"Miidera Night Special Visit and Autumn Leaves Illumination" (三井寺 夜の特別拝観と紅葉ライトアップ) will be held at Miidera Temple (三井寺) in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, on two Saturdays, November 28 and December 5, 2026. The event is organized by the Shiga Branch of the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).
Miidera, formally named 長等山園城寺 (Onjoji), is the head temple of the Tendai Jimon sect (天台寺門宗). It has a history of more than 1,200 years and is also known as the "Phoenix Temple" (不死鳥の寺), having survived many persecutions.
This is the third year of the event. After regular visiting hours end, the temple is reserved for participants, who walk through the night grounds that are not usually seen. Participants can view the Kondo (金堂) inner sanctuary, a National Treasure that is normally closed to the public, and enjoy an autumn leaves illumination that is not open to the general public, with commentary by a monk.
Special Viewing of the Normally Closed National Treasure Kondo Inner Sanctuary
During the event, participants can view the inner sanctuary of the Kondo, a National Treasure that is normally closed to the public.
Buddhist statues owned by Miidera that are normally closed to the public, dating from the Muromachi period to the early Edo period, the era in which the Toyotomi brothers (豊臣兄弟) were active, will also be on view for a limited time. With commentary by a monk, participants can learn about the history and faith that have been handed down at Miidera.
Autumn Leaves Illumination Not Open to the General Public
Participants walk through the central precinct (中院) area of the temple grounds, where the Niomon gate and the Three-Storied Pagoda stand, with commentary by a monk.
The night grounds, which are not open to the general public, are illuminated. Participants can see a different, ethereal view from the daytime, created by historic buildings and autumn leaves.
Three-Storied Pagoda. Image courtesy of （公社）びわこビジターズビューロー (Biwako Visitors Bureau).
Event Details
- Event name: Miidera Night Special Visit and Autumn Leaves Illumination (三井寺 夜の特別拝観と紅葉ライトアップ)
- Dates and times:
- Saturday, November 28, 2026, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
- Venue: Miidera Temple (総本山 三井寺), central precinct (中院) area (246 Onjoji-cho, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture)
- Capacity: 60 participants per session (planned). The minimum number of participants for the event to be held is 50 per session.
- Fee:
- Elementary school age and older: ¥2,600 for JAF members, ¥3,100 for the general public
- Younger than elementary school age: ¥100 (insurance fee)
- Companions of JAF members are also charged the member price.
- How to apply: Advance registration through the JAF website. If applications exceed capacity, participants are chosen by lottery.
- Application deadlines:
- November 28 session: Tuesday, November 10, 11:59 PM
- December 5 session: Tuesday, November 17, 11:59 PM
Advance registration is required to take part. For details and to apply, see the event page.
All images are for illustration purposes only.
