Daigo-ji Temple's 2026 Autumn Illumination Brings Unfulfilled Dream to Life

Written by: Wemmy Chau

Date published: 14 November 2026

Daigo-ji Temple is one of Kyoto’s best-known cherry blossom spots. It’s where the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi held his lavish spring flower-viewing party, the Daigo Hanami. He also dreamed of returning for a momijigari, an autumn maple-viewing gathering, but died before he could hold it.

From November 20 to December 6, 2026, this World Heritage temple will bring that idea to life with its autumn evening opening. Come after dark to see the temple grounds in a softer light, with illuminated maples and quiet paths that feel worlds away from a daytime visit.

(Main image credit: Daigo-ji Temple)
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Table of Contents

Soft Lighting Brings Out Daigo-ji’s National Treasures
Buddhist Chanting and Fire Rituals on Select Evenings
Save on Admission by Booking Online

Soft Lighting Brings Out Daigo-ji’s National Treasures

Image credit: Daigo-ji Temple

Daigo-ji takes a restrained approach to its evening illumination. Soft, layered lighting draws the eye to the centuries-old buildings and the autumn landscape around them.

Image credit: Daigo-ji Temple

After dark, the softly lit Kondo Main Hall and five-story pagoda, both National Treasures, are especially striking. In the Rinsen garden and Muryoju-en, the water mirrors the illuminated maple leaves. Take your time on the paths. The reflections change as you walk.

Buddhist Chanting and Fire Rituals on Select Evenings

Image credit: Daigo-ji Temple

On select nights, the temple will hold two traditional Buddhist ceremonies amid the illuminated maples: shomyo chanting and a goma fire ritual.

Image credit: Daigo-ji Temple

Shomyo is a style of Buddhist chanting in which monks sing sacred texts to distinctive melodies. In the esoteric Buddhist goma ritual, wooden offerings are burned as prayers are made. The flicker of the flames and the sound of chanting offer a rare glimpse into traditions passed down at Daigo-ji for generations.

Ceremony Dates: November 21, November 22, November 23 (national holiday), December 5, and December 6

Ceremony Schedule: ・6:30–6:50 PM: Shomyo chanting
・7:15–7:30 PM: Goma fire ritual
・8–8:20 PM: Shomyo chanting

Save on Admission by Booking Online

Evening admission is 1,500 yen at the gate or 1,400 yen if you book online in advance. Groups of 20 or more pay 1,200 yen per person. Booking ahead also saves you time at the ticket counter.

Daigo-ji Temple’s 2026 Autumn Evening Opening

Dates: November 20–December 6, 2026

Evening Hours: 6–8:50 PM (last entry at 8:10 PM)
*The grounds are cleared after daytime visits, then reopen for the evening session.

Areas Open: Daigo-ji’s Garan precinct, including the Kondo Main Hall, five-story pagoda, Rinsen garden, and Muryoju-en

Admission: ・Advance online tickets: 1,400 yen
・Same-day tickets: 1,500 yen
・Groups of 20 or more: 1,200 yen per person

Daigo-ji Temple

醍醐寺
- Address 22, Daigohigashiojicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 601-1325
  View Map
- Nearest Station Daigo Station （Tozai Line）
  10 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 075-571-0002
View Details

Book Online (Japanese or English)

Daigo-ji Official Website

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Written by:

Wemmy Chau

LIVE JAPAN

Originally from Hong Kong, she graduated from university with a degree in English and Japanese before moving to Chiba, Japan, in 2015. With her 10 years of experience living in Japan, she excels at discovering unique, off-the-beaten-path information that you won't find in typical travel guides. Specializing in art, seasonal scenery, and theme parks, she provides the latest and most useful travel information. She has experience writing for major travel media outlets and regional tourism websites and has also obtained JLPT Level 1 certification. She hopes to offer reliable travel information from a unique Hong Kong perspective.

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*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
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