Enjoy Kyoto’s Amazing Night View! Things to Do & Guide to Kyoto’s Traditional Night Scenery
While Kyoto is known for its daytime attractions, the city's nighttime scene has gained popularity among tourists for its elegant and beautiful atmosphere. During my visit from August to October 2024, I frequently enjoyed illuminated spots, lit-up temples, and scenic night views. This update includes my personal experiences and the latest information for 2025.
One reason for this update is the growing interest in tours that offer deeper insights into Kyoto's layered traditions and culture. Magical Trip's Kyoto tours have been highly successful - their "Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour" ranked third and "Kyoto Night Foodie Tour" ranked sixth among all TripAdvisor tours in 2024 (with Magical Trip's "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" taking first place).
For those interested in exploring Kyoto's nighttime attractions, I recommend joining these tours to fully experience Kyoto's food and traditional culture.
Introduction
When spending the night in Kyoto, we recommend enjoying the beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. At Kyoto's shrines and temples, special events are held several times a year where visitors can enter the grounds at night for viewing. Traditional temples and historically valuable architectural structures are illuminated, allowing you to enjoy a mystical beauty different from daytime.
Another thing to focus on is Kyoto's beautiful natural scenery viewed at night. Each of Kyoto's shrines and temples has many trees and flowers planted, carefully maintained as gardens and sacred trees. Traditional Japanese gardens featuring beautiful cherry blossoms, maples, and moss, as well as the mountains surrounding Kyoto's shrines and temples, show various faces throughout each season.
Take advantage of special events that allow nighttime entry to shrines and temples, as well as area-specific illumination events, to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery unique to nighttime and create unforgettable Kyoto Night View memories.
Night View Spots Vary by Season
In Kyoto, the spots with beautiful night views differ depending on the season and events. In Kyoto, surrounded by mountains, you can see magnificent autumn foliage at various spots during fall. Each autumn foliage spot also holds nighttime illuminations, so at night you can enjoy even more gorgeous autumn colors than during the day.
At shrines and temples, you can observe mystical nighttime ceremonies on days of traditional autumn events such as the Moon Viewing Festival. In winter, check out the gorgeous special illumination events held during the year-end and New Year period in Kyoto City.
Summer is the season when many events are held at night, including traditional summer festivals and fireworks displays. In July, there's also the traditional star-viewing event "Tanabata," where you can see gorgeous Tanabata decorations at shrines and temples.
Spring, when cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, is recommended for Kyoto Night View experiences through nighttime cherry blossom illumination events. Many historic shrines and temples hold events where you can enjoy illuminated night cherry blossoms and festivals.
Seasonal Top Popular Events for Enjoying Night Views (w/map)
From here, we'll introduce popular events for enjoying night views by season, from spring to winter. We'll explain the overview and highlights of each event. Since access information and maps are also included, please use them as reference when going out to see beautiful Kyoto Night View scenes.
Autumn Events
What to focus on during autumn nights in Kyoto are the beautiful autumn foliage illumination events. At famous autumn foliage spots in Kyoto City, illuminations are held at night. Particularly famous is viewing the night autumn foliage from the Sagano Romantic Train.
Also, at the famous shrine Yasaka Shrine in Gion, you can observe the traditional Moon Viewing Festival.
Yasaka Shrine Gion Moon Viewing Festival
Source:Official Facebook
Every autumn in October, the Moon Viewing Festival is held at Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto's Gion area. The Moon Viewing Festival is a traditional event held during Japan's autumn, and at Yasaka Shrine, Shinto ceremonies are performed by clergy.
On the day of the event at Yasaka Shrine, you can see traditional ceremonies and music while enjoying the Kyoto Night View of the shrine illuminated by lanterns and the moon. The Moon Viewing Festival is a celebration for appreciating the beauty of the moon reaching full moon during cool autumn nights.
When I went last year, traditional ceremonies were being performed by clergy in ancient costumes on a large stage within the shrine grounds. Since the ceremonies can be observed by anyone, many travelers were watching the ceremonies with cameras.
Every year from around 7:30 PM, music using traditional Japanese flutes, string instruments, and Japanese drums is performed, and dances are also presented. While listening to the ancient music echoing through the shrine, please enjoy the beautiful Kyoto Night View of the moon.
