- Best time for autumn foliage: mid-November to early December
- Night viewing begins: Kodai-ji on October 23
- Kiyomizu-dera Night Viewing: November 21–30
- Book fall foliage season accommodations as early as possible
When does Kyoto's autumn foliage peak?
Kiyomizu-dera indicates that the autumn foliage viewing period is from mid-November to early December, though the actual timing varies each year.
The Kyoto City Tourism Association calendar shows the status of each attraction as green, starting to change color, partially colored, peak, or past peak. The 2026 calendar has been updated since October 30, with the latest update on November 6.
Just before your visit, check the Kyoto City Tourism Association’s autumn foliage calendar and the latest information from each attraction again. Foliage conditions can vary even within Kyoto.
When is special night viewing held?
Kodaiji Temple starts first on October 23. Eikando, Kiyomizudera, and Chion-in each have different start and end dates.
| Item | Period | Viewing and admission hours |
|---|---|---|
| Kodaiji Temple | October 23–December 13 | Admission from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM; doors close at 10:00 PM |
| Chion-in | November 17–December 6 | 5:30 PM–9:30 PM; last admission at 9:00 PM |
| Eikan-do | November 20–December 6 | Admission from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM; doors close at 9:00 PM |
| Kiyomizu-dera Temple | November 21–30 | Last admission at 9:00 PM; doors close at 9:30 PM |
Kodaiji Temple lights up at 5 PM, and admission costs the same during the day and at night. Visitors are not required to leave between sessions, but once you exit, you cannot re-enter with the same ticket.
How much is night viewing admission?
Official-page admission prices are available for Eikan-do and Chion-in. Check the official information for Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji prices.
| Item | Eligibility | Fares |
|---|---|---|
| Eikan-do | Middle school age and above | 1,000 yen |
| Chion-in | Adult | 800 yen |
| Chion-in | Elementary and middle school students | 400 yen |
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How does the combined admission cost for Chion-in compare with Eikando?
- Chion-in nighttime admission for adults¥800
- Chion-in nighttime admission for elementary and junior high school students¥400
- Total when purchased separately¥1,200
- Eikan-do nighttime admission for junior high school students and older¥1,000
With this itinerary, You save ¥200.
Calculation basis: 1 adult and 1 elementary or junior high school student at Chion-in; 1 high school student or older at Eikando; transportation excluded
Offers you can use for this trip
10% Off the First Trip.com Hotel Booking for New Members
Available to new members booking a hotel through the app for the first time after downloading it.
5% Off Trip.com Hotel Bookings of 3 Consecutive Nights or More
Applies to hotel bookings of 3 consecutive nights or more.
When should I book accommodation?
The Kyoto City Tourism Association officially recommends booking as early as possible, as accommodations tend to fill up during the fall foliage season.
- Choose your night viewing date first.
- Choose the attractions you want to visit and a convenient area to stay in.
- Book as early as possible while rooms are still available for the fall foliage season.
- Before booking, check the property’s location and access to public transportation.
Weekdays and the periods just before and after peak season are relatively easy to book. The Kyoto Station area has many large hotels and business hotels, making it relatively easy to find vacancies even during peak season.
How do I choose the best area to stay?
Choose based on the Kyoto autumn foliage spots you plan to visit and your mode of transportation. Access to attractions is just as important as the accommodation’s own features.
| Item | Highlights from the official information |
|---|---|
| Kyoto Station | Convenient JR access to Tofukuji, Arashiyama, and other destinations |
| Gion and Higashiyama | Area home to Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, and Kodai-ji Temple |
| Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle | Relatively quiet, with access to the Subway Tozai Line and JR Sagano Line |
| Saga, Arashiyama, and Takao | Travel toward the city center by JR and Randen |
| Ohara, Kurama, and Kibune | Scenic area with red and golden autumn foliage |
What should I check before visiting?
Check the viewing date, last admission time, and on-site rules. Eikando may close admission early depending on crowd levels.
- There are no advance tickets for Eikan-do's Temple Treasures Exhibition or illumination; only same-day tickets are sold.
- Daytime admission and the illumination at Eikan-do require separate entry and cannot be visited consecutively.
- Cars and motorcycles cannot enter or park at Eikan-do during the event.
- Kiyomizu-dera's Jojuin Garden can also be viewed at night.