Festival & seasonal event in Kyoto
Kodaiji Autumn Night Illumination
See illuminated autumn gardens at Kodaiji, founded by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Projection mapping also transforms the garden in front of the Hojo Hall. Last admission at 9:30 PM.
- Dates
- Oct 23 (Fri) – Dec 13 (Sun)
- Hours
- 17:00 – 22:00
- Venue
- Kodaiji Temple
- Nearest station
- Gion-Shijo
- Admission
- Adults ¥800; junior and senior high school students ¥400
About this event
Autumn plants beloved by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, come into focus under soft evening lights at Kodaiji. The temple combines a historic garden attributed to Kobori Enshu with contemporary projection mapping. In the garden, colourful leaves are reflected in Garyochi Pond, creating a layered scene of trees and water. The front garden of the Hojo building becomes a canvas for projected images. Important historic buildings preserve the artistic culture of the Momoyama period and the story of Hideyoshi and Nene. Look for the contrast between natural reflections on the pond and the carefully designed light projections.
Highlights
- See autumn leaves reflected in Garyochi Pond.
- Watch projection mapping in the Hojo front garden.
- Admire the illuminated pond garden attributed to Kobori Enshu.
- Discover historic buildings linked to Nene and Momoyama culture.
- Good for
- For visitors interested in Japanese gardens, light art and the history of Hideyoshi and Nene.
Good to know before you go
- There is no additional admission charge for the autumn special exhibition.
Pochikichi's story cornerWhy did Nene build Kodaiji after Hideyoshi's death?
Kodaiji was founded by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to pray for her late husband's soul. Officially named Kodai Jusho Zenji, the temple was established in 1606. After becoming a Buddhist nun, Nene took the religious name Kodaiin Kogetsuni. In 1624, she invited the monk Sanko from Kennin-ji to become its founding abbot. Tokugawa Ieyasu provided substantial financial support for the temple's construction.
Hideyoshi and Nene are enshrined in the temple's Otamaya memorial hall, where Nene's tomb is also located. The interior features elaborate gold and lacquer decoration known as Kodaiji Makie, a celebrated example of Momoyama-period art. The temple preserves not only personal memories but also the artistic achievements of its time.
The pond garden extends around Kaisando Hall and is traditionally attributed to the garden designer Kobori Enshu. Kaisando, Otamaya, Kasatei, Shiguretei and Kangetsudai are among the buildings designated Important Cultural Properties. These surviving structures offer a direct connection to Nene's era.
In autumn, historic architecture and modern projection mapping share the same grounds. Reflections on Garyochi Pond bring nature into the composition, while contemporary light art adds another layer. To understand Kodaiji, look at the autumn leaves reflected in the pond, then at the Momoyama-period buildings beyond.
Sources: Kodaiji Official Website: History (Japanese), Kyoto City Official Tourism Guide: Kodaiji Autumn Evening Opening (Japanese), Let's Go to Kyoto: Autumn Evening Visits and Illuminations (Japanese)
FAQ
- What is Kodaiji Autumn Night Illumination?
- Autumn plants beloved by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, come into focus under soft evening lights at Kodaiji. The temple combines a historic garden attributed to Kobori Enshu with contemporary projection mapping. In the garden, colourful leaves are reflected in Garyochi Pond, creating a layered scene of trees and water. The front garden of the Hojo building becomes a canvas for projected images. Important historic buildings preserve the artistic culture of the Momoyama period and the story of Hideyoshi and Nene. Look for the contrast between natural reflections on the pond and the carefully designed light projections.
- When is Kodaiji Autumn Night Illumination?
- From Oct 23 (Fri) to Dec 13 (Sun), 2026.
- What are the opening hours?
- 17:00 – 22:00
- How much does it cost?
- Adults ¥800; junior and senior high school students ¥400
- Where is it and what is the nearest station?
- Kodaiji Temple. The nearest station is Gion-Shijo.
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