-Schedule: October 6, 2025, 19:00~
-Access: Take city buses 100 and 206 from JR Kyoto Station and get off at Gion (approximately 25 minutes)
-Admission: Free viewing
-Website: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/event/
Sagano Romantic Train Illumination
The Sagano Romantic Train is a trolley train for enjoying the scenery around the Hozu River flowing through Kyoto City. From autumn to winter, illuminated autumn foliage and special illuminations are held between Arashiyama Station and Kameoka Station, and you can view this spectacle from the running train windows.
From the slowly moving train, you can thoroughly enjoy the Kyoto Night View of illuminated autumn foliage. Since the train has no windows and runs very close to the autumn-colored trees, it feels like running through a tunnel of brilliantly shining autumn foliage.
The illuminations displayed at the stations are also gorgeous, and when I went in October, I could enjoy an early Christmas atmosphere. However, October nights are already very cold with low temperatures, so I recommend that passengers wear warm outerwear and take proper cold weather precautions.
-Schedule: October 12, 2024 ~ December 29, 2024, 16:30 ~ final train
-Access: Get off at Umahori Station → 7-minute walk → Torokko Kameoka Station (approx. 30 minutes)
-Admission: 880 yen (fare from Arashiyama Station to Kameoka Station)
-Website: https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/
Winter Events
For those who want to see beautiful Kyoto Night View in winter, check out the light art event NAKED's Garden held at Heian Jingu Shrine. Traditional architecture, temples, and Japanese gardens are gorgeously presented with lighting and cutting-edge projection mapping, making it very spectacular.
Also, at Kyoto Botanical Garden, a special nighttime event where you can enjoy plants and light art is being held until February 2026. Since it can be enjoyed indoors, it's a recommended event for cold winter nights.
NAKED's Garden of Japanese Lights at Heian Jingu Shrine
Source:Official website
NAKED's Garden of Japanese Lights is a gorgeous illumination event regularly held at Heian Jingu Shrine. In the winter event, the gate Outenmon, which is also an important cultural property, along with the historic architectural structures and gardens within Heian Jingu Shrine, are presented with light art, allowing you to enjoy beautiful Kyoto Night View scenes.
Within the vast grounds of Heian Jingu Shrine, light art that enhances the beauty of traditional architecture can be enjoyed at various locations. When I visited at the end of 2024, traditional temples and large courtyards were presented with red and purple lights, further enhancing the mystical charm of Heian Jingu Shrine.
Upon entry, guests can rent small lanterns to carry. The colorful lanterns are designed so that light patterns reflect on the ground when carried while walking, and the sight of people walking with lanterns could be enjoyed like art itself.
For those who want to enjoy Kyoto Night View with a mystical mood in winter, try participating in NAKED's Garden at Heian Jingu Shrine.
-Schedule: December 13, 2024 ~ January 13, 2025, 17:30-21:30 (last entry 20:50)
-Admission:
[Monday-Thursday] Junior high and above: 2,000 yen, Elementary: 1,200 yen
[Friday-Saturday-Sunday-Holidays] Junior high and above: 2,400 yen, Elementary: 1,600 yen
-Website: https://garden.naked.works/kyoto/spot/heian_jingu_shrine_2024_winter/
LIGHT CYCLE KYOTO
Source:Official website
In winter, you can also enjoy nighttime illumination events at the historic botanical garden Kyoto Botanical Garden in Kyoto City. Kyoto Botanical Garden is specially opened at night for a limited period from autumn 2025 to February of the following year, where you can observe nighttime plants presented with light, sound, and projection art.
At the illumination event LIGHT CYCLE KYOTO, plants in the greenhouse are presented with artistic lighting and music. The presentations that enhance the beauty of each plant, such as lighting that evokes tropical sunlight, were very spectacular and created memorable Kyoto Night View experiences.
The cacti illuminated by prism-like light were very charming, and I couldn't help but stop and stare. For those who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery created by light, sound, and nighttime plants, please check out LIGHT CYCLE KYOTO at Kyoto Botanical Garden.
