Late Oct
Mid Dec
<p>Reflections of the lights in the pond beside&nbsp;Kodai-ji&nbsp;Temple.</p>
Reflections of the lights in the pond beside Kodai-ji Temple. (Photo: Hannah Sy)

Kodai-ji Autumn Illumination 2025

Light up at Fall brings new life to an iconic temple

Hannah Sy   - 1 min read
Venue : Kodaiji Temple When : Late Oct - Mid Dec 2025
Notice: The dates for this event are not yet confirmed. This page will be updated once the official date(s) are announced by the event organizers. Please check the official event site for the latest info.

Formally known as Kodaijusho-zenji Temple and located in the Higashiyama Mountains of eastern Kyoto, Kodai-ji Temple was established in 1605 by a woman named Kita-no-Mandokoro to honor the memory of her late husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Kodai-ji was struck by a series of fires after 1789 but fortunately the original buildings of Otama-ya, Kaisan-do, Kangetsu-dai, Kasa-tei and Shigure-tei survived the fire and are in excellent state of preservation. They have all been designated as "Important Cultural Properties" by the Japanese Government.

Every Spring, Summer and Fall Kodai-ji is open until 9:30pm to showcase their garden set up with lights. In early November the fall season begins and leaves are turning to shades of yellow, red and orange. Entrance is ¥600.

More info

Find out more about Kodaiji Temple.

Hannah Sy

Hannah Sy @hannah.sy