Kyoto is a popular tourist destination with many beautiful Japanese gardens. While Kyoto’s summer season brings hot and humid days, the city hosts a variety of events at night.

It comes alive with various light shows that transform the city into a mesmerizing spectacle of light. Discover the beauty of Kyoto in a whole new light as you explore these five stunning spots.

Locations of the top 5 illumination spots

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto, especially among international visitors. This temple is a fascinating landmark known for its stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto, its rich history, architectural splendor, and the pleasant shopping street leading up to the temple.

The temple’s origins can be traced back to 778, when Kenshin, a monk of the Hosso sect, carved and enshrined a statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon bodhisattva from a sacred tree he encountered on Mt. Otowa. Two years later, impressed by Kenshin’s teachings, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, a renowned military leader, constructed the main hall to house the Kannon statue.

Illumination event

During the summer, from August 14th to 16th, Kiyomizu-dera hosts the “Sennichi Mair,” a special pilgrimage that is believed to confer the same merit as visiting the temple for a thousand days. On these days, visitors can gain access to a special room in the main hall.

In addition, the temple remains open in the evening, allowing visitors to admire the historic structures illuminated against the night sky.

Information

Night Illumination

Open hours

※Temple is closed during after day time and before night time(5:30p.m. – 6:30p.m.)


Entrance Fee
Adults : 400yen, Children : 200yen
※Children are under 15 years of age.

Regular holiday
None

Camera use policy

・Photography using drones, monopods or tripods, and video recording using a gimbal are prohibited.

・Unauthorized filming of weddings, cosplay, or fashion shoots with models is also prohibited.

Address
1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862

Links

Official website
https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/

Nijo-jo Castle

Nijo-jo Castle is the second most popular tourist destination among foreigners visiting Kyoto. This castle was built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, to guard the emperor who resided at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. In 1624, the castle was further expanded to accommodate the emperor’s temporary residence, adorning the castle with redesigned gardens, exquisite artwork and enhancing its architectural grandeur.

Today, Nijo-jo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the essence of the 400-year-old Momoyama culture.

Illumination event

During the summer months, from July 26 to August 25, Nijo-jo Castle holds a stunning illumination event. The majestic castle structures, including the Karamon Main Gate, the Ninomaru Garden, and the Seiryuen Garden, are ethereally illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of Japanese festivals by enjoying traditional Bon Festival dances, refreshing drinks, and delicious Japanese shaved ice at the food stalls.

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, the premium ticket grants access to an exclusive ninja show performed against the backdrop of the historic stone steps of Nijo Castle. The show will take you back in time to the era of samurai and ninja.

Information

Night Illumination

Open Hours

Entrance Fee

Early booking tickets are on sale until Thursday, July 25.

Here is ticket website : https://klook.tp.st/fV5UGdSt

premium ticket for Ninja Show
Including special offers : glowing fan, commemorative photo with NINJA, and experience fee at a fair stall

Here is premium ticket website :

Camera use policy

・Photography using drones, monopods or tripods are prohibited.

・Unauthorized filming of weddings, cosplay, or fashion shoots with models is also prohibited.

Adress
541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301

Links

Official website
https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/?lang=en

Kodaiji Temple

Kodaiji Temple is located in the vibrant Higashiyama district, known for its iconic landmarks such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, and Gion, Kodaiji Temple, standing as a testament to Kyoto’s rich history and cultural heritage. This temple was built in 1606 by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, that was the first unifier of Japan, to enshrine his spirit. In 1624, the temple was officially recognized as a Rinzai Zen temple under the guidance of monk Sanko Shoeki.

There are two types of Japanese gardens:  the  Strolling Pond Garden which has two ponds, and the Japanese Dry Garden, which composed of white granite gravel, cherry trees, and moss.

Illumination event

During the summer months, from August 1st to 19th, Kodaiji Temple comes alive with a nighttime illumination event, that transforms the temple grounds into a spectacle of light and shadow.

The highlight is the illumination of the green bamboo within the premises. Ascending the path of the blue, fresh bamboo creates a fantastical experience.Additionally, the main hall, the gardens, and the approach path will be illuminated, while approximately 900 lanterns will be placed along the path to provide an glow.

Information

Night illumination

Open Hours

Entrance Fee

Camera use policy

・Taking photos is not allowed inside the halls and of the exhibits at Kodai-ji Temple and using drones, monopods or tripods are also prohibited.

・Unauthorized filming of weddings, cosplay, or fashion shoots with models is also prohibited.

Address
〒605-0825 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Kodaiji５２６

Link

Official Website
https://www.kodaiji.com/e_index.html

Kifune Shrine

Kifune Shrine, nestled in the lush greenery of Kyoto’s northern outskirts along the Kibune River, is a sanctuary known for its refreshing escape from the summer heat. 

Kifune Shrine’s origins date back to around 400 A.D., when Empress Tamatori, the mother of Emperor Jimmu, is said to have established the shrine at the source of the Kibune River after its journey from Osaka’s Yodo River.The shrine, dedicated to the deity of water, is of immense importance, with over 500 branch shrines scattered throughout Japan. Today, the shrine complex includes three main structures:  Hongu Shrine, Yui-no-yashiro Shrine, and Okunomiya Shrine.

Illumination event

From July 1 to August 15, the serene grounds of the shrine are transformed into a magically beautiful scene of light during the enchanting Illumination Event. Visitors can stroll through the illuminated areas and admire the ethereal glow that adds a magical atmosphere to the ancient structures.

In keeping with the Japanese tradition of Tanabata, the Star Festival, the shrine grounds are decorated with bamboo and colorful wish strips, inviting visitors to write down their heartfelt wishes and dreams. In addition, the Eizan Electric Railway, which provides access to the shrine, adds to the enchanting atmosphere with its lighted tracks, creating a beautiful spectacle as the train winds through the verdant landscape.

Information

Night Illumination

Open Hours

Entrance Fee
Free

Camera use policy

・Unauthorized filming of weddings, cosplay, or fashion shoots with models is also prohibited.

Adress
Main shrine
180 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1112

Link

Official Website
https://kifunejinja.jp/en/

Shimogamo Shrine

Shimogamo Shrine, located in the eastern part of Kyoto, has the distinction of being the oldest shrine in Kyoto, with a rich heritage and enduring spiritual traditions.  While the exact date of its establishment remains a mystery, records indicate that Emperor Sujin ordered the repair of the shrine’s fence in 90 B.C., suggesting its existence and revered status even in ancient times.

This shrine is adorned with magnificent vermilion structures, each meticulously crafted to embody the essence of traditional Japanese architecture. The shrine’s expansive grounds include Tadasu no Mori, a 155,000-square-yards sacred forest that provides a serene sanctuary in the midst of the urban landscape.

Illumination event

From July 19th to 28th, Shimogamo Shrine will host the vibrant Mitarashi Festival, a summer solstice ritual that has been celebrated for centuries. Open to the public until 8:00 p.m., the festival offers visitors a unique opportunity to purify the body and mind. 
Participants wade barefoot through the Mitarashi River, a pristine stream believed to have purifying powers. 

Upon reaching the shrine’s altar, participants light candles and offer prayers for good health and well-being, and a sip of the consecrated, holy water, believed to bestow blessings, completes the purification ritual, cleansing both body and spirit.

 The flickering candlelight casts a warm glow, illuminating the surrounding structures and creating an atmosphere of reverence.

Information 

Night Illumination

Open Hour

Fee

Camera use policy

・Unauthorized filming of weddings, cosplay, or fashion shoots with models is also prohibited.

Address
〒606-0807 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Shimogamo Izumikawacho, ５９

Link

Official Website
https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/english