7 Must-See Japanese Maple Leaf Illumination

There’s a reason why Kyoto’s autumn is famous around the world. Come November, the city takes on a brilliant hue of scarlet and gold, highlighting the mystical beauty of its countless temples, shrines and historic trails. Although visitors enjoy admiring maple and ginkgo trees during the day, the magic of Kyoto’s foliage is even more enchanting after dark. Many attractions light up after regular opening hours, so you can see the vibrant foliage cast an ethereal glow. Read on for a list of the best Japanese maple lighting in the city.

Three major maple leaf illuminated temples in Kyoto

Visiting Kyoto temples at night and admiring the illuminated maple trees is a popular activity for tourists and locals in the fall. These three temples tend to have the highest number of visitors, and each location offers stunning views.

Toji Temple

Located near Kyoto Station, Toji Temple It is a convenient and frequently visited spot for viewing autumn leaves at night. Japan’s tallest wooden tower is bathed in an orange glow alongside jewel-toned trees. The reflection of the gourd pond sparkles as if it has stepped directly out of the painting.

schedule:October 26th to December 8th
night time: 18:00–21:30 (last entry time 21:00)
price: 1,000 yen

Yongguantang

With approximately 3,000 Japanese maple trees, Yongguantang Often called the ultimate Japanese maple temple in Kyoto. Eikando was built in 853 and is currently the head temple of the Aoyama Zenrinji sect of the Pure Land sect of Buddhism. Despite the crowds, the temple presents an incredible sight day or night, with hues of crimson, orange and golden yellow bathing the awed visitors. While you can see the maple trees dotting the temple grounds, be sure to witness the beauty of Eikando’s signature fall feature, Hojo Pond.

schedule: November 11th to December 1st
night time: 17:30-21:00 (last entry time 20:30)
price: 700 yen

Kiyomizudera Temple

Kiyomizudera Temple It’s famous for its sweeping East Mountain views and year-round seasonal views, but it’s perhaps most popular for its stunning fall scenery. Like Eikan-do and Toji Temple, this UNESCO World Heritage site attracts crowds of visitors every November, but it’s worth visiting at least once. The main hall seems to be floating above the fiery maple forest, creating an unforgettable scene.

schedule: November 18th to November 30th
night time: 17:30-21:30 (last entry time 21:00)
price: 500 yen (an additional fee of 600 yen is required to enter Chengquyuan. Chengquyuan is only open from November 18 to November 30. The night opening hours of Chengquyuan are 18:00-20:30)

Sightseeing train passing through Japan’s Maple Leaf Tunnel

If you want a more dynamic way to enjoy Kyoto’s maple tree illuminations, check out these sightseeing trains. The train travels through glowing amber tunnels, providing guests with an otherworldly experience.

Provided by Eizan Railway

Eizan Railway Train

Kilala It is a special panoramic train of Eizan Railway, equipped with large glass windows, allowing you to optimally view the changing seasonal scenery. It goes from Demachiyanagi (near Kyoto Imperial Palace) to Kurama. famous red leaves (Japanese maple) tunnel is located between Ichihara Station and Ninose Station. Other sightseeing trains of Eizan Railway, Hieifeatures smaller oval windows but still offers beautiful views of the maple-lined cul-de-sac.

schedule: It can be viewed all year round, but November 9 to November 24 is the recommended viewing period for this year’s autumn leaves.
night time: 16:30 to the last bus. View weekdays and weekends for each train schedule.
price: 220-470 yen. check this fare list Learn more.

Sagano Romance Train

Sagano Romance TrainThe trolleybus that runs along the Hozu River offers a charming autumn trip from Arashiyama to Kameoka (and vice versa). Gazing at the fluttering red maple leaves from the train window during the day is a magical experience, but the maple paths look even more enchanting after sunset under the ethereal lights. The train slows down at key viewing locations.

schedule: October 12 to December 29
night time: 16:30-Last bus
price: 880 yen one way

Best Mirrored Japanese Maple Lighting

While these locations, which feature gorgeous reflective landscapes, are popular year-round, they are especially treasured in the fall. Whether it’s a lacquered table or rippling water, mirrored surfaces create a surreal double vision of autumn colours. Visitors gaze upon these striking film scenes in collective silence and admiration.

Liuliguangyuan

Liuliguangyuan Part of Komyoji Temple, located in the Yase area at the foot of Mount Hiei. Since ancient times, Yase has attracted many tourists to admire its gorgeous autumn leaves. Rurikoin Temple is only open during special viewing periods in each season. For walk-in visitors, the temple is open from December 2 to 15 from 10 am to 5 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm) and costs ¥2,000 per adult. All other day visits are by appointment only, between 9am and 6pm. See below for special nighttime hours.

schedule: November 9th to 10th, November 15th to 24th, November 26th to December 1st
night time: 18:15-20:00 (last entry time 19:30)
price: JR Tokai “7,000 yen”Kyoto Rakubei Maple Leaf Tour Package (Includes Rurikoin Temple special night view, Eizan Railway one-day pass, Eizan Cable Car round-trip ticket)

Check out Rurikoin’s website Details about daytime visits and bookings.

Kawabata Yasunari’s room, courtesy of akira shibata

Arashiyama Yucai Pavilion

It was originally a gourmet hotel built in the Meiji era. Tang Caiting It is now an art museum in Arashiyama and is famous for the view of maple trees outside its windows. Prismatic autumn colors reflect off the lacquer table below, creating an otherworldly visual effect in the round-windowed room. Another room has a rectangular view of maple trees reflected in the water mirror. The gallery also has a quiet viewing space marked Kawabata YasunariThe room where the Nobel Prize-winning author stayed and wrote sound of mountains.

schedule: November 16th – December 1st
night time: 18:00-20:00 (last entry time 19:30)
price: JR Tokai 3,500 yen “Special Night Private Tour”

Check out the You Zhai Pavilion website Regular daytime visiting hours and reservations.

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