Among Japan’s beautiful autumn foliage, Kyoto is especially popular. Avoid the crowds during the day and opt for nighttime sightseeing instead. Here are recommended spots where you can enjoy special viewings and illuminations until late into the night.
Index
Konkai-Komyoji Temple "Autumn Special Viewing: Nighttime Visits"
Saturday, November 15, 2025 – Sunday, December 7, 2025
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Last admission at 8:00 PM)
Konkai-Komyoji Temple stands on a hill overlooking Kyoto City. The inverted autumn leaves reflected on the water surface of the illuminated “Shiun no niwa(Gareden)”, renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage, are a must-see.
INFORMATION
Address
121, Kurodani-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
Take the Kyoto city bus from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kyoto-kawaramachi Station
and alight at Okazaki-michi. It's a 10-minute walk from there.
Website
Admission Fees
Miedo Hall, Daihojo Hall, Shiun Garden Adults: 1,000yen
Elementary School Students: 500yen
Kitano-tenmangu Shrine "Historic Site Odoi Maple Garden Open and Illuminated"
Saturday, November 1, 2025 – Sunday, December 7, 2025
Sunset – 8:00 PM (Last admission at 7:40 PM)
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine features not only autumn foliage but also bamboo groves, making it a popular photo spot where you can see both at once. The surface of the Kamiyagawa River, flowing north-south through Momiji Garden, turns crimson, and the illumination creates a fantastical atmosphere.
INFORMATION
Address
Bakuro-cho Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
Take the Kyoto city bus from Hankyu Kyoto Line Omiya Station
and alight at Kitano Tenmangu-mae. It's a short walk away.
Admission Fees
Middle school students and above: 1,200yen (includes tea and sweets)
Elementary school students: 600yen (includes tea and sweets)
Preschoolers: Free (does not include tea and sweets)
Ninna-ji Temple "Sea of Clouds Illumination [Nighttime Viewing]"
Friday, October 24, 2025 – Sunday, December 14, 2025
Held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Reception: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
※May be canceled at short notice due to adjustments for memorial services or other events.
Ninna-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site, was built in 888. The autumn leaves seen here and there in the vast precincts are magnificent.
The Autumn Leaves Cloud Sea Illumination highlights the vibrant foliage adorning structures like the five-story pagoda. Artificial mist is generated, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
INFORMATION
Address
33, Omuro-dairi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
From Hankyu Kyoto Line Omiya Station,
transfer over to the Randen and go to Omuro Ninnaji Station.
It's a 5-minute walk from there.
Admission Fees
2,800yen
Hogonin "Light-Up & Special Nighttime Viewing"
Friday, November 14, 2025 – Sunday, December 7, 2025
5:30 PM to 8:30 PM ※ Last admission at 8:00 PM
Hogonin is one of the sub-temples of Tenryū-ji, “Shishiku no niwa(Garden)”—open to the public during special viewings—is a strolling landscape garden that borrows the scenery of Arashiyama. The green moss is also beautiful, and the contrast between the autumn leaves and moss is magnificent.
INFORMATION
Address
68, Saga Tenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Access
15-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Line Arashiyama Station
Admission Fees
Garden admission: Adults 700 yen
Elementary and Junior High School Students 300 yen
Kyoto Botanical Gardens「LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO」
Saturday, May 24, 2025 – Tuesday, March 31, 2026
September 9 – September 30: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Last admission at 8:30 PM) ※Closed every Monday
October 1 – February 28 (tentative) 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Last admission 8:30 PM) ※Closed every Monday
March 1 – March 31 (tentative) 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Last admission 8:30 PM) ※Closed every Monday
※If Monday is a holiday, the performance will be held and the following Tuesday will be closed.
Kyoto Botanical Garden, Japan’s oldest public botanical garden, opens its doors at night. This immersive experience event allows visitors of all ages to engage their senses and discover the new charm of plants woven through light and sound.
INFORMATION
Address
Shimogamo Hanagi-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access
Get off at Kyoto Subway Kitayama Station, right outside Exit 3.
Admission Fees
Adults (high school students and above): 2,500yen
Children (elementary and junior high school students): 1,200yen
Preschoolers: Free
Kyoto is packed with so many autumn foliage spots you can’t possibly see them all in one go, but make the most of the evening hours and enjoy exploring the foliage at your own pace.
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