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祭 · Festivals

Toji Night Illumination

東寺 秋の特別公開・夜間ライトアップ
WhereTo-jiMinami
TimeSat, Oct 3118:00–21:30
Price¥1,000
BookingNot needed
LanguageNo language needed
Runs Sat, Oct 31 – Sun, Dec 13 · pick a day

To-ji · MinamiOpen in Google Maps ↗

Autumn night opening at World Heritage Toji (31 Oct–13 Dec). The five-storey pagoda and maples are reflected in the pond, and the Kondo and Kodo halls open at night so you can see the three-dimensional mandala up close. Open 18:00–21:30, last entry 21:00, adults ¥1,000.

Before you go

Toji (Kyo-o-gokoku-ji), founded in the Heian period and entrusted to Kobo Daishi Kukai, is the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism. Its 55-metre five-story pagoda is Japan’s tallest wooden tower. During autumn, the illuminated pagoda reflected in Hyotan-ike Pond is one of Kyoto’s most iconic nighttime vistas.

  • The mirror reflection of the five-story pagoda and glowing red maples across Hyotan-ike Pond
  • At night the Kodo and Kondo halls open, so you can see up close the statues of Kukai’s three-dimensional mandala
  • The solemn nighttime illumination of the colossal Yakushi Nyorai triad inside the National Treasure Kondo Hall
Getting there
About 5–10 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Toji Station; about 15 minutes on foot southwest from JR Kyoto Station (Hachijo Exit).
Booking
No reservation needed; buy on the spot. Night admission: adults ¥1,000, junior high and under ¥500; no group discount or combination ticket.
Crowds
Early evening and peak-foliage weekends are busiest; going later is calmer.
Good for
First-time Kyoto visitors staying near Kyoto Station, Buddhist sculpture lovers, and photographers looking for iconic night views.
Tips
  • Open 18:00–21:30 (last entry 21:00), daily during the run
  • The daytime programme (pagoda base, Kondo, Kodo and Treasure Hall) is a separate visit with its own tickets; check the official page
Time
Last entry 21:00
Price
Adults & high-school students ¥1,000; junior-high and under ¥500 (no group discount, no combo ticket)
Address (for taxis)
京都市南区九条町1
Confirmed by organizerUpdated Oct 15Source ↗ toji.or.jp
Venue

To-ji

東寺
Same day nearby
10:00
10:00
18:30