Best Autumn spots for night walks around Kiyomizu-dera Temple

This suggested sightseeing itinerary takes roughly 3-4 hours. After a 10-minute walk from the Kyoto City Bus stop at Gojozaka, you will reach Kiyomizu-dera Temple. From there you can visit Kodaiji Temple, followed by Entokuin Temple which is just across the street.

You can then move on to Chionin Temple before finishing off at Shorenin Temple. This route is also suitable for nighttime strolls due to the captivating views of the temples and colorful autumn leaves that are lit up at night. When creating your day plan, it is highly recommended to incorporate these nighttime illuminations.

Explore the autumn leaves around Kiyomizu-dera Temple (3-4 hour plan)

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is undoubtedly one of the renowned temples residing in Kyoto. While many tourists (both domestic and international) visit the temple throughout the year, autumn is particularly popular. The recommended time to visit is before 4 p.m. (just before sunset) when visitors can savor stupendous views of the golden leaves when the temple isn't as busy.

The nighttime illumination event at the temple takes place between the 16th of November and the 1st of December.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

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Kodaiji Temple is said to have been established by Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s wife, Nene, and is famous for its solemn garden designed by Lord Kobori Enshu.

Between the 25th of October and the 15th of December, the temple entertains visitors with projection mapping events and nighttime lighting. The colorful autumn leaves reflected on the pond during the nighttime illumination event are akin to a piece of art, a must-see for art enthusiasts.

Kodaiji Temple

Kodai-ji Zen Temple

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Situated across from Kodaiji Temple and connected to the Nene no Michi (the Path of Nene) lies Entokuin Temple. The temple was founded by Nene, the widow of shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi. While it’s not an especially large temple, but it's well-kept and has a splendid garden that never fails to fascinate visitors.

The vivid red leaves are illuminated by glowing lights creating breathtaking views that contrast beautifully with the tranquil garden.

The nighttime illuminations are held from the 25th of October to the 15th of December (14th of December is closed).

Entokuin Temple

Entoku-in Temple

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Admired by locals in the name of “Chionin-san”, Chionin Temple houses various national treasures and important cultural properties, such as the Sanmon Main Gate within the temple grounds.

The temple overwhelms visitors with its bright autumn leaves, particularly around the Sanmon Main Gate and the ponds of the Yuzen Garden. Visitors can enjoy the superb combination of cultural treasures and autumn leaves illuminated between the 1st of November and the 1st of December. Viewing the nighttime illuminations around the Sanmon Main Gate is free of charge.

Chionin Temple

Chion-in temple

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The last stop on your autumn leaf viewing around Kiyomizu-dera Temple is Shorenin Temple, which is popular for its captivating views of a peaceful moss garden.

The temple is dedicated to Shijoko Nyorai (known as the Buddha of Light), which brings the blue nighttime illuminations to a whole new light (the pun was unavoidable).

The lighting event takes place from 6 p.m. between the 25th of October and the 1st of December.

Shorenin Temple

Shoren-in Temple

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Sanjoubou Sansou villa

京都市東山区三条坊町粟田口2-21 Kyoto