If you’re starting to plan your trip around Japan’s best autumn destinations, make sure Kyoto is on your list. A number of the city’s ancient shrines and temples 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.
Built in 1175, Kurodani Temple 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 Friday November 15 and Sunday December 8.
The back garden will be open to visitors 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 in the evening. Some of the temple's historical artifacts will also be on show, including the treasured Tiger Room featuring beautifully painted sliding doors.
Evening visits (¥1,000, children ¥500) run from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. You can also book a premium plan (¥2,000, children ¥1,500), 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 featuring instruments like koto and bamboo flute will be performed 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 (¥1,600, children ¥800) 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 6 2024.
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