Which Kyoto temples have an autumn night illumination?

This page lists 7: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodai-ji Temple, To-ji Temple, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Odoi Momiji-en), Kifune Shrine, Tofuku-ji Temple, Eikando Temple. 4 of them have 2026 dates confirmed on the official site; the rest show last year's dates as a guide until they are announced.

When does the Kyoto autumn illumination season run?

Most Kyoto temples light up between late October and mid-December, with the busiest weeks in the second half of November. Each place sets its own window, so check the dates beside each name above.

Do I need a reservation for the evening viewing?

Usually not — most are walk-in, with either a separate evening ticket or the same ticket as daytime. The exception here is Tofuku-ji Temple, where evening viewing is by fully reserved private session only.

Koyomi Japan / Kyoto / Temple Illumination

Kyoto Temple Illumination 2026: Autumn Night Viewing

7 Kyoto temples and shrines that light up their autumn leaves after dark. 4 have 2026 dates confirmed. Evening hours and conditions are noted for each.

Last updated: Wed, October 7, 2026

Sat, Nov 21 – Mon, Nov 30, 2026
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Autumn Leaves
Kyoto · ~1,000 maple trees Confirmed
Autumn leaves6:00 AM
Confirmed for 2026: Nov 21 – Nov 30. Autumn evening viewing, typically in late November, gates close at 9:30pm with last entry at 9:00pm. No reservation needed.
Sun, Nov 15 – Mon, Nov 30, 2026
Kodai-ji Temple Autumn Leaves
Kyoto Confirmed
Autumn leaves¥800,
Confirmed for 2026: Oct 23 – Dec 13. Autumn evening viewing, typically late October to mid-December (in 2025: Oct 24 – Dec 14), lit from 5:00pm until the gates close at 10:00pm, with last entry at 9:30pm. The same ticket covers day and night, but there is no re-entry once you leave.
Sun, Nov 15 – Tue, Dec 8, 2026
To-ji Temple Autumn Leaves
Kyoto Confirmed
Autumn leaves8:00 AM¥800
Confirmed for 2026: Oct 31 – Dec 13. Light-up with evening viewing of the Kondo and Kodo halls, typically early November to mid-December (in 2025: Nov 1 – Dec 14), 6:00pm–9:30pm with last entry at 9:00pm. ¥1,000 for adults.
Sun, Nov 15 – Tue, Dec 8, 2026
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Autumn Leaves (Odoi Momiji-en)
Kyoto · ~350 maple trees Confirmed
Autumn leaves7:00 AMFree / ¥1,500
Confirmed for 2026: Nov 13 – Dec 6. The Momiji-en garden opens for the season — in 2026, Oct 31 to Dec 6 — but the light-up itself runs only from mid-November to the last day, sunset until 8:00pm with last entry at 7:40pm.
Tue, Nov 10 – Sat, Nov 28, 2026
Kifune Shrine Autumn Leaves
Kyoto Confirmed
Autumn leaves6:00 AMFree
“Kibune Momiji Toro” lantern light-up, typically early to late November (in 2025: Nov 7–24), sunset until about 8:30pm. The shrine approach, the Kibune road and the Eizan Railway maple tunnel are all lit at once.
Sat, Nov 14 – Sun, Dec 6, 2026
Tofuku-ji Temple Autumn Leaves
Kyoto Confirmed
🎟️ Night viewing: booking requiredAutumn leaves8:30 AM¥1,000
Evening viewing is by fully reserved private sessions only — not a walk-in illumination. Typically mid-November to early December (in 2025: Nov 19 – Dec 7, 5:30pm–7:30pm). An early-morning private viewing also runs.
Sun, Nov 15 – Mon, Nov 30, 2026
Eikando Temple Autumn Leaves
Kyoto · ~3,000 maple trees Confirmed
Autumn leaves9:00 AM¥1,000
Evening viewing alongside the temple treasures exhibition, typically early November to early December (in 2025: Nov 15 – Dec 10), 5:30pm–9:00pm with last entry at 8:30pm.

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Kyoto temple illumination: common questions

Which Kyoto temples have an autumn night illumination?: This page lists 7: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodai-ji Temple, To-ji Temple, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Odoi Momiji-en), Kifune Shrine, Tofuku-ji Temple, Eikando Temple. 4 of them have 2026 dates confirmed on the official site; the rest show last year's dates as a guide until they are announced.
When does the Kyoto autumn illumination season run?: Most Kyoto temples light up between late October and mid-December, with the busiest weeks in the second half of November. Each place sets its own window, so check the dates beside each name above.
Do I need a reservation for the evening viewing?: Usually not — most are walk-in, with either a separate evening ticket or the same ticket as daytime. The exception here is Tofuku-ji Temple, where evening viewing is by fully reserved private session only.