Eikando Temple Autumn Night Illumination 2026

Dates & time: November 20, 2026 (Fri) - December 6, 2026 (Sun) Entry 17:30–20:30 (gates close at 21:00)
cost: Night illumination: ¥1,000 for junior-high age and above (same price for individuals and groups)
Venue & access: Eikando (Zenrinji Temple) From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus No. 5 to Nanzenji-Eikando-michi and walk 3 minutes (the same bus also stops at Sanjo and Kyoto-Kawaramachi). Private cars and tour buses cannot enter the temple during the period.

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There are 3 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Eikando (Zenrinji Temple), and 3 public restrooms within 8 minutes. The map shows each with its walking time.

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Why You Should Visit

Eikando (officially Zenrinji) is one of Kyoto's best-known fall foliage temples, and for just over two weeks each autumn it reopens after dark for a night viewing of its illuminated maples. From November 20 to December 6, 2026 you can walk the temple grounds while the autumn leaves are lit up against the night sky, a very different mood from the daytime crowds. The night illumination is a separate session with its own ticket: daytime visitors are cleared out before it starts, so you can't simply stay on from the afternoon. Eikando sits just north of Nanzenji in the Higashiyama hills, which makes it an easy evening finish after a day around Okazaki, Nanzenji or the Philosopher's Path.

NOTE

Daytime autumn treasure exhibition (separate ticket)

Nov 11 - Dec 6, entry 9:00-16:00 (gates close 17:00)
Adults ¥1,500 / university and vocational students ¥1,000 / junior-high and high-school students ¥800
Works on display include the Descent of the Twenty-Five Bodhisattvas and the Painting of the Ten Realms (Kamakura period), the Taima Mandala Engi (1262), and portraits of Shandao and Shoku (Muromachi period)

Good to know

Day and night are separate sessions; you cannot stay on from the daytime exhibition into the light-up
You take your shoes off to enter the halls, so bring a bag to carry them
The temple says the way visits are run may change depending on crowds

* Discounts with a Japanese disability certificate

Autumn Leaves Night View History Heritage Culture Art Date

出典: PR TIMES（東海旅客鉄道株式会社）

Kobe · Gluten-free

All Kyoto light-ups & night viewings → Kyoto & Kansai autumn leaves map →

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FAQ

Do I need to book in advance?

The temple's announcement mentions no advance booking; you pay at the reception on the night. Last entry is 20:30.

Can I stay on from the daytime exhibition into the evening light-up?

No. The daytime session (gates close at 17:00) and the night session (entry from 17:30) are run separately, and each needs its own ticket.

Can I drive there?

During the period the temple does not admit private cars or tour buses (except microbuses). Use the city bus or subway instead.

How much is the night ticket for elementary-school children?

The official price table lists only ¥1,000 for junior-high age and above; no price for younger children is given. Check with the temple before visiting with kids.