Written by Aarohi Narain
Float into Kōdai-ji Temple’s luminous spring tribute to Empress Nene.
What to expect
Each spring, Kōdai-ji Temple is set aglow with lights and seasonal blooms.
This Kyoto temple, built by Empress Nene in honor of her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, will host a special nighttime illumination event called Saki – Flowers Without Mind, featuring cherry blossoms, lights, and projection mapping.
Marking 400 years since Nene’s passing, the event draws inspiration from the Zen phrase: “With no mind, flowers invite butterflies, and with no mind, butterflies seek flowers”.
Confused? This phrase expresses the idea that things happen naturally and harmoniously without force or conscious effort, reflecting a core Zen principle of being present and allowing things to unfold naturally.
Schedule 2025
The illuminations take place from March 14 to May 6, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (last entry is 9:30 p.m.)
Tickets
The entrance fee is ¥600 for adults.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.Add to Calendar
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Adults:
At the door: ¥600
- 0.9 km from Gion-Shijō Station Keihan Main Line (KH39)
- 1.0 km from Higashiyama Station Tōzai Line (T10)
- 1.1 km from Kawaramachi Station Hankyu Kyoto Main Line (HK86)
