Kyoto’s Kodaiji (高台寺) announced special autumn night viewing from October 23 to December 13, 2026. Lights switched on at 5 p.m., admission closed at 9:30 p.m., and the temple closed at 10 p.m. Admission was JPY 800 for adults and JPY 400 for junior-high and high-school students, the same by day and night.
This is an archive daytime photograph of Kodaiji’s Shiguretei taken September 23, 2017. It does not show the 2026 night lights or actual current foliage.
You can stay from daytime into the evening, but cannot reenter
During the special night-viewing period, Kodaiji did not require all daytime visitors to leave for a new session. Entry began at 9 a.m., allowing a visit to the grounds in daylight followed by staying for the 5 p.m. illumination.
However, once you leave through the exit, the same ticket cannot be used to reenter. Visiting by day, leaving for dinner, and returning for night viewing on the same ticket was not allowed. Plan meals and outside sightseeing before or after entry.
| Item | 2026 autumn special viewing | Points to consider in an itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| Period | October 23–December 13 | Event period is separate from the date of peak foliage |
| Hours | Open 9 a.m.; lights 5 p.m.; last admission 9:30 p.m.; close 10 p.m. | Distinguish the admission cutoff from closing |
| Admission | Adults JPY 800; junior-high/high-school students JPY 400 | Same day/night price; no reentry after leaving on the same ticket |
The bamboo grove is also paid; check main-hall restrictions
The bamboo grove is inside Kodaiji’s garden and requires admission, rather than being a free outside walking path. A night-viewing date does not guarantee fully colored leaves; check near-visit updates if foliage is the main purpose.
The official visitor notice stated that the Hojo main hall was unavailable all day November 12 and 13 because of religious events. Other areas, including Kaisando, the mausoleum, and bamboo grove, were described as open. If the main hall matters to you, recheck the latest restrictions before choosing a date.
Seven minutes on foot from Higashiyama Yasui bus stop
Official access information cited city bus 206 from Kyoto Station or 207 from Gion-Shijo and Kyoto-Kawaramachi stations, alighting at Higashiyama Yasui (東山安井), then walking about seven minutes east. Allow extra time on autumn evenings and check return transport.
EVERYDAY TRIP Editorial Team’s advice
To see daylight and illumination in one visit, consider eating first, then entering in time to stay across the 5 p.m. switch-on. The key condition is that you cannot leave and return. Even for a night-only visit, leave viewing time rather than targeting arrival just before last admission.
Sources and photo information
- Kodaiji official event information: 2026 autumn dates, switch-on, last admission, and reentry conditions
- Kodaiji official visitor information: admission, bamboo grove, and main-hall restrictions
- Kodaiji official access: city buses and walking routes
Photograph: 663highland, “170923 Kodaiji Kyoto Japan38n,” Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. 3 Minute Travel cropped it square, resized it, and added Korean text, a date, and a translucent background; the derivative is also under CC BY-SA 4.0. Original photograph · CC BY-SA 4.0
Original reference: morning of October 24, 2026, JST. Times are local to Japan; temple operation and admission conditions could change.