Illumination Specials Through the Four Seasons – Enjoy Kyoto Until Nightfall in Kimono

Kyoto is home to many famous cherry blossom and autumn foliage spots that attract visitors from around the world. Here, we’ll introduce some of Kyoto’s best illumination spots!
Kyoto’s nights can be enjoyed in every season.
Especially in spring and autumn, there are numerous nighttime temple openings and illuminations, including at Kiyomizu-dera and To-ji Temple♪♪♪
From March to April, when the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, and in November, when the autumn leaves turn vibrant, you can’t miss the special nighttime openings and events held at historic temples and shrines (^^♪
Experience the enchanting nighttime world, different from the daytime, as you stroll in kimono.
You’re sure to savor the true atmosphere of Kyoto (^_-)-☆

Nijo Castle
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nijo Castle is home to about 300 cherry trees representing 50 varieties, from Kanhi-zakura and Somei Yoshino to Yamazakura, Shidare-zakura, and Sato-zakura.
During the annual spring illumination, the blossoms and historic structures are lit up in a magical glow, allowing you to fully enjoy the springtime beauty of Kyoto!

To-ji Temple
Conveniently located near Kyoto Station, the UNESCO World Heritage site To-ji is famous for its magnificent “Fuji-zakura,” a double-petaled weeping cherry tree over 130 years old.
This impressive single cherry tree is illuminated alongside Japan’s tallest five-storied pagoda.

Maruyama Park – Yasaka Shrine Area
Adjacent to Yasaka Shrine and Chion-in lies the scenic Maruyama Park, home to the renowned “Gion Shidare-zakura,” also called “Gion’s Night Cherry Blossom,” which is especially beautiful when viewed at night.
Stalls and food stands line the path from Yasaka Shrine to Maruyama Park, creating a festive hanami atmosphere bustling with flower-viewing visitors.

Gion – Shirakawa
The Shirakawa River flows through Kyoto’s famous geisha district, Gion.
From Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine to Kawabata-dori along the Kamo River, you’ll find a picturesque cherry-lined path.
The area near Tatsumi Bridge, with its stone-paved streets and vermillion lattice windows, offers one of the most “Kyoto-like” sceneries.
When visiting Kyoto, it’s a must-see street to stroll in kimono♪

Kiyomizu-dera Temple
On spring nights, a single blue beam of light representing “the compassion of Kannon” illuminates the temple.
The famous wooden stage of Kiyomizu and its three-storied pagoda glow in a mystical light, surrounded by cherry blossoms and the beauty of Kyoto’s cityscape.
With about 1,500 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura, this is one of Kyoto’s top cherry blossom viewing spots.
The night view of Kyoto from the Kiyomizu stage makes spring evenings unforgettable.

From early July to mid-August, Kibune Shrine hosts the Tanabata Bamboo Decoration Illumination until around 8:00 pm.
Make a wish to Kibune Okami, the deity of Tanabata, and enjoy the gentle lights while cooling off in the evening.

The Gion Festival in July
This month-long festival is one of Japan’s most famous. The highlights are the grand processions of floats (Yamaboko Junko) held on July 17 (Saki Matsuri) and July 24 (Ato Matsuri).
The dramatic turning of the giant floats at intersections such as Shijo-Kawaramachi and Kawaramachi-Oike, known as “tsuji-mawashi,” is the most exciting moment.
On Yoiyama nights, the lanterns of the floats are lit, and the festive Gion-bayashi music is played, filling the streets with excitement♪♪♪
Food stalls line the pedestrian-only streets, making it the perfect occasion to wear yukata (*^^)v

Kyoto Tanabata Festival
Among Kyoto’s many summer events, “Kyoto Tanabata” is a seasonal tradition.
Held in August, aligned with the lunar calendar’s Tanabata, the festival’s theme is “prayers” and “wishes.”
Illuminations and summer festivals take place across different areas, including Horikawa, Kamogawa, Okazaki, Umekoji, Kitano Kamiyagawa, and Nijo Castle.
Wind chimes and lights decorate the Kamogawa riverside, creating a cool and refreshing summer ambiance.
Yukata is the perfect attire for this seasonal festival♪♪♪

Daimonji Bonfire (Gozan no Okuribi)
The finale of Kyoto’s summer is the Daimonji Bonfire, one of Kyoto’s most famous traditional events.
If you’re visiting Kyoto in summer, this is a must-see.
With so many festivals and events, Kyoto’s summer nights are full of charm.
With a yukata rental from Rental Kimono Okamoto, you can easily slip into yukata without bringing anything and enjoy a carefree stroll through Kyoto (^_-)-☆
Be sure to experience Kyoto’s vibrant summer nights in yukata!

