Kodai-ji Temple Autumn Leaves 2026
Last updated: July 28, 2026. Typical viewing times and details below are compiled from official park, temple, city and tourism-association websites (linked at the end of this page). The dates of annual night light-ups are set each year — check the official site before you travel.
A hillside temple in Higashiyama where over a thousand maples glow around the Garyu-chi pond, whose still water mirrors the crimson canopy after dark.
Key Facts
| Typical peak | Mid to late November |
|---|---|
| Best months | November |
| Location | Kyoto, Kyoto |
| Nearest station | Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line) / Higashiyama-Yasui bus stop |
| Admission | Daytime admission is 800 yen for adults; the autumn night special viewing is a separate ticket. Fees vary by exhibition, so confirm current rates on the official site. |
| Night light-up | Late October to mid-December, evenings (roughly 17:00 to 22:00) (exact 2026 dates set each year — confirm on the official site) |
| Official site | https://www.kodaiji.com/ |
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Highlights
- Kyoto's first temple to hold an autumn night illumination, with the maples and bamboo grove lit after sunset
- Reflections of colored leaves on the mirror-like Garyu-chi (Sleeping Dragon) pond
- Projection mapping staged in the Hojo front garden during the night viewing
Where to See the Autumn Leaves
Garyu-chi Pond (Paid)
The temple's pond garden, where maple foliage is reflected on the calm water surface; the signature scene of the after-dark illumination.
Within the temple grounds, reached from the main entrance off Nene-no-Michi lane.
Hojo Front Garden (Paid)
The abbot's-quarters garden that hosts the seasonal projection mapping during the autumn night special viewing.
Inside the temple grounds along the visitor route.
Getting There
From Kyoto Station, take a city bus toward Gion/Higashiyama and get off at Higashiyama-Yasui bus stop, then walk about 7 minutes. Alternatively, take the Keihan Line to Gion-Shijo Station (about 15-minute walk) or the Hankyu Line to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (about 20-minute walk).
Crowd & Timing Tips
- The autumn night illumination is one of Higashiyama's most popular, so arrive early in the evening or on a weekday to avoid the longest lines
- Combine a visit with nearby Kiyomizu-dera to spread out the crowds
Autumn Illumination
Late October to mid-December, evenings (roughly 17:00 to 22:00) The exact 2026 dates are announced each year, so confirm them on the official site before planning an evening visit.
About Kodai-ji Temple
Founded in 1606 by Nene (Kita-no-Mandokoro), the widow of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to pray for his repose.
See more autumn-leaf spots: Kansai Autumn Leaves 2026 · Japan Autumn Leaves Guide 2026