Japanese Local Travel Guide – Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hidden Gems Discover Kyoto’s exclusive autumn openings, from illuminated gardens to historic temples only accessible this season.
Autumn is one of the most magical seasons to visit Kyoto. The city becomes a canvas of vibrant red and golden leaves, attracting travelers from around the world. While many temples and shrines are always open, autumn also brings a rare chance to explore places that are usually closed to the public.
During the 2025 Autumn Special Openings, several temples and gardens will allow visitors to step inside exclusive halls, admire illuminated night views, and enjoy historic spaces that reveal a deeper side of Kyoto. These events are limited in time, making them a truly unforgettable way to experience the city.
In this guide, we introduce five must-see autumn openings in Kyoto for 2025, including famous temples and hidden gems that offer seasonal beauty and cultural treasures.
Shōren-in Temple （青蓮院）
目次
History
Shōren-in Temple, located at the foot of Higashiyama, is one of Kyoto’s monzeki temples, historically led by members of the imperial family. Known for its elegant gardens and calm atmosphere, it has long been a place of spiritual practice.
Highlights
- Famous autumn illumination, returning in 2025 after roof renovation work
- The giant camphor trees, designated natural monuments, beautifully lit at night
- Elegant pond strolling garden with mystical evening reflections
- Limited-time events and cultural atmosphere unique to autumn
My Experience
When I visited Shōren-in during a past autumn illumination, I was deeply impressed by the harmony of light and silence. The sight of the camphor trees glowing softly in the night air was unforgettable. Knowing that the 2025 event marks the long-awaited return makes me especially eager to visit again this year.
Access
- Location: Shōren-in Temple, Kyoto
- Nearest Bus Stop: Kyoto City Bus No. 5, get off at “Jingū-dō,” 5 minutes on foot
- Dates for 2025: November 7 (Fri) – November 30 (Sun)
- Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM)
- Website: http://www.shorenin.com
Kyoto Imperial Palace （京都御所）
History
The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of Japan’s emperors until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869. With its elegant halls and spacious gardens, it has long been the political and cultural center of Japan. Today, it is managed by the Imperial Household Agency and generally open to the public year-round.
Highlights
- The palace grounds and gardens are normally open year-round without reservation
- During the 2025 Autumn Special Opening, visitors can experience rare events such as gagaku (ancient court music) and kemari (traditional court football)
- Access to areas and performances not usually included in the regular tour
- The best part: admission and performances are completely free, offering one of the most valuable cultural experiences in Kyoto
My Experience
Walking through the Imperial Palace always gives me a sense of Kyoto’s deep history, but during a special event the atmosphere feels truly different. Seeing performances of gagaku or kemari is like stepping into a living piece of Japan’s past, and I feel it’s one of the most memorable cultural experiences Kyoto has to offer.
Access
- Location: Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Dates for 2025: November 26 (Wed) – November 30 (Sun)
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:20 PM (last exit 4:00 PM)
- Nearest Station: Imadegawa Station (Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line), Exit 6, 5 min walk
- Bus: Get off at “Karasuma Imadegawa,” 5 min walk
- From Keihan Demachiyanagi Station: 25 min walk (Exit 3)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://kyoto-gosho.kunaicho.go.jp/
Events
- Nov 26: Gagaku (10:00, 11:00)
- Nov 27: Kemari (10:00, 11:00)
- Nov 28: Gagaku (10:00, 11:00)
- Nov 29: Kemari (10:00, 11:00)
- Nov 30: Gagaku (10:00, 11:00)
雅楽（Gagaku）
Gagaku is Japan’s oldest form of court music, performed for over a thousand years. With elegant flutes, drums, and string instruments, it creates a slow, graceful sound that feels timeless. Watching gagaku in the Kyoto Imperial Palace is like stepping back into the Heian era, when such music filled the royal court.
蹴鞠（Kemari）
Kemari is a traditional court game where players pass a leather ball to each other without letting it touch the ground. Dressed in colorful Heian-style robes, the performers move with surprising grace, turning a simple game into a living piece of cultural heritage. Watching kemari in the palace grounds makes you feel the elegance of ancient Kyoto come alive.
Tentoku-in Temple at Tōfuku-ji （東福寺塔頭 天得院）
History
Tentoku-in is one of the sub-temples of Tōfuku-ji, a major Zen temple in Kyoto famous for its autumn foliage. Founded in the 17th century, Tentoku-in is especially known for its elegant gardens, which are usually closed to the public. Only during special openings, such as in autumn, can visitors step inside and enjoy its serene atmosphere.