Eikando Temple
Known since ancient times as “Eikando for autumn leaves,” this is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated fall foliage spots.
Around 3,000 maples paint the strolling pond garden, highlighting the Tahōjuto Pagoda and Amida Hall, enveloping the temple in radiant colors.

Nanzen-ji Temple
This head temple of Rinzai Zen sits on vast grounds spanning 45,000 tsubo (about 15 hectares).
Nearby attractions include the famous aqueduct Suirokaku, the Sanmon Gate, the Keage Incline, and the Philosopher’s Path.
Within the precincts are beautiful sub-temples such as Tenju-an with its gardens, and Nanzen-in with its strolling garden, where visitors can quietly enjoy the autumn colors.

Tofuku-ji Temple
Famous for about 2,000 maple trees, Tofuku-ji is especially renowned for the sea of crimson leaves seen from Tsuten-kyo Bridge.
Its checkerboard-patterned Hojo Garden and the special opening of the sub-temple Tentoku-in make this a must-see autumn highlight.

Kodaiji Temple
Built by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, in his memory, Kodaiji is a nationally renowned autumn foliage spot.
The illuminated leaves reflected on Garyochi Pond create an otherworldly scene of mysterious beauty.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Another of Kyoto’s premier autumn foliage spots and a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 1,200 years of history.
The temple complex is vast, with the famous wooden stage of the main hall, the three-storied pagoda, and Oku-no-in Hall.
From the stage of Kiyomizu, you can gaze upon the brilliant sea of red leaves in the valley called Nishikiun-kyo, with views stretching as far as Kyoto Tower.
The night view combined with autumn leaves is simply breathtaking.

Winter is a season when Kyoto’s charm as an ancient capital can be felt even more deeply.
There are many special openings of cultural properties, such as treasured buildings and Buddhist statues, and events unique to winter.
But the most beautiful of all is Kyoto’s snowy scenery♪
Kibune Shrine
The combination of snow and the shrine’s vermilion lanterns creates an unforgettable scene.
There are also limited-time snow illuminations on days when the snow piles up—many visitors come just to catch this rare view.
If you’re lucky enough to see it, it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime sight (^^;

Arashiyama – Togetsukyo Bridge
Although the Kyoto Hanatouro illumination ended in 2022, Arashiyama remains stunning in winter.
The Togetsukyo Bridge, spanning the Oi River (called the Hozu upstream and the Katsura downstream), is beautiful in every season, but the snowy landscape is exceptional.
Nearby temples and gardens also offer special winter openings.
At Arashiyama Station, the Kimono Forest is illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for kimono photos.

Kyoto Station Skywalk & Christmas Lights
From the Skywalk on the 10th floor of Kyoto Station, you can enjoy panoramic night views of Kyoto and Kyoto Tower.
Before Christmas, the East Square and grand staircase feature sound-and-light art shows.
It’s an ideal spot for a romantic kimono date (^^♪

Even in the cold winter, Kyoto offers plenty of chances to wear kimono, from New Year’s visits to shrines to plum blossom viewing.
For a winter stroll through Kyoto, we recommend dressing up in kimono (^_-)-☆

Want to enjoy wearing kimono until late at night?
Want to attend festivals or events in yukata?
Rental Kimono Okamoto offers flexible return plans!
• Next-Day Return Plan: Return your kimono to the shop the following day.
• Hotel Return Plan: Your belongings are delivered to your hotel, and you simply return the kimono to the hotel front desk the next morning.
With these stress-free options, you can fully enjoy Kyoto at night without worrying about the time.

Experience the Seasonal Charm of Kyoto
Rental Kimono Okamoto offers everything from retro styles to classic designs.
Kimono will surely make your Kyoto sightseeing even more memorable.
Enjoy Kyoto’s seasonal events throughout the year in kimono (^_-)-☆
We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Author
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