Which autumn night illumination to choose
Many Kyoto temples open after dark in autumn. Compare dates, prices and what you will see before you choose. We list only the ones checked against the temples’ own pages.
Your options
Kodaiji: 23 Oct–13 Dec, lit from 17:00, ¥800, one ticket for day and night.
Toji: 31 Oct–13 Dec, 18:00–21:30, ¥1,000, autumn leaves plus night viewing of the Kondo and Kodo halls.
Eikando: 20 Nov–6 Dec, from 17:30, ¥1,000.
Kitano Tenmangu: 13 Nov–6 Dec, sunset to 20:00, ¥1,500.
Ninna-ji: 24 Oct–13 Dec, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only, 18:30–21:00, ¥2,800.
Kiyomizu-dera: 21–30 Nov, open until 21:30, no booking needed.
Chion-in: 17 Nov–6 Dec; hours and price not yet published.
See the full comparison on the night illuminations page.
How to choose
By date: Kiyomizu-dera runs for only ten nights, and Ninna-ji only at weekends and on holidays. By budget: Kodaiji is the cheapest. By what you want to see: Toji for the pagoda and old halls, Eikando for its famous maples, Kitano Tenmangu for the Odoi earthwork and its trees. Weekends and peak foliage are the busiest; weekdays are calmer.
On the night
Check the last-entry time, which is usually shortly before closing, and wear comfortable shoes. Gardens and hillsides are cold at night, so bring a jacket and some cash. Prices and dates change every year; confirm on each temple’s own page.