Top 5 Temples and Shrines To Visit at Night in Kyoto

Eikan-do is one of the most popular spots in Kyoto to enjoy colorful maple tree leaves (Momiji) during the autumn season (peak is in mid-November). The illumination at night (5:30 pm to 8:30 pm) from November 6th to December 3rd is just wonderful. The temple dates back to 853 and was founded by the priest Shinsho (pupil of the famous Kobo Daishi).

Address: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ku, 606-8445 Kyoto

The ancient Kifune Shrine complex in Kyoto, known as Kifune-jinja Shrine, is famous for the beautiful stone staircase at the entrance, which is lined by red wooden lanterns and maple trees. In November, during the autumn season, beautiful light-up events are held from sunset to 8:30 pm. Kifune has a history of over 1600 years.

Address: 180 Kurama-kibune-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 601-1112

Kodai-ji Temple is one of the greatest Zen temples in Kyoto, located within the Higashiyama District. The temple is officially known as Kodaiji-jushozenji and belongs to the Rinzai Buddhist sect. It was established in 1606 to pay tribute to Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537 - 1598). There are light-up events at night from the 6th of March to the 6th of May, from the 1st to the 18th of August, and from October to the beginning of December. During these timeframes, the temple is open till 9:30 pm.

Address: 526 Shimogawara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, 605-0825, Kyoto

Shoren-in, also known as Awata Palace, is the first out of five Monzeki Temples (Sanzen-in, Bishamon-do, Myoho-in, Manshu-in) of the Tendai sect in Kyoto. The illumination at night of the garden in March/April (check local websites for the exact dates) and from the 1st to the 10th of November is really beautiful. The temple is open on these days till 10:00 pm (the last entry is 9:30 pm).

Address: 69-1 Sanjobocho, Awataguchi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0035

Enjoy the great illumination of the Kiyomizu-dera temple complex during the autumn leaf season in November (18th - 30th) from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Kiyomizu-dera ("Pure Water Temple") is one of the most famous and popular Buddhist temples in Japan. Kiyomizu-dera is also part of the seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto.

Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862

Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, was the former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 - 1616), founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. It is the oldest existing palace building in the country. During the Nijo-jo Castle Sakura Festival (Cherry Blossom Festival) from the end of March till mid-April there are hundreds of blossoming cherry trees illuminated at night. It is a must-see event for every Kyoto visitor.

Address: 541 Nijo-jo-cho, Horikawa-nishi-iru, Nijo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8301

I have visited Japan nearly every year since 2004. This is my collection of the 100 best moments in my favorite country. Enjoy the pictures and I hope you will start your own journey soon.
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