Kyoto Autumn Night Illuminations 2026

Experience the magic of Kyoto after dark as historic temples and beautiful Japanese gardens are illuminated in the autumn evenings.

We’ve put together a list of our recommended autumn illumination spots in and around our Gion walking tour area, as well as other beautiful places that are easy to reach from central Kyoto.

★Entoku-in Temple
Dates: October 23 – December 13, 2026
Closed: December 11 and 12
Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last admission 9:30 PM)
Admission: ¥500 (Adults)
Google Maps

★Kodai-ji Temple
Dates: October 23 – December 13, 2026
Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last admission 9:30 PM)
Admission: ¥800 (Adults)
Google Maps

★Chion-in Temple
Dates: November 17 – December 6, 2026
Hours: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Last admission 9:00 PM)
Admission: ¥800 (Adults)
Google Maps

★Shoren-in Temple
Dates: November 6 – December 6, 2026
Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last admission 9:30 PM)
Admission: ¥1,500 (Adults)
Google Maps

★Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Dates: November 21 – 30, 2026
Hours: From 5:30 PM (Last admission 9:00 PM; closes 9:30 PM)
Admission: ¥500 (Adults)
Google Maps

★Eikando Temple
Dates: November 20 – December 6, 2026
Hours: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Last admission 8:30 PM)
Admission: ¥1,000 (Junior high school students and above)
Google Maps

★To-ji Temple
Dates: October 31 – December 13, 2026
Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Last admission 9:00 PM)
Admission: ¥1,000 (Adults)
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station (Hachijo Exit)
Google Maps

Dates, hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official websites before visiting.

Discover Kyoto’s Local Markets

Discover Kyoto’s Local Markets!
If you love exploring local markets and the dates fit your travel plans, we recommend visiting these two wonderful markets in Kyoto!

Kobo-san Market at Toji Temple
A lively traditional market where you can browse antiques, vintage items, handmade crafts, local food and much more!
Toji Temple is easily accessible from Kyoto Station, making it a convenient stop during your visit.

Upcoming dates (2026):
Saturday, November 21
Monday, December 21
Held on the 21st of every month.

Heian Rakuichi Market
A charming market featuring handmade crafts, unique gifts and creations by local artisans.

Held in Okazaki Park, right in front of the beautiful Heian Shrine, it’s also a wonderful place for families with children!
Kyoto City Zoo is just a 5-minute walk away, so you can easily combine a visit to the market with a fun family outing
!
Upcoming dates (2026):
Friday, November 6
Friday, December 4
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
No market is scheduled for October.

Nakamura Tokichi

If you’re a matcha lover, we highly recommend making time for a trip to Uji, just outside Kyoto City.
Uji is one of Japan’s most famous tea-producing areas and is especially well known for its high-quality matcha.
You’ll find plenty of lovely cafés and traditional tea shops where you can enjoy matcha drinks and sweets.
One of the best-known places is Nakamura Tokichi Honten, a historic tea shop that is especially popular for its matcha desserts.
What we also love about Uji is its atmosphere. It feels quite different from central Kyoto — quieter, more relaxed, and surrounded by a beautiful riverside setting.
If you have a little extra time during your stay in Kyoto, Uji is a lovely place to slow down, enjoy some matcha, and experience another side of the Kyoto area.

https://global.tokichi.jp/

teamLab Biovortex Kyoto – Step into a World of Immersive Art

teamLab Biovortex Kyoto is a spectacular digital art museum where art, technology, light, sound, and nature come together. Unlike a traditional museum, the artworks respond to your presence and movements, allowing you to become part of the experience itself.
Explore vast, dreamlike spaces filled with flowing light, floating sculptures, and constantly changing digital landscapes. With more than 50 immersive artworks spread across approximately 10,000 square metres, every room offers something new and surprising.

It is a wonderful experience for couples, families, solo travellers, and anyone looking to discover a modern and imaginative side of Kyoto. Located within walking distance of Kyoto Station, it is also easy to include in your sightseeing itinerary.
Our tip: Allow at least two hours to explore, wear comfortable shoes, and book your tickets in advance, as popular time slots may sell out.

Website

Green Tea

We recommend green tea in the Recommendations shop section, but if you’re looking for an easy option to pick up at a supermarket, this is our top choice.
It’s made by one of Japan’s most well known tea brands one that virtually every Japanese person recognizes.

The tea comes in a convenient powder form that dissolves instantly, even in cold water, making it perfect for everyday use.
This is also the green tea we serve to our guests during our workshops, and it’s always a favorite🍵
We hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy a taste of Japan.

Try Japanese Melon Pan

One of the most popular treats among our guests is Melon Pan.
Despite its name, it doesn’t actually contain melon.
It got its name because the crispy cookie like topping looks similar to the pattern of a melon.
You can find Melon Pan at most convenience stores, but we recommend trying one from a local bakery where it’s freshly baked that day, it tastes so much better!

Kyoto is famous for having one of the highest numbers of bakeries in Japan, and people in Kyoto absolutely love bread. You’ll find wonderful bakeries all over the city, and it’s hard to go wrong with any of them.
If you happen to spot a bakery during your stay, be sure to stop in and try a freshly baked Melon Pan.
We hope you’ll love it!

🏪 What Should You Try at a Japanese Convenience Store?

Japanese convenience stores are famous for their surprisingly delicious and high quality food.
Here are some of our favorite recommendations!

🍙 Onigiri (Rice Balls)Onigiri is one of the most popular foods among Japanese because it’s tasty, affordable, and easy to eat on the go.

If it’s your first time, we recommend:
*Tuna Mayo 🥇
*Shrimp Mayo 🍤
Mayo=mayonnaise/Japanese mayonnaise has a milder, creamier flavor than mayonnaise in many other countries.

You might also see Umeboshi (pickled plum). It’s very sour and has a unique flavor, so it can be a bit challenging if you’re trying onigiri for the first time!

🍗 Other Must Try Snacks
* Karaage-kun from LAWSON Bite-sized fried chicken that’s a Japanese favorite.

*Famichiki from FamilyMart – Crispy, juicy fried chicken that’s perfect for a quick snack.

*Japanese Egg Sandwich
Soft bread with creamy egg filling. It’s simple, but many visitors say it’s one of the best sandwiches they’ve ever had!

If you’re feeling a little hungry while exploring Japan, you can’t go wrong with any of these:)

Mini Lesson

Arigatou/ Arigato = Thank you
Sumimasen= Excuse me
Konnichiwa=Hello
Oishii= Delicious
Kawaii=Cute

💡 “Sumimasen” is one of the most useful Japanese words you can learn.
You can use it to:
Get someone’s attention,
Politely ask someone to move
Say “excuse me”,
Apologize for a small mistake
You’ll probably find yourself using it many times during your trip!