Many people have been to the beautiful Kiyomizu Temple, but who has seen it at night? Although the temple is normally off-limits at night, there are special times during the year when you can come see it at night lit up with beautiful lights — find out how!
Article Index
When is the Kiyomizu Temple Night Viewing?
Kiyomizu-dera and special evening visits will be held on the following dates.
| Event Date | Time |
|---|---|
|
March 25 - April 2, 2023 |
18:30 - 21:30 *Reception closes at 21:00 |
|
August 14 - 16, 2023 |
18:30 - 21:30 *Reception closes at 21:00 |
|
November 18 - November 30, 2023 |
18:30 - 21:30 *Reception closes at 21:00 |
What is the Kiyomizu Temple Night Viewing?
Kiyomizu Temple is normally open from 6:00 to 18:00. However, during the spring, summer, and autumn illumination periods, you can also visit at night. Over 500 beautiful lights are installed across the area, and the illuminated trees stand out brilliantly against the night view of the city.
Seeing Kiyomizu Temple at night is a completely different experience from seeing it during the day!
Points of Interest
Kiyomizu Temple, although lit up three times a year at night, has different displays based on the season. The lights you see during the spring, for example, will be different from the summer and winter display. Read below for the details on each season.
①Spring Lights
During the light-up event held at Kiyomizu-dera in spring, the cherry blossoms in full bloom on the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera are lit up, and you can see the beautiful cherry blossoms at night.
There are about 1,500 cherry blossom trees in total, including mountain cherry trees and Yoshino cherry trees, which bloom in the precincts of Kiyomizu Temple. There are many good vantage points from which the cherry blossoms can be viewed, such as looking down at the cherry blossoms from the stage in the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. There are also good angles for photographers, like the one where the towering three-storied pagoda and the cherry blossoms can be taken in a single shot.
②Summer Lights
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is lit up in the summer as part of the “Sennichi-mairi”, which is said to give you the good fortune of visiting the temple for 1,000 days.
Also, during the period when Kiyomizu temple is lit up in the summer, special visits to the back of the main hall of the temple, which is normally off-limits, are available.
③Fall Lights
The light-up held in autumn is the most popular of all the light-ups held at Kiyomizu temple. Kiyomizu temple is one of the most famous locations people visit to enjoy the fiery autmn leaves. Kiyomizu temple on display against a backdrop of beautiful autumn leaves is a sight not to be missed!
During the period when Kiyomizu-dera is lit up in autumn, the garden at Kiyomizu-dera’s Joju-in is specially open to the public. The garden, also known as the “Moon Garden”, is known as one of Kyoto’s most famous gardens. The reflection of the moon across the night sky on the surface of the water has fascinated many people since ancient times.
Things to Know Before Going
①Entry Fees/Tickets
The following admission fee is required for special night visits to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
400 Yen
200 Yen
②Official Website
Click the link below to visit the official website.
③Avoid the Big Crowds by Visiting at Night
Kiyomizu Temple is a royal road for sightseeing in Kyoto, so it can be quite crowded even on weekdays. If you want to avoid the crowds at Kiyomizu-dera, we recommend the special evening viewing.
Because the day visitors of Kiyomizu temple must all leave before the night viewing, by getting the timing just right, you could be the first ones allowed inside the temple grounds once the night viewing starts.
How to Get There
The nearest stations are Keihan Main Line Shijo Station and Gojo Station. Gojo Station is closer, but Shijo Keihan Station is more convenient if you want to stop by Gion or Yasaka Shrine along the way. When accessing from JR Kyoto Station, you must transfer once at Tofukuji Station, which is connected to the Keihan Main Line.
Thanks for Reading!
In addition, various events are held in the surrounding areas in Kyoto. Discover amazing events you’ve never seen before.