Highlights
- A rare chance to see the beautiful chisen garden (pond garden), normally closed to the public
- Spectacular autumn colors with maple trees reflecting in the pond
- Illuminated night view, creating a peaceful and mystical atmosphere
- Located inside the grounds of Tōfuku-ji, famous for one of the best autumn foliage views in Kyoto
My Experience
When I visited Tentoku-in during the special autumn opening, I was amazed by the tranquility compared to the busy crowds at the main Tōfuku-ji temple. Sitting by the pond and watching the maple leaves glow under the evening lights was an unforgettable experience, offering a quieter way to enjoy Kyoto’s autumn beauty.
Access
- Location: Inside Tōfuku-ji Temple grounds, Kyoto
- Dates for 2025: Early to late November (exact dates to be confirmed)
- Hours: Typically 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM (illumination in the evening)
- Nearest Station: Tōfuku-ji Station (JR Nara Line, Keihan Main Line), 10 min walk
- Admission: Around 600 yen
Chion-in Temple （知恩院）
History
Chion-in is the head temple of the Jōdo (Pure Land) sect of Buddhism, founded by Hōnen in the 12th century. It is one of the largest temple complexes in Kyoto, famous for its massive Sanmon Gate and majestic halls. Chion-in has long been a center of Buddhist practice and pilgrimage, attracting worshippers from all over Japan.
Highlights
- Autumn special illumination of the temple grounds, including the grand Sanmon Gate and garden areas
- The Great Hall (Mieidō), beautifully lit at night, offering a spiritual and solemn atmosphere
- Unique chance to see the temple in a quieter, more mystical setting compared to daytime visits
- Located near Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park, making it easy to combine with other evening strolls
My Experience
During the autumn illumination, I was struck by the sheer scale of Chion-in’s Sanmon Gate glowing in the night. Walking up the wide stone steps toward the illuminated hall felt like a spiritual journey. The quietness of the grounds at night, compared to the busy daytime, left a strong impression on me.
Access
- Location: 400 Rinka-chō, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-8686
- Regular Hours: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM (general daytime visit)
- 2025 Autumn Illumination: Mid-November – Early December (dates to be announced)
- Illumination Hours: Typically 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM (last entry 9:00 PM)
- Nearest Station: Higashiyama Station (Kyoto Subway Tozai Line), 10–15 min walk
- Bus: Kyoto City Bus to “Chion-in Mae” stop
- Admission: Around 800 yen
Eikandō Temple （永観堂）
History
Eikandō, officially known as Zenrin-ji, is a temple of the Jōdo sect with a history dating back to the 9th century. It is famous for its iconic Amida statue looking over its shoulder, known as the “Mikaeri Amida.” Over the centuries, Eikandō has become one of the most beloved spots in Kyoto, particularly for its spectacular autumn foliage.
Highlights
- Around 3,000 maple trees that turn brilliant shades of red and gold in mid-November
- A stunning pond garden (chisen kaiyū-shiki) with reflections of autumn colors
- The illuminated autumn night view, where the pagoda, main hall, and foliage create a dreamlike scene
- Famous Mikaeri Amida statue inside the temple
My Experience
What impressed me most during my visit to Eikandō was not only the vivid autumn leaves but also the harmony between the temple’s architecture and nature. The view of the pagoda rising above the sea of red maples was breathtaking, as if history and landscape were blending into one scene. Inside, the famous Mikaeri Amida statue captivated me with its unique, gentle expression. It was a reminder that Eikandō is not just about the foliage, but also about spiritual beauty.
Access
- Location: Eikandō Temple, Kyoto
- Regular Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (daytime visit)
- Autumn Illumination 2025: November 15 (Sat) – December 10 (Wed)
- Illumination Hours: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (last entry), gates close at 9:00 PM
- Admission: 700 yen
- Nearest Bus Stop: Kyoto City Bus No. 5, “Nanzenji / Eikandō-michi,” 5 min walk
- Website: http://www.eikando.or.jp/index.html
Conclusion
Kyoto in autumn is more than just colorful leaves—it is a season when history, culture, and nature come together in unforgettable ways. The 2025 Autumn Special Openings, from the illuminated gardens of Shōren-in to the cultural performances at the Imperial Palace, the serene Tentoku-in, the majestic Chion-in, and the breathtaking Eikandō, reveal a side of Kyoto that visitors can only experience once a year.
Each temple offers something unique: the return of Shōren-in’s long-awaited illumination, the elegance of court traditions at the Imperial Palace, the quiet beauty of Tentoku-in’s garden, the spiritual grandeur of Chion-in, and the harmony of architecture and nature at Eikandō.
For travelers planning a trip to Kyoto in 2025, these special openings are more than just sightseeing—they are rare opportunities to feel the depth of Japanese culture and spirituality. Don’t miss the chance to see Kyoto at its most magical season.
