Shiromine-ji Temple, Temple No. 81 on the Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage in Sakaide, Kagawa Prefecture, will hold "Night Special Viewing Illumination 2026" from Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 29, 2026.
The event was first held in 2024, and this year marks its second edition, two years later. Autumn leaves and the buildings on the temple grounds will be lit up, and the Treasure Hall, which normally requires a reservation in advance, will be opened to the public for the occasion.
New this year are two experiences on the theme of "wishes and prayers," held in the Kyakuden (guest hall), an Important Cultural Property that is normally closed to visitors.
Shiromine-ji in Autumn After Dark
In autumn, the trees on the temple grounds change color, and the foliage frames historic buildings such as the main hall and Tonshoji-den. During the night viewing, both the autumn leaves and the buildings on the grounds are illuminated, so visitors can stroll around the temple and see Shiromine-ji in a different light from its daytime appearance.
Special Viewing Ticket
¥1,500
Includes admission to the Treasure Hall, which is specially opened for the event.
Free for elementary school students and younger.
Treasure Hall, Normally by Reservation Only, Opens to Visitors
Throughout the event, Shiromine-ji's Treasure Hall, which is normally open by advance reservation only, will be specially opened.
The Special Viewing Ticket includes admission to the Treasure Hall, so visitors can combine an evening walk around the grounds with a look at the history and culture handed down at Shiromine-ji.
Two Special Experiences in the Important Cultural Property Kyakuden
During this night viewing, the specially opened Kyakuden, an Important Cultural Property, will host two experiences on the theme of "wishes and prayers," to be enjoyed amid fantastical light.
Each experience is, in principle, by advance reservation only, and reservations can be made online only. If spaces remain on the day, tickets can also be purchased and participation arranged on site.
1. Wishes on Leaves of Light
An experience of wishes and prayers expressed through words
Visitors write their wishes on glowing leaves, which are then displayed in the temple grounds at night. After the event ends, the leaves, which glow gently in the dark, will be ritually burned (otakiage), with prayers that everyone's wishes reach the heavens.
Fee: ¥500
2. Making an Amulet for Someone Special
An experience of making an amulet to give as a gift
Visitors choose a favorite amulet design and make it by hand, adding a message for someone dear to them. The finished amulet can be taken home as is and given to that person.
Fee: ¥1,000
Warm Food and Tea Sweets on an Autumn Night
Warm food and sweets are also planned at the venue. At the tea hall, visitors can enjoy Goshikidai honey tea along with a tea sweet made with Sakaide Sankintoki.
Visitors can take their time over an autumn evening as they stroll around the illuminated grounds.
Event Information
| Event Name | Night Special Viewing Illumination 2026 |
| Dates | November 13 (Fri) to 15 (Sun), November 20 (Fri) to 23 (Mon, national holiday), November 27 (Fri) to 29 (Sun), 2026 |
| Hours | Illumination hours 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM, last admission 8:45 PM |
| Special Viewing Ticket | ¥1,500 (includes admission to the specially opened Treasure Hall), free for elementary school students and younger |
| Experience Fees | Wishes on Leaves of Light: ¥500 Making an Amulet for Someone Special: ¥1,000 Each experience is, in principle, by advance reservation only (online only). If spaces remain on the day, tickets can also be purchased and participation arranged on site. |
| Venue | Shiromine-ji Temple, 2635 Aomi-cho, Sakaide City, Kagawa (Map) |
| Parking | A temporary parking area will be set up nearby. Spaces are limited, so carpooling is encouraged. |
How to Buy Tickets
Online
Special Viewing Tickets can be purchased online.
At a ticket window
Paper Special Viewing Tickets are also planned for sale at the Sakaide City Tourist Information Center inside JR Sakaide Station. The on-sale date will be announced once it is decided. The center is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Photos courtesy of 四国カメラ部 (Shikoku Camera Bu).
