Eikando (Zenrinji Temple) in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, known for its autumn foliage, conducted a test lighting event for its special autumn nighttime viewing, the "Maple Light-Up," on the night of November 7, 2025. The maple trees, beginning to turn yellow and red, shone fantastically under the lights.
The illumination event began in 2000. 720 lighting fixtures illuminate a total of approximately 3,000 autumn-leaved trees, including Japanese maples and mountain maples.
According to Eikando, the autumn foliage season has been getting later in recent years, and the illumination event has been pushed back each year. The best viewing period is expected to be from late November onwards. During this period, the Amida Hall's principal image, the "Looking Back Amida Nyorai Statue," will be open for viewing at night.
The special nighttime viewing is available from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM from November 15 to December 10 (last admission). The fee is 700 yen for junior high school students and older. An Autumn Temple Treasure Exhibition will also be held from November 11th to December 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last day of registration).
