Why You Should Visit
Shoren-in Monzeki temple opens for its first-ever summer night viewing. Lotus-themed light installations illuminate the grounds, and the Chokushi Gate becomes a special photo spot lit with blue lanterns. Glowing lotus blossoms scatter across the garden, giving the summer night a quiet, dreamlike mood. On Fri–Sun and holidays, Kyoto restaurants set up special food stalls. A calm way to end an evening stroll through Higashiyama, or a quiet spot for a date.
Photo Gallery
Essentials
- location
- Shoren-in Monzeki Temple
- period
- July 17, 2026 (Fri) - August 23, 2026 (Sun)
- Time
- 19:00–21:30 (last entry 21:00)
*Closed Aug 13 (Thu) – Aug 16 (Sun) - cost
- EX advance booking: Adults ¥1,200, elementary school ¥800 / Same-day: Adults ¥1,500, elementary school ¥1,000
- Links
- access
- About a 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Higashiyama Station on the Tozai subway line. There is no dedicated parking, so public transport is recommended.
- NOTE
- [Closed dates]
・No lighting from Aug 13 (Thu) to Aug 16 (Sun) — the Obon period is skipped
[Night viewing]
・Shoren-in's first summer night illumination, held in 2026
・A special photo spot with blue lanterns at the Chokushi Gate
[Food stalls]
・Kyoto restaurants set up special stalls on Fri, Sat, Sun and holidays only
FAQ
Is it held during Obon?
Do I need a reservation?
What are the hours?
Are there food stalls?
Calendar
Add it to your calendar so you can check back on it later.
Events
Events nearby & around the same time
Other events happening around the same time or in a similar area.
Events
What to do in Kobe this weekend?
5/2 - 3/20
Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks 2026–27 | Weekend Fireworks off Meriken Park
Meriken Park
7/11 - 8/30
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens GARDEN FEST 2026 -Summer-
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
7/24 - 8/16
Arima Ryofu Beer Garden 2026
Arima Shinsui Hiroba
7/28 - 8/3
NIGHT PICNIC 2026
Higashi Yuenchi Park
8/7 - 8/9
Ikuta Shrine Daikai Summer Festival 2026
Ikuta Shrine (1-2-1 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)
8/7 - 8/13
Meriken Beer Garden 2026
Meriken Park (in front of the BE KOBE monument)
Explore
