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.
Suggested Activity
Go Bar Hopping in Osaka [With Full Dinner]
Spend an evening exploring the bars in Osaka's popular nightlife district of Namba. Sample tasty Japanese pub-style food, and wash it down with your choice of drinks, from sake to umeshu and beer — all in the company of a knowledgeable guide!
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.Mid
Mar
~
Mid Apr
2026
夜桜ライトアップ 金堂・講堂夜間特別拝観【東寺】
-
Adults:
At the door: ¥1,000
-
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