-Schedule: October 1, 2025 ~ February 28, 2026, 18:00~21:30 (last entry 20:30)
-Access: Get off at Kitayama Station, exit 3 → Kitayama Gate of Kyoto Botanical Garden (approx. 23 minutes)
-Admission:
Adults (high school and above): Advance ¥2,300, Same day ¥2,500
Children (elementary/middle school) Preschoolers free: Advance ¥1,100, Same day ¥1,200
-Website: https://www.lightcycles-kyoto.com/en/
Summer Events
In summer, you can enjoy distinctive summer Kyoto night views through the annual light art events held at Nijo Castle and the traditional Tanabata events at Kifune Shrine. Kifune Shrine on Mount Kurama is particularly recommended, as it's surrounded by mountain streams and offers refreshing Kyoto night view experiences along with cool temperatures.
NAKED Summer Festival World Heritage Site - Nijo Castle / Nijo Castle
Source：KYOTO SANGYO UNIVERSITY
In summer, a traditional Japanese summer-themed lighting art event is held annually at the World Heritage Site Nijo Castle. You can enjoy special illuminations of precious architectural structures including the nationally designated Ninomaru Palace, along with spectacular projection mapping that creates an unforgettable Kyoto night view.
When I visited in 2024, Nijo Castle was decorated like a traditional Japanese summer festival with red and white lanterns and wind chimes. Colorful projection mapping was displayed on the buildings and castle walls, creating a very glamorous impression that differed completely from the solemn daytime atmosphere of Nijo Castle.
The projection mapping of fireworks and patterns displayed on the stone walls was particularly delicate and beautiful, and I was amazed by the high quality of this Kyoto night view experience. Since projection mapping doesn't look beautiful when there's still daylight remaining in the evening, I recommend visiting after 19:30 when it becomes properly dark.
-Schedule: July 25 - August 24, 2025, 18:30-22:00 (Last admission: 21:20)
-Access: Get off at "Nijojo-mae" → 1 minute walk → Nijo Castle (approx. 17 minutes)
-Admission: [Mon-Thu] Adults: 1,800 yen, Children: 1,000 yen
[Fri-Sun/Holidays] Adults: 2,200 yen, Children: 1,400 yen
-Website: https://event.naked.works/nijojo/summer/ja/
Tanabata Bamboo Decoration Illumination (Kifune Shrine)
In summer, traditional Tanabata illuminations are held at the beautiful Kifune Shrine on Mount Kurama in Kyoto, offering refreshing Kyoto night view experiences.
Tanabata is a traditional Asian event where people make wishes to the stars. At Kifune Shrine, bamboo trees placed in the shrine grounds are adorned with colorful papers containing written wishes and are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical Kyoto night view.
Kifune Shrine during this season is surrounded by green maple leaves, offering refreshing scenery even at night. When I visited in the evening, the shrine's ancient stone steps were gently lit by red traditional stone lanterns, creating a very fantastical and picture-perfect scene.
Seeing the Tanabata decorations with many written wishes at this beautiful shrine made me feel as if the wishes could truly reach the stars. For those wanting to see traditional Japanese summer Kyoto night views, definitely visit Kifune Shrine's Tanabata event.
-Schedule: July 1 - August 15, 2025, from sunset to around 20:00
-Access: Get off at Kifuneguchi Station → Take a bus from Eizan Railway Kifuneguchi Station → Kifune Shrine (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes)
-Admission: Free
-Website: http://kifunejinja.jp
Spring Events
In spring Kyoto, be sure to enjoy the cherry blossom night views that bloom fully during this season. Special events featuring illuminated night cherry blossoms are held at many temples and shrines throughout Kyoto, including Heian Jingu Shrine and Shojuin, offering spectacular spring Kyoto night view experiences.
Heian Jingu Sakura Music Night
Source:PR TIMES
In spring, events combining night cherry blossoms and music are held at Heian Jingu Shrine. At Heian Jingu Sakura Music Night, a wide range of music is performed, from Gagaku (old Japanese court music) to classical music and contemporary pop music.
On Sakura Music Night, you can enjoy beautifully illuminated weeping cherry blossoms throughout the grounds, creating an enchanting Kyoto night view. Music concerts are held in the Higashishinen garden area building with its large pond.
Listening to elegant Gagaku while watching the illuminated traditional architecture and cherry blossoms reflected mirror-like on the pond's surface will help you feel the beauty of the night cherry blossoms more deeply as part of this unique Kyoto night view experience.
