Sep. 27, 2022 UPDATE
Daikaku-ji Temple: Special nighttime illuminations of Osawa-no-ike pond
- 大覚寺夜間拝観 -Traveler Friendly
The temple is a bit far from the closest station, but it is one of the best places to see autumn leaves in Kyoto. Many visitors from overseas also go to the temple to see the autumn foliage.
Information
Japanese, and a simple page in English.
Languages spoken
Only Japanese.
PeriodNovember 11th - December 4th, 2022
VenueDaikaku-ji Temple and the area around Osawa-no-ike Pond.
Story & Recommendation
Enjoy the red leaves of autumn reflected in the surface of the pond during Daikaku-ji Temple’s special nighttime illumination event
Daikaku-ji is a temple in the Saga-Arashiyama area. Daikaku-ji Temple is well known as a great place to view autumn leaves, and every year during this period when the maple leaves turn into vivid hues of red and green, there is a special nighttime illumination held at the temple. The oldest man-made pond in Japan, Osawa-no-ike, and the smaller Hojochi Pond next to it, both reflect the maple trees planted next to them, and this reflection and the illuminated historic buildings make the atmosphere feel mysterious. The chance to see this gorgeous view at the around 1200-year-old temple comes only ones a year, so I hope you will take the time to go see it.
1Highlight
Illumination of Hojochi Pond
Hojochi Pond is right by Osawa-no-ike Pond. Behind the pond, you can see the dignified Shingyohoto Pagoda. The sight of the maple leaves and Shingyohoto reflected in the water is something that can rightly be said to be “Shinku no Mizukagami,” a crimson reflection.
2Highlight
Illumination of Osawa-no-ike Pond
There are many trees planted by Osawa-no-ike Pond like cherry trees and maples, and these are illuminated in a subtle and elegant way during the event. If the weather is nice and there are no clouds you can also see the moon.
3Let's join!
Walk on the path of autumn leaves
There is a path that goes by Osawa-no-ike Pond that is lined on both sides by maple trees called the path of autumn leaves. The beautiful path which almost resembles a tunnel is beautiful both during the day and at night when it is illuminated.
