From November 7 (Saturday) to December 6 (Sunday), 2026, Chishaku-in, the head temple of the Chisan branch of Shingon Buddhism in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward, hosts a special autumn evening illumination event called the "Chisan Autumn Leaves Light-up" (Chisan Momijitsuki).
Set within the temple's solemn grounds, the event combines brightly colored autumn leaves, about 3,000 bamboo lights, and a dreamlike sea of clouds created with mist, forming a space that can be seen only on autumn nights. It is produced by the creative team behind "嵐山月灯路," which recorded more than 60 million total social media views in 2025, and "東寺月回廊," held at the World Heritage site Toji. With light, nature, and the stately Kondo (main hall) in harmony, the event shows a different side of Chishaku-in from its daytime appearance.
JR Central's "EX Travel Reservation" is also selling priority entry tickets that let visitors enter without lining up at the ticket booth on the day. The event offers a way to round off an autumn sightseeing trip in Kyoto with an evening wrapped in light.
Highlights
1. A Night-Only View of Autumn Leaves and a Dreamlike Sea of Clouds
Along Chishaku-in's long approach and around the bell tower, which is surrounded by autumn leaves, visitors can see brightly colored foliage lit up together with a sea of clouds created by mist. The vivid colors of the leaves, the soft light, and the cloud effect overlap to create a dreamlike autumn space across the grounds.
A dreamlike scene of a sea of clouds and lanterns along the approach
Densely packed autumn leaves and the bell tower create a beautiful setting
2. About 3,000 Bamboo Lights Fill the Grounds
Warm light from about 3,000 bamboo lights spreads across the venue. Their soft glow colors the grounds and blends with the autumn leaves and the stately Kondo to create a scene full of character. Near the Kondo, the Goma Dojo area features a photo spot with bamboo lights laid out across the entire ground. The sight of countless lights and autumn leaves together invites photographs and is one of the event's signature highlights.
Visitors can stand amid a field of bamboo lights to take photos
The soft glow of the bamboo lights illuminates the Kondo and the autumn leaves
3. A Special Evening with Food and Drink at the Premium Seats
A "Priority Entry Ticket with Premium Seat" is also available, allowing guests to enjoy food and drink while viewing the event. At the premium seats, guests can take their time over food and drink in the event's dreamlike atmosphere. The option suits an autumn evening in Kyoto spent with family, friends, or loved ones.
Priority Entry Ticket with Premium Seat
- Offered from: November 14 (Saturday), planned
- Session 1: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
- Session 2: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Price: ¥6,500 (tax included, food and drink included)
Sample menu served at the premium seats
Priority Entry Tickets on Sale via EX Travel Reservation
JR Central's "EX Travel Reservation" sells priority entry tickets for the Chisan Autumn Leaves Light-up. Reserving in advance means visitors do not need to line up at the ticket booth on the day and can enter the paid area through a dedicated reception. Because tickets can be secured ahead of time to fit a Kyoto sightseeing schedule, visitors can enjoy an autumn visit to Kyoto more comfortably.
Priority Entry Ticket Information
- Hours: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (last entry 8:40 PM)
- Price: Adults ¥1,500 (tax included), free for elementary school students and younger
- Buy priority entry tickets here
Purchasing requires membership registration with EX Express Reservation or Smart EX.
Sales may end once the planned quantity is reached.
Depending on crowding, visitors may have to wait before entering.
General admission tickets are also sold at the on-site ticket booth on the day of the event.
Free Shuttle Bus from Kyoto Station on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays
On Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays during the event period, a free shuttle bus runs between the JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit and Chishaku-in. Because it connects Kyoto Station directly to the venue, it is convenient for visitors combining the event with sightseeing in Kyoto.
Free Shuttle Bus Information
- Operating days: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the event period
- Boarding location: Sightseeing bus stop at the JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (in front of Avanti)
- Destination: Chishaku-in
Free shuttle bus boarding location
Free shuttle bus timetable
For details such as operating times, please check the official event website.
Event Overview
| Event Name | Chisan Autumn Leaves Light-up (Chisan Momijitsuki) |
| Dates | November 7 (Saturday) to December 6 (Sunday), 2026 |
| Hours | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (last entry 8:40 PM) |
| Venue | Chishaku-in, 964 Higashikawara-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto 605-0951 (Map) |
| Admission | Adults ¥1,500 (tax included), free for elementary school students and younger |
| Official Website | https://blayn.jp/chisan |
| Endorsement | JR Central, Kyoto City Tourism Association |
Access
- 20 minutes from JR Kyoto Station by bus and on foot (about a 3-minute walk from the "Higashiyama Shichijo" Kyoto City Bus stop)
- About a 10-minute walk from Keihan Railway's Shichijo Station
- On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the event period, a free shuttle bus runs from the JR Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit
Visitors are asked to use public transportation.
All images are for illustrative purposes.
The coloring and peak viewing time of the autumn leaves vary with the weather and other conditions.
Event details are subject to change. Please check the official event website for the latest information.
