Toji Temple by night (Photo: Ryosuke Yagi / CC BY 2.0)

Sakura Illumination at Toji Temple

Spring's beauty on display after dark in Kyoto

Toji Temple by night (Photo: Ryosuke Yagi / CC BY 2.0)
Kim Bergström   - 1 min read

From late March until mid April each year, Kyoto's Toji Temple hosts an evening illumination event that celebrates the cherry trees in bloom on the grounds. In total there are around 200 sakura trees here, and they manage to look extra stunning when paired with the silhouette of the temple's five-storied pagoda.

Admission to the event is priced at 1000 yen for adults, and 500 yen for junior high school aged students and below.

Getting there

For JR users, Toji Temple is located around 15 minutes on foot from the Hachijo exit of Kyoto Station. Buses are also available from the station if you'd prefer not to walk - Route 78 will get you to the Toji Minamimon-mae

For those using the Kintetsu Railway, the temple is around 10 minutes on foot from Toji Station.

If you're visiting the area by car, the temple is around three and a half kilometers from the Kyoto Minami IC on National Route 1. On-site parking is available at a cost of 300 yen per hour.

More info

Find out more about Toji Temple.

Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström @kim.b

Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here.  🍵🌼🌸