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Good to know

The Kinkeien maple garden inside Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine is lit from late afternoon until 8:00 PM. Maples around a small waterfall are reflected in the pond.

Dates

Nov 14 (Sat) – Dec 6 (Sun)

Hours

16:30 – 20:00 (details on the official site)

Venue

Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine (Kinkeien Garden)

Nearest station

Nagaoka-Tenjin

Admission

Free

About this event

Kinkeien is a small autumn garden at Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, where about 100 maples around a waterfall cast their reflections into a pond. In 2026 the garden is illuminated from November 14 to December 6, 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM. By day the water reflects the sky; after dark the lit leaves seem to float on the pond, and the same garden turns into a different scene. A small pavilion stands by Benten Pond, and the Emaden hall gives a view down over the whole garden. It is far less famous than central Kyoto's spots, but few places put maples this close to the water.

Highlights

• Lit maples around the waterfall, mirrored in the pond
• The view down over the whole garden from the Emaden hall
• Close-up views of leaves and water near the pavilion by Benten Pond
• Compare the moment just after sunset with full darkness

Good for

Visitors who want night foliage away from the crowds of central Kyoto, or a final stop after a day of autumn colors in the western hills.

Good to know before you go

• Illumination runs 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM. The shrine office closes at 5:00 PM
• Leaf color changes from year to year. Check the shrine's updates before you go
• The garden is outdoors and evenings get cold. Bring an extra layer

Next stop: book for later today PR

Experiences near here you can book on Klook.

Yuzen DyeingYuzen dyeing in a historic machiya→Kintsugi WorkshopKintsugi repair experience→

Ad: Klook affiliate links.

🍜 Where to eat after

Restaurants near here on Google Maps→

Many restaurants in Kyoto take reservations, and some are cash only. Check the restaurant page before you go.

FAQ

What is Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine: Kinkeien Garden Autumn Illumination?

Kinkeien is a small autumn garden at Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, where about 100 maples around a waterfall cast their reflections into a pond. In 2026 the garden is illuminated from November 14 to December 6, 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM. By day the water reflects the sky; after dark the lit leaves seem to float on the pond, and the same garden turns into a different scene. A small pavilion stands by Benten Pond, and the Emaden hall gives a view down over the whole garden. It is far less famous than central Kyoto's spots, but few places put maples this close to the water.

When is Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine: Kinkeien Garden Autumn Illumination?

From Nov 14 (Sat) to Dec 6 (Sun), 2026.

What are the opening hours?

16:30 – 20:00 (details on the official site)

How much does it cost?

Free

Where is it and what is the nearest station?

Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine (Kinkeien Garden). The nearest station is Nagaoka-Tenjin.

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