Festival & seasonal event in Kyoto
Shinnyodo Exclusive Night Viewing
The first night illumination of the grounds in seven years: the three-storey pagoda, stone approach and maples. Booked through JR Central's EX travel service (membership required). Main hall interior not open. Last entry 7:00 PM.
- Dates
- Nov 18 (Wed) – Dec 8 (Tue)
- Hours
- 17:30 – 19:30
- Venue
- Shinnyodo (Shinsho Gokurakuji) Temple
- Nearest station
- Demachiyanagi
- Admission
- ¥1,200 (EX Tabisaki booking)
About this event
For the first time in seven years, Shinnyodo's grounds will be illuminated at night. Lighting highlights the three-storey pagoda, stone-paved approach and autumn maple trees. Fallen leaves behind the main hall offer another seasonal detail. Founded by the monk Kaisan in 984, the temple's official name is Shinsho Gokurakuji. Although the temple has an extensive collection of Buddhist art, this special evening visit focuses on the illuminated outdoor grounds rather than the interior of the main hall.
Highlights
- First evening illumination in seven years
- Lighting around the three-storey pagoda
- Stone-paved paths and autumn foliage
- Fallen maple leaves behind the main hall
- A temple founded in 984
- Good for
- For visitors interested in illuminated pagodas, autumn photography and Buddhist heritage.
Good to know before you go
- Booking through EX Travel Reservations requires Express Reservation or Smart EX membership.
- The main hall interior is not open.
- Some areas are restricted for safety.
- The temple recommends approaching from Kinrin Shako-mae bus stop to avoid the steep route from Shinnyodo-mae.
Pochikichi's story cornerIs Shinnyodo not the temple's actual name?
The formal name is Reishozan Shinsho Gokurakuji. It was founded in 984 by Kaisan, a monk from Mount Hiei.
The name expresses the belief that this is a genuine sacred place of the Buddhist Pure Land. Shinnyodo originally referred to the main hall and gradually became the name used for the entire temple.
Its principal statue is Amida Buddha, traditionally known as the Nodding Amida and associated particularly with the salvation of women. The statue is attributed by temple tradition to the monk Ennin.
The present complex includes Edo-period buildings and gardens, including the Nehan Garden. Consider the temple's long religious history when viewing its illuminated pagoda.
Sources: Shinnyodo: About the Temple (Japanese), Shinnyodo: History and Traditions (Japanese)
Long ago, around hereDid Toyotomi Hideyoshi's urban development force Shinnyodo to move?
In 984, Kaisan transferred an Amida Buddha statue from Mount Hiei to a villa associated with Higashi Sanjoin. Imperial authorisation for the temple's buildings followed in 992.
In 1587, the temple was relocated during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's construction of Jurakudai. Toyotomi Hideyori later rebuilt its main hall in 1604.
An imperial order returned the temple to its present site in 1693, and the precinct was rebuilt in 1705. The grounds reflect centuries of relocation and reconstruction.
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FAQ
- What is Shinnyodo Exclusive Night Viewing?
- For the first time in seven years, Shinnyodo's grounds will be illuminated at night. Lighting highlights the three-storey pagoda, stone-paved approach and autumn maple trees. Fallen leaves behind the main hall offer another seasonal detail. Founded by the monk Kaisan in 984, the temple's official name is Shinsho Gokurakuji. Although the temple has an extensive collection of Buddhist art, this special evening visit focuses on the illuminated outdoor grounds rather than the interior of the main hall.
- When is Shinnyodo Exclusive Night Viewing?
- From Nov 18 (Wed) to Dec 8 (Tue), 2026.
- What are the opening hours?
- 17:30 – 19:30
- How much does it cost?
- ¥1,200 (EX Tabisaki booking)
- Where is it and what is the nearest station?
- Shinnyodo (Shinsho Gokurakuji) Temple. The nearest station is Demachiyanagi.
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