Kiyomizu-dera Special Night Illumination - Seasonal Light-up Events Throughout Spring, Summer and Autumn

Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama district is an ancient temple with more than 1,200 years of history since its founding in 778, and is one of Japan's most representative temples, registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1994. This venerable temple holds "Special Night Illumination" three times a year—in spring, summer, and autumn—reopening the temple grounds with illumination after daytime worship has concluded. This special illumination, which began with spring cherry blossom lighting in 1992, has become established as a beloved feature of Kyoto's nights for over 30 years, and has become a popular event that attracts many worshippers from both Japan and overseas. The greatest feature of the special night illumination is the approximately 500 lighting devices installed throughout the temple grounds and a single blue searchlight that represents the compassion of Kannon Bodhisattva. The sight of this mystical blue light extending straight toward Kyoto's night sky has become an iconic scene beloved as the symbol of Kiyomizu-dera's special night illumination. The National Treasure main hall "Kiyomizu Stage" that emerges in the illumination displays a fantastical beauty completely different from daytime, and is truly worth seeing. The ability to enjoy different charms with each season is also a major characteristic of this special night illumination. During the spring illumination period, approximately 1,000 Someiyoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees planted throughout the grounds are illuminated as night cherry blossoms, creating spectacular views. The summer illumination is combined with a special religious event called "Sennichi-mairi," and on the day of maximum merit when one day of worship is said to equal 1,000 days of merit, special viewing of the main hall's inner sanctuary is also possible. In autumn, over 1,000 maple trees turn crimson, and the autumn foliage illumination colors the entire temple grounds. The highlights of worship lie in the circuit route that continues from Niomon Gate to the three-story pagoda, main hall, and then to Oku-no-in. The view from Oku-no-in is particularly known as a spectacular viewing point, where you can simultaneously enjoy the illuminated Kiyomizu Stage and the night view of Kyoto city. Additionally, the lighting installed throughout the grounds clearly illuminates even the fine details of the beautiful wooden architecture of the Important Cultural Properties three-story pagoda and main hall, allowing you to feel up close the solemnity and technical elegance of the buildings that you might not notice during the day. This special night illumination at Kiyomizu-dera is a special time that we hope you will experience if your timing aligns, as it allows you to simultaneously experience Japan's history and culture, as well as religious sanctity.