To-ji Temple Autumn Leaves — photo by Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0, cropped

To-ji Temple Autumn Leaves 2026 Confirmed

東寺(教王護国寺)の紅葉 — Kyoto (Kansai)

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To-ji offers Kyoto's most photographed autumn reflection: the 55-meter five-story pagoda — Japan's tallest wooden tower — doubled in the still water of Hyotan Pond, ringed by red maples. It's also the most convenient major foliage spot in the city, a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station. Leaves peak from mid-November to early December, and the night illumination is one of Kyoto's longest, typically running from early November to mid-December, 6:00pm to 9:30pm (entry until 9:00pm), with the Kondo and Kodo halls open for evening viewing.

Background

Founded in 796 as one of two temples guarding the new capital's gate, To-ji was entrusted to Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in 823 and became the headquarters of Shingon esoteric Buddhism. Its Kodo hall houses a famous 3D mandala of 21 statues; the current pagoda dates from 1644. UNESCO World Heritage site.

Getting there

Walk 15 minutes southwest from Kyoto Station's Hachijo (south) exit, or take the Kintetsu Line one stop to Toji Station and walk 10 minutes west. City Bus 205 and others stop at Toji-Higashimon-mae by the east gate. No other major foliage spot is this close to the station.

Tips

• Night illumination admission is ¥1,000 for adults; the ticket line at the Keiga-mon gate moves fastest in the first 30 minutes after 6:00pm opening or in the final hour.
• The signature shot is the pagoda and maples reflected in Hyotan Pond from the pond's north side — go on a windless night, and note that tripods are banned inside.
• Because it's beside the station, To-ji works as a first-night or last-night stop — you can do the illumination with luggage stored in a Kyoto Station locker before a late train.
• If you're here on the 21st of the month, the Kobo-san market fills the grounds with over a thousand antique and food stalls — November 21 is the year's biggest, combining market and foliage.

Maintained by Tetsu Yamamoto · Last verified against the official source: Sat, September 12, 2026