A special autumn night illumination will transform Kakuyuzan Rokuouin (Kyoto City, Ukyo Ward) from November 21st (Friday) to December 14th (Sunday), 2025.
This historic temple holds a special place in Kyoto's spiritual heritage as the sole surviving sub-temple of the once-grand Hoto Zenji Temple. Originally founded by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and ranking fifth among Kyoto's prestigious ten great temples, Hoto Zenji was tragically lost during the Onin-Bunmei War, making Rokuouin all the more precious. The temple features Japan's first flat-style dry landscape garden that beautifully incorporates Mount Arashiyama as borrowed scenery—a design so remarkable it has earned designation as a Kyoto City scenic spot. The stone-paved pathway stretching from the mountain gate to the middle gate creates an enchanting approach, making this temple a cherished autumn foliage destination for those seeking Kyoto's hidden treasures.
Reservation Site
Rokuouin Night Special Viewing Reservation Site
Event Details
Period: November 21st - December 14th, 2025
Hours: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM (Last entry 7:00 PM)
Admission: 3,500 yen (includes matcha tea prepared by Sado Hayamizu School and original Rokuouin Japanese sweets)
Special Premium Experiences
Mystical Night with Shinobue Flute (November 25th only - Additional 2,000 yen)
Experience an enchanting evening featuring traditional shinobue flute performances by renowned player Kazuya Sato.
Saga Kyogen Cultural Performance (November 30th & December 7th only - Additional 1,500 yen)
Enjoy brief traditional kyogen comedy performances by the acclaimed Saga Dainenbutsu Kyogen troupe.
An Illuminated Journey to Tranquility
Limited to just 150 guests per evening (advance reservations required), this exclusive night viewing transforms the temple grounds into a mystical wonderland. Carefully positioned lighting creates a luminous pathway that symbolically guides visitors from the earthly realm into the Buddhist world of enlightenment. Gentle illumination embraces the sacred Shari-den hall containing Buddha's tooth relic, while the autumn foliage, bamboo groves, ancient pine trees, and mokoku trees are bathed in soft, warm light that reveals the temple's timeless beauty and spiritual essence.
