Kiyomizu-dera at night: the 2026 evening openings
On a normal day the grounds close at 18:00, or at 18:30 from 1 July to 31 August. Three times a year the temple stays open into the evening for a special visit. In 2026 the dates are 27 March to 5 April, 14 to 16 August and 21 to 30 November. On these evenings the halls, the stage and the trees are lit.
The hours are the same in all three seasons. The grounds close at 21:30 and the last entry is at 21:00. You do not need a reservation. Adults pay JPY 500 and elementary and junior high school students pay JPY 200 (2026). The dates move from year to year, so check the temple calendar before you plan a trip around them.
Spring, summer and autumn compared
Evening openings in 2026. Entry is the same JPY 500 for adults in each season.
| Season | Dates 2026 | Hours | Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 27 March to 5 April | 06:00 to 21:30, last entry 21:00 | Not needed |
| Summer | 14 to 16 August | 06:00 to 21:30, last entry 21:00 | Not needed |
| Autumn | 21 to 30 November | 06:00 to 21:30, last entry 21:00 | Not needed |
In autumn the evening program starts at 17:30. The temple itself opens at 06:00 every day, so you can also arrive by daylight and stay on.
Evening and walking tours in Kyoto
Guided walks through Higashiyama and Gion, with live prices and availability. Check whether temple entry is part of the tour.
What the evenings are like
One season at a time.
Spring: cherry blossom evenings
The spring opening runs from 27 March to 5 April, which fits the usual cherry season. The grounds have cherry trees, and they are lit on these evenings.
Bloom dates depend on the year and cannot be promised. Our best time guide covers the season.
Summer: three evenings in August
The summer opening is 14 to 16 August. From 9 to 16 August there is also a thousand-day prayer period, with access to the innermost part of the main hall from 09:00 to 17:00, and until 21:00 on the three evening days. The price is JPY 500 for adults and JPY 200 for students. By tradition one day of prayer on these days is said to count as a thousand days.
Autumn: maple evenings
The autumn opening runs from 21 to 30 November. The three-storey pagoda and the maples are the main sights. The Joju-in garden is also open from 10:00 to 16:00 and from 18:00 to 20:30 on these days, without a reservation. Ask at the ticket window whether it is included in your ticket.
The blue light and what to expect
Lighting at the temple has a meaning.
The blue beam of light that rises from the grounds stands for the compassion of Kannon, the deity the temple venerates. It is part of the evening opening and not a show with fixed times. Do not plan around a timetable or a laser display.
The stage is the best-known spot. Come to see the lit hall and the view over the city after dark.
Paths are uneven and have steps, so wear sturdy shoes. The last entry is at 21:00, so do not arrive close to the closing time.
Practical tips for an evening visit
Getting there and getting back.
Getting there
Allow time for the walk up from the bus stop or from Gojozaka. The getting there page explains the bus and rail routes. The city car park at Kiyomizuzaka does not take private cars from 7 October to 10 December 2026, and coaches need a reservation.
Plan the rest of the evening
Walk down through the old lanes afterwards. See Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka for the walk, or Gion for the district to the north.
The stage by day
If you come for the view, see the stage guide. The night visit shows the same building in a different light.
Another Kyoto shrine after dark
Kyoto has other places that are worth seeing at night. The independent guide to Fushimi Inari covers Fushimi Inari at night.
Kiyomizu-dera at night: frequently asked questions
When is the Kiyomizu-dera night illumination in 2026?
The evening openings are 27 March to 5 April, 14 to 16 August and 21 to 30 November. On these evenings the grounds close at 21:30. The dates change each year.
Do I need a reservation?
No. The evening openings do not require a reservation. You buy a ticket at the gate, and the last entry is at 21:00.
How much is the entry in the evening?
JPY 500 for adults and JPY 200 for elementary and junior high school students in 2026. This is the same as the daytime price.
Is the temple lit every night?
No. Outside the three evening openings the grounds close at 18:00, or at 18:30 from 1 July to 31 August. Plan your visit around the dates above.
When does the evening opening start?
The temple is open from 06:00. In autumn the evening program starts at 17:30.
Is Jishu Shrine open in the evening?
Jishu Shrine is closed for repairs, so it is not part of a visit at the moment. See the Jishu Shrine page for the current status.