Oct 25th
Dec 15th
<p>Reflections of the lights in the pond beside&nbsp;Kodai-ji&nbsp;Temple.</p>
Reflections of the lights in the pond beside Kodai-ji Temple. (Photo: Hannah Sy)

Kodai-ji Autumn Illumination 2024

Light up at Fall brings new life to an iconic temple

Hannah Sy   - 1 min read
Venue : Kodaiji Temple When : Oct 25th - Dec 15th 2024, 5:00pm - 9:30pm

Formally known as Kodaijusho-zenji Temple and located in the Higashiyama Mountains of eastern Kyoto, Kodai-ji Temple was established in 1605 by a woman named Kita-no-Mandokoro to honor the memory of her late husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Kodai-ji was struck by a series of fires after 1789 but fortunately the original buildings of Otama-ya, Kaisan-do, Kangetsu-dai, Kasa-tei and Shigure-tei survived the fire and are in excellent state of preservation. They have all been designated as "Important Cultural Properties" by the Japanese Government.

Every Spring, Summer and Fall Kodai-ji is open until 9:30pm to showcase their garden set up with lights. In early November the fall season begins and leaves are turning to shades of yellow, red and orange. Entrance is ¥600.

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Find out more about Kodaiji Temple.

Hannah Sy

Hannah Sy @hannah.sy