autumn special opening in Kamigyo Ward. A tea service is offered for ¥800; last entry at 7:30 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Myoken-ji Temple Illumination & Special Night Viewing
Myoken-ji Temple (Kuramaguchi Sta.)
Nov 21 (Sat) – Dec 13 (Sun) 18:00 – 20:30
Autumn illumination and special night viewing at Myoken-ji, a Nichiren Buddhist temple in Kamigyo Ward. Last entry at 8:00 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Kiyomizu-dera Jojuin Garden Special Viewing (Autumn Nights)
Jojuin, Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Kiyomizu-Gojo Sta.)
Nov 21 (Sat) – Nov 30 (Mon) 18:00 – 20:30
The garden of Jojuin, a sub-temple of Kiyomizu-dera, opens at night during the same period as the main temple's autumn night viewing. Admission closes at 8:30 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Autumn Special Night Viewing at Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Kiyomizu-Gojo Sta.)
Nov 21 (Sat) – Nov 30 (Mon) 17:30 – 21:30
Special evening viewing with illuminated autumn foliage in Kin'un Gorge and the National Treasure Main Hall. Last admission at 9:00 PM; gates close at 9:30 PM.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Daigoji "A Night Watched Over by Buddhas": Meditation Yoga, Shojin Dinner and Night Viewing
Daigoji Temple (Reihokan Museum) (Daigo Sta.)
Nov 21 (Sat) – Nov 23 (Mon) 18:15 – 20:50 (details on the official site)
Three nights only: meditation yoga among National Treasure Buddhist statues, an autumn vegetarian temple dinner, then a walk through the illuminated autumn grounds. 50 people per night, advance booking required.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
40th Anniversary 'Circle of En' — A Courtyard Installation Celebrating Connections at The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike
The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike (Kokusaikaikan Sta.)
Nov 25 (Wed) – Dec 25 (Fri) 17:00 – 23:00
A festive Christmas courtyard installation celebrating the hotel's 40th anniversary. A symbolic Christmas tree and illuminations decorate the circular courtyard designed by architect Togo Murano.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Grand Stairway Graphical Illumination Plus: Winter Season at Kyoto Station Building
Kyoto Station Building, Grand Stairway (Kyoto Sta.)
Dec 26 (Sat) – Dec 31 (Thu) 15:00 – 22:00
A winter-only graphical illumination transforms Kyoto Station's grand staircase with images of snow and snowflakes, blending seasonal visuals with the architecture.
Details →Festival & seasonal event
Countdown & New Year — Welcome 2027 with Lights of Good Fortune at The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike
The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike (Kokusaikaikan Sta.)
Dec 31 (Thu) – Jan 31 (Sun) 17:00 – 23:00
Good-luck decorations carrying visitors' wishes adorn the courtyard's symbolic tree. A New Year's Eve countdown is planned, along with decoration-making experiences over two days through New Year's Day.
Details →
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