Personally, I was impressed by how perfectly a pianist's performance of Debussy matched the fantastical scene of the Japanese garden and night cherry blossoms.
For those wanting to enjoy beautiful ponds, gardens, and cherry blossom Kyoto night views together with music, definitely participate in Heian Jingu Sakura Music Night.
-Schedule: April 2-6, 2025, Illumination: 6:15 PM - 9:00 PM (Last admission 8:30 PM, held rain or shine) Performance: 6:40 PM - 8:25 PM
-Access: Get off at "Okazaki Park Museum/Heian Shrine" → Walk 5 minutes north → Heian Jingu Shrine (approximately 30 minutes)
-Admission: Cherry blossom illumination area admission fee: 2,000 yen
-Concert admission: 4,000 yen
-Website: https://pr.kyoto-np.jp/event/benishidare/
Shojuin Sakura Viewing
Source:Official X
Shojuin in Ujitawara Town, Kyoto, is a temple known for its unusual heart-shaped window. By making reservations through the official website and winning the lottery, you can participate in the Cherry Blossom Viewing Party held annually in late March and early April, where you can view beautiful night cherry blossoms from the temple building and enjoy a unique Kyoto night view.
The heart-shaped window is called an Inome window, where Inome refers to a traditional Japanese pattern that closely resembles a heart. During the Cherry Blossom Viewing Party, you can specially enter the building called Kyakuden with this window on spring nights and view the illuminated cherry blossoms from the porch and windows.
This building is designed to create a sense of unity with nature. When I actually sat here on a spring night, I felt as if my entire body was enveloped by the glowing cherry blossoms, creating an immersive Kyoto night view experience.
Additionally, the ceiling of Kyakuden features 160 beautiful paintings. Each one depicts different things like seasonal flowers and carp, and I found myself gazing intently at them.
Annual events! Scenic spots to enjoy night cherry blossoms and night autumn leaves
Kodaiji Temple
source： Official website
Kodaiji Temple is one of the must-visit spots when touring Kyoto. It was founded by Nene, the wife of the Sengoku period warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to pray for his soul after his death. The temple contains many buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties, and you can view Japanese scenery like beautiful gardens and bamboo groves.
It's also popular among foreigners because you can experience traditional Japanese cultures like Zen meditation and tea ceremony.
The highlight is the special night viewing held from spring to autumn. In spring, the weeping cherry blossoms blooming in the Honshin Garden are famous, while in autumn, the maple leaves at Garyuchi Pond are the main attraction. In summer, the warm glow of lanterns is famous, giving a sense of Japanese atmosphere.
You can enjoy wonderful, atmospheric scenery in any season, but the autumn leaves are exceptional. The red maple leaves reflected in Garyuchi Pond are breathtaking and will surely become an unforgettable memory.
When I saw the illuminated autumn leaves and their reflections after sunset, I was moved to tears.
-Address: 526 Shimokawara-cho, Kodaiji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
-Operating Hours: 9:00-17:30 (Reception closes at 17:00)
-Illumination Hours: March 14 - May 6, 17:00-22:00 (Reception closes at 21:30)
-Only during special night viewing period
-Phone: 075-561-9966
-Official Homepage: https://www.kodaiji.com/index.html
Kiyomizudera Temple
source： Official website
Kiyomizudera Temple, a must-visit spot when touring Kyoto, is registered as a World Heritage Site. Kiyomizudera has about 1200 years of history and contains many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The view of the main hall and three-storied pagoda built on a cliff is truly representative of Japan. There's a saying, "jumping off the stage at Kiyomizu," which means making a bold decision, and this saying originates from this temple.
I recommend the "Otowa Waterfall," a power spot said to have never run dry, and the seasonal scenery with its illuminations. In spring, about 1500 cherry trees bloom. In summer, illuminations are set up for the "Sennichi Mairi" pilgrimage, and special viewing of the inner sanctum of the main hall is allowed. And in autumn, about 1000 maple trees and their illuminated leaves create a breathtaking scene that purifies both body and soul.
Engrave the seasonal scenery in your heart in your own way of enjoyment. My recommendation is the "autumn leaf light-up" at night in autumn. You'll surely be captivated by the 1000 maple trees.
-Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
-Operating Hours: 6:00-18:00 (Closes at 18:30 in July and August)
-Special Night Viewing Periods:
Spring: March 25 - April 3, 2025
Summer: August 14-16, 2025
Autumn: November 22 - December 7, 2025
-Closes at 21:30 (Reception closes at 21:00)
-Phone: 075-551-1234
-Official Homepage: https://feel.kiyomizudera.or.jp/
Maruyama Park
If you're visiting Kyoto during cherry blossom season, I recommend Maruyama Park. It's the oldest park in the city and is beloved by locals as a place of relaxation. The weeping cherry tree in the center of the park is its symbol and captivates many people every spring. In fact, visitors in spring are mesmerized by the sight of the 12-meter-tall weeping cherry tree in full bloom.
Hundreds of cherry trees bloom in the vast 8600㎡ grounds. A point to note is that you can leisurely view the atmospheric cherry blossoms from various angles thanks to the walking paths and benches. The night cherry blossoms illuminated after sunset are also a magnificent sight.
Why not try exploring the nearby area, which includes Yasaka Shrine, Gion, and the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art? Take a casual stroll and feel the traditional Japanese culture.
-Address: 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
-Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
-Illumination Hours: March 15 - April 13, 2025, 18:00-21:30 (Viewing reception until 21:00)
-Phone: 075-691-3325
-Official Homepage: https://toji.or.jp/
https://travelog.kty.tokyo/kyoto_toji.html
Overlooking Kyoto! 2 night view spots to enjoy the cityscape
Nidec Kyoto Tower
A recommended night view spot to enjoy the Kyoto cityscape is Nidec Kyoto Tower, a symbol of Kyoto. It was built in 1964 with the motif of a lighthouse illuminating Kyoto, which is likened to the sea.
Since Kyoto City has no tall buildings except around the station area, you can enjoy a 360° view of tourist spots like Kiyomizudera Temple and Mt. Hiei, as well as nature from the observation deck. It's fun to look at the places you've actually visited and the roads you've traveled.
At night, it's illuminated in various color variations for awareness campaigns and personal reasons, so enjoy the different beauties each time.
-Address: 721-1 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
-Observatory Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last entry 8:30 PM)
-Goods Corner Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
-Phone (Inquiries): 075-361-3215 (Weekdays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
-Official Website: https://www.kyoto-tower.jp/
Shogunzuka Seiryuden Obutai
A relatively new Kyoto tourist attraction is Shogunzuka Seiryuden Obutai. Completed in 2014, Seiryuden enshrines the National Treasure Blue Fudo Myo-o. Located 200m higher than the city area, you can overlook the entire Kyoto city from the large stage. At night, you can enjoy a different view from daytime Kyoto.
The seasonal plants in the garden in front of Seiryuden are also a highlight. Especially famous are the cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves, with light-up events held.
You'll surely be moved by the collaboration of Kyoto city and cherry blossoms or autumn leaves! As it's only accessible by car, it's recommended for those who want to enjoy the view and stroll leisurely with less crowding as a tourist spot.
-Address: 28 Zushioku Hanatori-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto City
-Viewing Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Reception ends at 4:30 PM)
-Phone: 075-771-0390
-Official Website: https://www.shogunzuka.com/
Mt. Inari Crossroads Observatory
Source:Google Maps
Mt. Inari Crossroads Observatory is a spot where visitors can quietly enjoy the Kyoto Night View of Kyoto City. Located near the summit of Mt. Inari, where the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its beautiful Torii gates is situated, the observatory features benches and observation decks.
Mt. Inari Crossroads Observatory is a hidden popular spot where you can quietly overlook the entire city of Kyoto. Compared to Kyoto City's tourist attractions crowded with travelers, there are fewer people here, allowing you to relax while gazing at the vast night sky and the sparkling Kyoto Night View of the city lights.
Reaching the observatory requires about 40 minutes of mountain trail climbing, but the slopes are not particularly steep. I climbed while enjoying the many consecutive red Torii gates and the mountain's natural beauty.
For those planning to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine or wanting to see the Kyoto Night View of the city, why not visit while also enjoying a leisurely hike?
Address: 612 Inariyama Kanyuchi, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Viewing Hours: 24 hours
Phone: 075-641-7331
Official Website: https://inari.jp/