Illuminate your Kyoto holiday with bamboo
The Nishiyama area to the southwest of Kyoto city will host an extraordinary event this autumn. Local volunteers have united to bring together a magical bamboo lantern event which will illuminate the sacred grounds of three different temples and shrines consecutively. Join to be one of few to bathe in the soft glow of the countless bamboo lanterns and experience a very special moment in their thousand-year history. This will undoubtedly be an unforgettable autumn memory of Kyoto.
Kyoto Nishiyama Take Akari Venues
Since ancient times, oil extracted from kaya (Japanese nutmeg-yew) trees has been used to light the sacred lamp at this shrine, and the Kagura hall has been used for special Noh performances since the mid-Edo period.
Admission FREE (please make an offering)
Its extensive grounds and scenic views will transform from a solemn daytime appearance into a profound world of inviting, glowing light. One of the temple’s features is the 37-meter-long dragon pine.
Yanagidani Kannon (Yokokuji Temple)
Yanagidani Kannon’s vast precincts are photogenic all year round. Enjoy the Jodoen garden (designated by Kyoto Prefecture as a place of scenic beauty) illuminated with bamboo lanterns, and flower-adorned ritual water basins.
About the Nishiyama Area
Just a short ride from Kyoto station, the Nishiyama area boasts its own rich history. The area is dotted with famous temples and shrines for visitors to come and explore.
From abandoned bamboo groves to a valuable local resource
Kyoto’s Nishiyama area is renowned for its delicious bamboo shoots, yet an aging population and lack of successors have led to many groves becoming abandoned. This event is an attempt by a local NPO and a team of volunteers to revive this resource for local good.
Sponsored by: Agency for Cultural Affairs Collaboration Platform
Supported by:
・Hotel and Spa Kyoto Eminence
・Heian Kensetsu Co.
・Itoen Ltd.
In cooperation with:
・Chikaken Products
・NPO Kyoto Hatsu Take Ryuikikankyo Net
・JR Tokai
・MK Travel
・Nanjo Kobo/LinNe
・Kyoto Nishiyama/Oharano Hoshokai
・Kyoto University of Foreign Studies
Sponsor: Agency for Cultural Affairs Collaboration Platform
Inquiries:
Kyoto City, Nishikyo-ku Ward Office, Rakusai Branch
Regional Promotion, General Affairs/Disaster Prevention Section
Tel: 075–332–9185
Fax: 075–332–8188
(Japanese only)
Kyoto Nishiyama Take-Akari is supported by the 2025 Subsidy for Cultural Resource Activation (Japan Cultural Heritage Activation Promotion Project).