From now until May 7, the Kodai-ji temple in Kyoto has a special nighttime illumination from sunset to 9:30pm. We went around 8:30pm tonight and it was nearly empty. It was breathtakingly gorgeous… do not miss it!
In particular, be sure to sit on the platform overlooking the rock garden to watch the laser show, and walk up to the bamboo grove which is illuminated with tiny firefly lights. As much as we loved having the place to ourselves, I was kind of sad more people weren’t experiencing it. They do them in summer and autumn as well.
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We went in late November during their fall winter illumination and loved it too. There’s a joint ticket you can get to enter Kodaiji and Entokuin garden and that’s worth it if you have time.
– [Kyoto: Autumn Leaves Illuminations (mid-Nov to early Dec)](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/mjt5yf/kyoto_autumn_night_illuminations_at_temples_and/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
aahh I envy you. Kodaiji and Entokuin are real real highlights, and they can be entirely overrun, wating times of more than 2hrs, when they run night time illuminations. especially in fall.
(Entokuin being less overrun)
Both are very very worth a visit. With or without illumination
Thanks for the info! I leave for Kansai tomorrow and this seems really cool
Is Kyoto more crowded during golden week than cherry blossom season?
Honestly there are so many night illuminations in Kyoto that are all so beautiful x.x
Fall is a lot better. They really only have maybe 2-3 Sakura. Was kind of disappointed vs what it’s like in fall.
Sorry to jump on this, I just touched down Tokyo 2 days ago and it’s a bummer that most cherry blossoms are withering.
We’ll be visiting Kyoto, Osaka, Fuji Five Lakes and back to Tokyo. Any more opportunities for some sakura?
How does it compare with Yasaka? I went there on my first night in Kyoto and it was awesome, they have a bit of a festival going on there.
Now gotta decide between Kodai-Ji or Himeji for some more night illumination
https://www.kodaiji.com/lightup-spring.html
Does this happen during Sept?
Peak content! These are the types of posts I love.
Hard to find news for local events.
I wish they did it in June!