Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Light-up 2026

Why You Should Visit

For just ten nights in late November, at the peak of the fall foliage, Kiyomizu-dera keeps its gates open until 21:30 so you can see the temple after dark. The grounds hold around 1,000 maple trees, and you can keep walking among the autumn leaves and around the famous wooden stage of the Main Hall after dark. Look up for the single blue beam of light shining into the night sky from the temple: it represents the compassion of Kannon, the temple's principal deity, and lights up the old city below. There is no reservation or timed ticket; you simply walk in, and there is no clearing of the grounds between day and night, so you can arrive in the late afternoon and stay on as the lights come up. During the same ten days the Jojuin sub-temple also opens its "Moon Garden" in the evening. If you are planning an evening of fall-foliage night viewing in Higashiyama, this is the classic one.

Kiyomizu-dera Photos

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All photos were taken by KOBE Brighten on a summer afternoon: the three-story pagoda, Kyoto Tower seen from the stage, and the Main Hall.

Essentials

location

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

period

November 21, 2026 (Sat) - November 30, 2026 (Mon)

Time

6:00–21:30 (last entry 21:00; closing is extended from the usual 18:00)

cost

Adults ¥500 / elementary and junior-high students ¥200 (the regular admission fee; no extra charge for the evening)

Links

Official Website

Kobe · Gluten-free

Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)

access

From JR Kyoto Station, take city bus 206 or 100 to Gojo-zaka, then walk about 10 minutes uphill. There is no parking at the temple.

There are 4 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and 6 public restrooms within 8 minutes. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

TICKETS / REGISTRATION

No reservation needed. Just turn up on the day.

NOTE

What to see at night

Autumn leaves on the grounds (about 1,000 maples)
The blue beam of light representing Kannon's compassion, shining up into the night sky

Jojuin Garden special opening (same period)

Nov 21-30, daytime 10:00-16:00 (last entry) and evening 18:00-20:30 (last entry)
A garden that borrows the hills behind it as scenery, known as the "Moon Garden"
No reservation needed

Photography

Tripods, monopods and drones are not allowed

* Peak foliage timing varies from year to year

FAQ

Do I need to book or get a timed ticket?

No. The temple states that no reservation is needed. Admission closes at 21:00, so make sure you are through the gate before then.

Can I go in during the day and stay until dark?

Yes. During the period the gates stay open continuously from 6:00 to 21:30 with no clearing between day and night, so you can arrive in the late afternoon and watch the illumination come on.

Can I use a tripod to shoot the illumination?

No. Kiyomizu-dera does not allow tripods, monopods or drones anywhere on the grounds, so plan on shooting handheld.

Calendar

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