If you’re starting to make your way through Japan’s best autumn destinations, you’ll want to make sure Kyoto is on your list. A number of the city’s ancient shrines and temples, including the iconic Kiyomizu-dera, will be lit up with brilliant illuminations, turning the season’s colourful foliage into a magical sight. Hoping to skip the crowds for a more low-key destination? Check out Kyoto’s stunning Kurodani Temple.
Kurodani Temple was built back in 1175 and is one of eight head temples representing the Jodo sect of Buddhism. The temple's back garden boasts some of the best foliage on the grounds, but it's usually closed to the public. However, Kurodani Temple will open the area up for a limited time between Wednesday November 15 and Sunday December 3.
The back garden will be open to visitors both during the day and in the evening, so you'll get a chance to catch the secluded temple’s autumn scenery. Plus, there will even be live music during the evening viewings. Some of the temple's historical artifacts will also be on show, including the treasured Tiger Room featuring beautifully painted sliding doors.
Evening viewings (¥1,000, children ¥500) run between 5.30pm to 8.30pm. You can also book a premium plan (¥1,500, children ¥1,000), which allows you to enter the temple grounds 30 minutes before general admission. The temple’s old buildings and trees will be lit up, so you can enjoy the surrounding scenery. Live traditional Japanese music will be performed at the temple garden in front of the main hall every night at 5.45pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm.
If you’d rather see the grounds while the sun is shining, go for a day viewing (¥1,000, children ¥500) between 10am and 4.30pm. This gives you a chance to see the grounds in all their glory, along with a superb panoramic view of the city from the temple’s mountain gate.
For more information on Kurodani Temple, visit the website.
This article was published on November 8 2021 and updated on September 7 2023.
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