By SHINTARO KIKO/ Staff Writer
November 24, 2025 at 14:47 JST
Kiyomizudera temple in Kyoto is illuminated during a test lighting ahead of a special nighttime viewing event on Nov. 21. (Shintaro Kiko)
KYOTO--Autumn foliage is at its glorious peak at Kiyomizudera temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where visitors can marvel at the vivid colors under the annual nighttime illumination event.
Each night into early December, the famed wooden stage and approximately 1,000 maple trees on the temple grounds are lit up with about 500 lights.
A single blue beam of light, said to represent the compassion of the Kannon Bodhisattva, also is projected westward from above the main hall.
The event runs through Dec. 7, with the lights turned on from 5:30 p.m. and last admission at 9 p.m. Admission is 500 yen ($3.20) for adults and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students.
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