Kyoto autumn leaf light-ups and night viewings 2026
Kiyomizu-dera, Kodai-ji, Eikando and Kitano Tenmangu's maple garden open after dark only during the autumn color season. Here are this year's dates in one place; the leaves usually peak from mid-November to early December.
Where to stay
Events by date (4)
Kyoto / Higashiyama
Kodai-ji Autumn Night Illumination
Fri, October 23, 2026 – Sun, December 13
Culture
Kyoto / Kitano
Kitano Tenmangu Momiji-en Light-up
Fri, November 13, 2026 – Sun, December 6
Culture
Kyoto / Eikando
Eikando Autumn Leaves Light-up
Fri, November 20, 2026 – Sun, December 6
Kyoto / Higashiyama
Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Night Viewing
Sat, November 21, 2026 – Mon, November 30
Good to know
- Night viewings usually have separate tickets from daytime visits, and visitors are often cleared out between the two.
- Popular temples are quietest right after opening and shortly before closing.
- Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji are within walking distance of each other in Higashiyama.
