Festival & seasonal event in Kyoto
Kyoto Botanical Gardens Autumn Night Illumination
An evening stroll among lit-up autumn leaves and reflections on the water. Last entry 8:30 PM. Hand lanterns ¥1,500 extra.
- Dates
- Nov 14 (Sat) – Dec 13 (Sun)
- Hours
- 18:00 – 21:30
- Venue
- Kyoto Botanical Gardens
- Nearest station
- Kitayama
- Admission
- Weekdays: adults ¥1,100, children ¥600; weekends and holidays: adults ¥1,500, children ¥600; preschoolers free
About this event
Kyoto Botanical Gardens, established in 1924, hosts an evening walk combining autumn foliage and illumination. NIGHT GARDEN of Autumn Colors highlights colourful trees reflected on the water's surface. Artificial lighting reveals the leaves and branches in a different way from daytime viewing. Visitors can also carry a handheld lantern, available for an additional charge. The garden marked its centenary in 2024 and designated 38 trees aged over 100 years as heritage trees. The event offers an opportunity to enjoy autumn colours in a botanical setting shaped by a century of conservation.
Highlights
- Autumn foliage reflected on the water
- Illuminated trees and colourful leaves
- Optional handheld lanterns
- Historic trees in a garden established in 1924
- Good for
- For visitors who enjoy autumn leaves, gardens, evening walks and photography.
Good to know before you go
- Last admission is at 20:30.
- Handheld lanterns cost extra.
- Do not collect leaves, acorns, insects or other materials.
- Do not enter fenced planting areas.
Pochikichi's story cornerHow did Kyoto Botanical Gardens develop over 100 years?
Construction began in 1917, and the gardens opened on January 1, 1924, under the name Taiden Kinen Kyoto Botanical Gardens. The site lies north of central Kyoto, with views towards Mount Hiei, the Higashiyama mountains, the Kamo River and the Kitayama hills.
During World War II, parts of the grounds became vegetable plots for food production. Allied forces occupied the site for 12 years from 1946, and many trees were cut down. The gardens reopened to the public in April 1961.
Development continued with the Japanese Forest in 1970, the Western-style Garden in 1981, and the conservatory and botanical garden hall in 1992. The Kitayama Gate was also completed that year.
The gardens celebrated their centenary in 2024. When enjoying the illuminated foliage, look beyond the lights to the trees that have survived and grown through this history.
Sources: Kyoto Botanical Gardens: History (Japanese), Kyoto Botanical Gardens: Garden Map (Japanese)
Long ago, around hereWhat was this land before it became a botanical garden?
Before the gardens were built, this was a relatively flat area north of central Kyoto. The garden's archives preserve photographs of the original landscape, views from the Kamo River embankment and flood recovery work.
Construction began in 1917, and the botanical gardens opened in 1924. During World War II, the site was used for growing food. It was subsequently occupied by Allied forces before reopening in 1961.
The present landscape reflects construction, war, restoration and renewed planting. While walking through the gardens, look towards the Kitayama mountains beyond the trees.
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FAQ
- What is Kyoto Botanical Gardens Autumn Night Illumination?
- Kyoto Botanical Gardens, established in 1924, hosts an evening walk combining autumn foliage and illumination. NIGHT GARDEN of Autumn Colors highlights colourful trees reflected on the water's surface. Artificial lighting reveals the leaves and branches in a different way from daytime viewing. Visitors can also carry a handheld lantern, available for an additional charge. The garden marked its centenary in 2024 and designated 38 trees aged over 100 years as heritage trees. The event offers an opportunity to enjoy autumn colours in a botanical setting shaped by a century of conservation.
- When is Kyoto Botanical Gardens Autumn Night Illumination?
- From Nov 14 (Sat) to Dec 13 (Sun), 2026.
- What are the opening hours?
- 18:00 – 21:30
- How much does it cost?
- Weekdays: adults ¥1,100, children ¥600; weekends and holidays: adults ¥1,500, children ¥600; preschoolers free
- Where is it and what is the nearest station?
- Kyoto Botanical Gardens. The nearest station is Kitayama.
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