Witness ancient prayers illuminated by the bamboo lanterns’ glow
Those of faith gather here at the 20th temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, which covers 33 temples in the Kansai area. Yoshiminedera is known as the temple of Keishoin (1627–1705), the Kyoto-born mother of the fifth Tokugawa shogun, Tsunayoshi. One of the highlights is the night view overlooking Kyoto City from the temple grounds; a fitting view worthy of a temple of the heavens.
Bamboo lanterns gently illuminate the solemn temple grounds, creating an enduring spectacle with the fall colours. Come and enjoy a wonderful evening this autumn in Kyoto, and watch history and nature, prayer and light harmonize.
Highlights
- Buddhist Memorial Service in commemoration of the Sutra Hall renovations
October 31st (Sat) 19:00 - Special opening of the treasure hall containing fusuma depicting koi carp painted by Japanese television personality, actor, artist, and former professional boxer Kataoka Tsurutaro
- Orin performance and heart sutra reading made as an offering inside the treasure hall
Held every evening on November dates - Illuminated landscapes blending fall colors with bamboo lanterns
- Take-Akari photo spot with a Kyoto city nighttime backdrop
Yoshiminedera is one of the famous temples of the thirty-three temples containing statues of Kannon in the Kansai area. The approach from the main gate to the main hall will be lit with bamboo lanterns, and visitors can enjoy the profound scenery along with its night views.
Yoshiminedera Temple
Add: Kyoto city, Nishikyo-ku, Oharano, Oshio-cho 1372
Dates: 2025, October 31st (Fri) – November 3rd (Mon, Public hol.), 8th (Sat), 9th (Sun), 18:00-20:30 (Last entry is 20:00)
Admission: Adults ¥1,200, High School Students ¥800, Elementary School Students ¥500
JR Tokai Accommodation Plan
Enjoy Kyoto Nishiyama Takeakari at Yoshiminedera Temple, Kyoto
Overnight stay
A set including round-trip Shinkansen tickets, entry to see the Kyoto Nishiyama Takeakari lightup at Yoshiminedera Temple and a shuttle bus to and from Hotel Kyoto Eminence where guests will stay overnight.
Dates: October 31st (Fri) – November 3rd (Mon, Public hol), 8th (Sat), 9th (Sun)
More details on the plan can be cound on the EX Tabi Pack homepage (Japanese only)
Website：「EX旅パック」ホームページ
JR Tokai Pick-up & Dropoff Plan
A free shuttle bus service to and from Yoshiminedera Temple and Yanagidani Kannon (Yokokuji Temple) will be operating exclusively for passengers with EX Tickets on the Tokaido Shinkansen.
Dates: November 1st (Sat) – 3rd (Mon, Public hol), 8th (Sat), 9th (Sun)
Route: JR Katsuragawa Station — Yoshiminedera (return trip)
Detailed information including arrival and departure times and number of vehicles can be found on the JR Tokai homepage below (Japanese only).
https://souda-kyoto.jp/other/bamboo_night2025 (Japanese Only)
MK Travel Pick-up & Dropoff Plan
A round-trip taxi plan for general visitors (costs apply).
Dates available: October 31st (Fri) – November 3rd (Mon, Public hol), 8th (Sat), 9th (Sun)
| Time | Location |
| 18:00 | JR Katsuragawa Station (Departure) |
| 18:10 | Hankyu Rakusaiguchi Station (Departure) |
| 18:30 | Yoshiminedera Temple, Take-Akari event viewing (approx. 90min) |
| 20:20 | Hankyu Rakusaiguchi Station (Return) |
| 20:30 approx. | JR Katsuragawa Station (Return) |
For more information on the Pick-up & Dropoff Plan, please check the MK Travel official homepage (Japanese only).
https://travel.mk-group.co.jp/tourkyoto/nishiyama-takeakari2025 (Japanese Only)
“May you live spiritually and cheerfully”
We hope you will visit our temple grounds, built upon the faith in Kannon, where the bamboo lanterns will harmonize with the natural surrounds of the Nishiyama area. One can feel the spirit of this part of Kyoto in the dedication of those who crafted these bamboo lanterns, and the invisible threads that connect all things.
The head monk of Yoshiminedera Temple
Kosho Kamon