Overview
In this article, I’ll show you top 19 sites to enjoy autumn leaves illumination in Kyoto; Toji temple, Tenjuan temple, Eikando temple, Konkaikomyoji temple, Kiyano tenmangu shrine, Kiyomizu-dera temple, Hogonin temple, Yasaka shrine, Korinin temple, Shogun-zuka Seiryuden, Rurikoin temple, Syorenin temple, Kodaiji temple, Entokuin temple, Daikakuji temple, Mansyuin temple, Chionin temple, Syorinji temple, and Byodoin temple.
You can learn what to see in each site, opening hours, entrance fee, and the ways to get there.
Attention!
The information on opening hours, entrance fee, and so on is subject to be changed. Pls check official website of each shrine and temple to make sure of them. This article is for your reference. We are not responsible any disadvantage you have.
#1 Toji temple 東寺
The schedule of 2021
- Dates: Oct. 30~ Dec. 12
- Open hours 18:00~21:30 (Be there by 21:00)
- Entrance fee: 1,000 JPY
In 2021, Toji provides us with special night visit to Kodo hall. We can admire so-called “3-D mandala” at night.
Overview
Toji temple is one of two Buddhist temples officially built in Heiankyo city. In the 9th century, it was given to Kokai, the founder of Shingon school Buddhism.
The night illumination of Toji temple
The most amazing thing is Mizukagami. Mizukagami is an art to admire reflection on water. There is a pond named Hyotanike in Toji temple. In autumn, its surface is so calm that we can enjoy extraordinary Mizukagami. We can find Mizukagami in many places but that of Toji is the best.
Enjoy the bright red leaves against the pagoda. It is constructed as a donation in the Edo period (1603– 1868) by Tokugawa Iyemitsu, the 3rd Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
About Toji temple
How to get to Toji temple?
About 15 minutes walk from JR Kyoto station: Red train annotation
Kyoto City bus
No. 205 Toji michi bus stop: Blue bus annotations.
No. 207 Toji Higashi mon mae bus stop: Red bus annotations.
#2 Tenjuan temple 天授庵
The schedule of 2021
Canceled in 2021.
Overview
Tenjuan enshrines the founder of Nanzenji temple. It has two gardens; Zen garden and stroll garden. We can visit the main hall though we cannot enter it in daytime.
The night illumination of Tenjuan temple
The Zen garden 本堂前庭 （枯山水庭園）
The autumn leaves in Tenjuan are illuminated with warmth. We cannot expect such warmth any other place in Kyoto.
The stroll garden 書院南庭園（池泉式回遊庭園）
At night, we admire the stroll garden from the main hall. We catch a glimpse of bamboo trees behind the maple trees. We cannot stroll around the garden though we can in daytime.
About Tenju-an
How to get to Tenju-an temple?
About 10 minutes walk from Kyoto City subway Keage station.
#3 Eikando a.k.a. Zenrinji temple 永観堂（禅林寺）
The schedule of 2021
- Dates: Nov. 6~ Dec. 5
- Open hours 17:30~21:00 (Be there by 20:30)
- Entrance fee: 600 JPY
At night visit, we usually wait in line in front of the entrance. It would be better to be there before 17:30.
Overview
Eikando temple is the most famous and popular atumn leaves spot in Kyoto. It has about 3,000 maple trees in its area.
The night illumination of Eikando
Eikando also has beautiful Mizukagami.
Enjoy the video. Eikando is beyond description.
About Eikando temple
How to get to Eikando temple?
From JR Kyoto station
At subway Kyoto station, take Karasuma line to Karasuma Oike station. At Karasuma Oike station, change train to subway Tozai line to Keage station. It takes about 15 minutes from Keage station to Eikando.
Kyoto city bus
NO.5 Nanzenji Eikando michi bus stop.
No.32、93、100、102、203、204 Higashi temno cho bus stop.
Attention In the autumn leaves season, buses, mostly No.5、100、102 are often crowded. It would be better to go to Eikando by train. If you wanted more information, check the link below.
