Kyoto at Night: 5 Best Temples in Kyoto to Visit at Night

Kyoto is one of the best places to visit in autumn. If you are going there for colourful autumn leaves hunting with their historical architectures, don’t just watch them during the day cos you will be missing lots of it. Visit some of marvelous temples for light-up autumn leaves and enjoy the long autumn nights in Kyoto.

<<Explore Kyoto by night with Kyoto Night Foodie Tour>>

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

1. Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple

Founded in 853. Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple (永観堂 禅林寺) is one of the most popular temples for autumn foliage in Kyoto. You can enjoy the view of the beautiful temple with a pagoda, pond and colourful autumn leaves.

Address: 48 Eikando-cho, Sakyo-ward, Kyoto

Nearest Station: 15 mins walk from Keage station (Tozai line)

Hours: 09:00 to 17:00

Light-Up: early November to early December (17:30 to 20:30)

Fee: 600 yen

Website: http://www.eikando.or.jp/English/index_eng.html

Related article: Eikando Zenrinji Temple: Best Autumn Leaves Illumination

2. Kodaiji Temple

Kodaiji Temple (高台寺) is located in Higashiyama area, Kyoto. The temple is best known for its astonishing rock garden. The rock garden and the temple site with stunning nature and a pond display amazing scenery during autumn, which is lightened up at night

Address: 526 Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama-ward, Kyoto

Nearest Station: 10 mins walk from Gion Shijo station (Keihan line)

Hours: 09:00 to 17:30

Light-Up: late October to mid December 2020 (17:30 to 22:00)

Fee: 600 yen

Website: http://www.kodaiji.com/e_index.html

Related article: Kodaiji Temple: Gorgeous Stone Garden Temple

3. Kifune Shrine

Kifune Shrine (貴船神社) is one of the most picturesque historic sites in Kyoto. The shrine is famous for its stone stairs lined with red lanterns, which is an approach to the main hall of the shrine. Maple trees turn into the warm autumn colour gradually from October to November, and the special light up event is held at night at the shrine.

Address: 180 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto Prefecture

Nearest Station: : 25 mins walk from Kibuneguchi station or take a bus №33 to Kifune

Hours: 06:00 to 20:00 (till 18:00 from December to April)

Light-Up: November (sunset to 20:30)

Fee: Free

More info: Kifune Shrine: New Travel Destination in Kyoto

4. Shorein Temple

Shorein Temple (青蓮院) is best known as Kyoto’s best hidden temple by night. As well as the temple does ordinary light-ups, there are over 1,000 blue lights which create totally amazing and mystical space.

Address: 69-1 Awataguchi Sanjobocho, Higashiyama-ward, Kyoto

Nearest Station: 5 mins walk from Higashiyama station (Tozai line)

Hours: 09:00 to 17:00

Light-Up: late October to early December (18:00 to 22:00)

Fee: 800 yen

Website: http://www.shorenin.com/english/index.html

5. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu Temple (清水寺) is where every visitors to Kyoto goes. Yet, it has one of the best views of the autumn leaves with light-up which makes the temple look like burning up on the warm coloured leaves. It could be very crowded but worth visiting.

Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ward, Kyoto

Nearest Station: 25 mins walk from Kiyomizu Gojo station (Keihan line)

Hours: 09:00 to 17:00

Light-Up: November (17:30 to 21:00)

Fee: 400 yen

More info: Kiyomizudera Temple the Best Time to Visit

+NAKED FLOWERS

Nijo Castle (二条城), built in 1603, was the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated as part of Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. A popular autumn event by the creative company NAKED, NAKED FLOWERS will be held at Nijo Castle every night during the autumn leaves season. The event features the light up, special lighting effects and digital artworks in a collaboration with the gorgeous autumn leaves and historic monuments.

▶ Book Ticket for NAKED FLOWERS 2023 Autumn at Nijo Castle

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iyCcv8T1snntnrUv6

Date: 27 October 27  to 3 December 2023

Hours: 18:00 ~ 22:00 (last admission 21:00)

More info: Nijo Castle Autumn Light-Up by NAKED 

Although I recommend these temples to visit at night, they are all beautiful and worth visiting also during the day! 🙂

After strolling down at the beautiful night temples in Kyoto, how about joining a popular local guide tour for dinner and drinks?? “Kyoto Night Foodie Tour” by Magical Trip offers an authentic Kyoto food experience! Visit the hidden restaurant and enjoy traditional local dishes with delicious sake tasting! Stroll down the charming streets of Gion district by night 🙂 Check out the link below for more details! Book the tour with a discount!

For more hot places in Kyoto, please check out these articles listed below, too!

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