Autumn Night Illumination At These 6 Kyoto Temples Are A Must Visit!
This fall, we’re eager to visit some of Japan’s stunning fall sites, and Kyoto is always at the top of our list. Even while the city is stunning year-round, this autumn will be especially unique because some of Kyoto’s temples will be illuminated at night to further enhance the mystique of the surroundings.
Six temples in Kyoto will be open later than normal as a part of the Souda Kyoto Ikou campaign, and their structures and grounds will have unique light displays. Four sites will be decorated with bamboo lanterns in November and the first few days of December, while the other two will light up their colorful trees so you can take in the nighttime splendor of the fall foliage. All of the bamboo utilized was cultivated on-site in Satoyama, Kyoto Prefecture.
For each venue, the illuminations happen at a particular time and day. The list of all visiting shrines and temples is provided below, organized by the dates on which they first opened. Additionally, a description of what to expect at each location.
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Toji Temple
Between 6 and 9:30 p.m. from October 29 to December 11, you may view the fall leaves lit up around Toji Temple (last entry 9:00 pm). The evening temple visit costs ¥1,000 (just fall ¥500 for middle school students and under).
Byodoin Temple
Only seven days will have Byodoin Temple in Uji lit up from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.: November 19, 20, 23, 26, and 27, as well as December 3 and 4. We advise purchasing tickets in advance because it costs ¥1,000 and only allows 1,000 individuals per day.
Hogonin Temple
From November 12 to December 4, this temple close to Arashiyama will be open after hours from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm (last admittance 8:00 pm). The pathways and trees will be illuminated with golden lights and bamboo lanterns. For adults, it costs ¥600, while children in middle and primary schools must pay just ¥300.
Ninnaji Temple
Ninnaji Temple will be illuminated with iridescent lights from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from October 28 to December 4 (also open on Thursday, November 3, and Wednesday, November 23, but closed on Sunday, November 27). (Last entry 8:30pm).
A sizable exhibit of bamboo lanterns will also be on display if you go between November 3 and November 28. The entrance fee of 1,000 yen (free for high school students and younger) supports the maintenance of the site’s cultural assets.
Anshoji Temple
From November 19 to November 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., bamboo lights will be strung along the paths of this hidden temple near the Yamashina Canal (last entry 6:30 pm). ¥500 is the admission cost.
Kenninji Temple in Kyoto
From November 23 to December 11, one of Japan’s oldest temples, Kenninji, will have its fall leaves illuminated from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (last admittance is at 7:00 p.m.). Bamboo lanterns will also be on show. It is, however, only accessible to those who have bought a ticket using the premium EX booking app.
Source: TimeOut
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