Shosei-en Garden (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City), an outlying temple ground of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple (head temple of the Otani branch of the Shinshu sect of Buddhism, located in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City), will begin a special nighttime viewing called "Autumn Lights" on November 16, 2024. The garden, designated as a national scenic spot, will be lit up, allowing visitors to enjoy the autumn foliage of various trees, including Japanese maples.
Shosei-en Garden covers an area of approximately 35,000 square meters, and features a shoin study and teahouse, as well as seasonal scenery. It is said to have been created by the scholar Ishikawa Jozan on land donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu in the early Edo period.
A preview of the special nighttime viewing was held on November 14. As the sun went down, the trees and the curved bridge over the garden pond were illuminated by dim lights, creating an autumn atmosphere.
The viewing will run until December 15. 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm (reception closes at 9 pm). A special night-time maintenance donation of 1,000 yen (500 yen for middle and high school students) is requested.
There is also an event called "Night Boat Trip," where you take a 30-minute boat trip around the garden pond. This takes place four times each day on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during the period except for December 7th. Reservations must be made on the Shosei-en website. The total cost, including the night-time special maintenance donation, is 6,000 yen.
