Kyoto Autumn Light-Ups 2026
Short answer: Kiyomizu-dera Nov 21–30, Eikando Nov 20–Dec 6, Kodaiji Oct 23–Dec 13 — all three overlap Nov 21–30. Tickets are bought on the day; come by public transport, and leave the tripod at the hotel.
| Temple | Night dates 2026 | Night hours | Night fee (adult) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiyomizu-dera | Nov 21 (Sat) – Nov 30 (Mon) | 17:30–21:00 last entry (gate closes 21:30) | JPY 500* |
| Eikando (Zenrinji) | Nov 20 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun) | 17:30–20:30 last entry (closes 21:00) | JPY 1,000 (junior high and up) |
| Kodaiji | Oct 23 (Fri) – Dec 13 (Sun) | Lights on 17:00; last entry 21:30 (closes 22:00) | Same as daytime; JPY 800* |
Dates and hours from each temple's own website. *Fee from Kyoto City's official travel site. Temples may change hours on busy days.
Rules and tips from the temples and Kyoto City
- Tickets: Kiyomizu-dera needs no reservation. Eikando sells no advance tickets — buy on the day.
- Tripods: Eikando bans tripods and monopods; selfie sticks are banned inside halls and discouraged in crowds. Inside-hall photos of cultural properties are not allowed.
- Eikando: day exhibition (Nov 11–Dec 6) and light-up are separate sessions. Eikando says the second half of November is very crowded and entry may close early.
- Kodaiji: not a swap system, but you can't re-enter on the same ticket after leaving.
- Getting there and back: no private cars at Eikando during the season. City bus 5 to "Nanzenji-Eikando-michi" (3 min walk) — Kyoto City notes this stop closes at peak times; alternatives: "Higashi-Tenno-cho" bus stop (8 min) or Keage Station, Tozai subway line (15 min). Kiyomizu-dera: city bus 206 to "Kiyomizu-michi", 10 min walk.
Not confirmed by an official source, so left out: best night for leaves, tripod rules at Kiyomizu-dera and Kodaiji (check signs on site), last bus times.
Quick answers
When is the Kiyomizu-dera autumn light-up 2026?
November 21–30, 2026, 17:30–21:00 (last entry). No reservation needed (Kiyomizu-dera official).
Can I use a tripod at Eikando?
No. Eikando bans tripods and monopods in the grounds, and selfie sticks inside the halls.
Can I see Eikando's day exhibition and the light-up on one ticket?
No. They are separate sessions; you leave and buy a new ticket for the night.
Related: Avoid crowds · New rules 2026
More Japan trip guides: Japan trip checklist (all guides)
Official sources
Checked November 4, 2026 (JST). Prices, dates and rules can change; confirm on the official pages before you go.
- Kiyomizu-dera — Night special viewing (official, Japanese): www.kiyomizudera.or.jp
- Kyoto City official travel site — Kiyomizu-dera light-up: ja.kyoto.travel
- Eikando Zenrinji — Visiting guide, autumn 2026 (official, Japanese): www.eikando.or.jp
- Kyoto City official travel site — Eikando light-up: ja.kyoto.travel
- Kodaiji — Events, autumn night viewing (official, Japanese): www.kodaiji.com
- Kyoto City official travel site — Kodaiji light-up: ja.kyoto.travel
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