Written by Aarohi Narain
For one month each spring, Toji Temple, one of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, transforms into a glowing dreamscape.
What happens?
During the height of cherry blossom season each year, Kyoto’s iconic Toji Temple puts on springtime illuminations.
The temple’s five-story pagoda, Kondo Hall, and Kodo Lecture Hall are decorated with lights.
The star of the show? The Fuji Sakura, a double-flowered, red weeping cherry tree that takes center stage in a surreal nighttime spectacle.
Schedule 2025
The illuminations take place from March 15 to April 13, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (last entry at 9 p.m.)
Tickets
Tickets cost ¥1,000 each for adults and ¥500 for junior high school students and younger.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
15th Mar–13th Apr, 2025
Add to Calendar
6:00pm – 9:30pm
夜桜ライトアップ 金堂・講堂夜間特別拝観【東寺】
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Adults:
At the door: ¥1,000
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Children:
At the door: ¥500
Official site
⚠️ Link in Japanese
- 495 m from Tōji Station Kyoto Line (Kintetsu) (B2)
- 1.0 km from Kyoto Station Tōkaido ShinkansenJR Kyoto Line (A31)Nara Line (D1)Karasuma Line (K11)Kyoto Line (Kintetsu) (B1)Biwako Line (A31)Sagano Line (E1)
- 1.1 km from Kujō Station Karasuma Line (K12)
Typical weather at this time:
High: 18 ºC
Low: 4 ºC
