Events and Activities to Enjoy in Kyoto This Autumn

From activities that immerse you in the vibrant autumn foliage to enchanting evening events where temples are illuminated by the warm glow of bamboo lanterns, a diverse range of promotions allows you to experience Kyoto's autumn from various perspectives. Here's a selection!

(1) Autumn Foliage Season Arrives! Special Events to Savor Kyoto's Beauty
As autumn deepens, Kyoto transforms into a spectacle of fiery reds, with beautiful autumn leaves to be found everywhere. Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy the foliage in various locations.

■ Special Autumn Viewings
For those who wish to avoid crowds by visiting at off-peak times and enjoy 'momijigari' (maple leaf viewing) at a leisurely pace, we offer "Special Autumn Viewings."
Purchases and reservations can be made through the "EX Travel Content Portal." Additionally, if you book an eligible day trip or overnight plan (both including round-trip Shinkansen tickets), you can enjoy Kyoto's "Special Autumn Viewings" as one of the "Shift Travel Selectable Experiences."

【Period】Saturday, November 12th - Sunday, December 11th *Period varies by temple.
【Participating Temples】Tofukuji, Toji, Ninna-ji, Tenryuji (Hogen-in Temple), Kenninji, Kōshōji, Byodo-in
【Details】https://souda-kyoto.jp/plan/autumn_sp/

■ Hikari no Kyoto (Kyoto of Light)
"Hikari no Kyoto" is a special viewing event that illuminates temple grounds with the warm glow of bamboo lanterns during dusk and nighttime hours, which are typically outside regular visiting times. This event began in 2021 with the hope of illuminating Kyoto's streets and people with a "light of hope." To further wish for the prosperity of Kyoto's city and its people, this year's event has been enhanced with different scenery prepared for each participating temple, making it a more powerful experience than last year.

【Period】Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 - Sunday, December 11th, 2022
【Locations and Dates】Ninna-ji (November 3rd - November 28th *Held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays within this period *November 27th & 28th only for those who purchased Special Autumn Viewing tickets), Tenryuji Hogen-in (Saturday, November 12th - Sunday, December 4th), Ansho-ji (Saturday, November 19th - Sunday, November 27th), Kennin-ji (Wednesday, November 23rd - Sunday, December 11th) *Hojo area illumination is for Special Autumn Viewing ticket holders only.
【Event Details】https://souda-kyoto.jp/other/hikari/

● Highlights Enhanced from Last Year
◇ Reflection Bamboo Lanterns
Specially designed spots where the warm light of the lanterns reflects amidst the autumn leaves, creating a magical scene.
【Participating Temples】Tenryuji Hogen-in, Kennin-ji

◇ Hikari no Kyoto Show
A show where the warm glow of bamboo lanterns synchronizes with the music familiar from the "Let's Go, Kyoto." TV commercials.
【Participating Temple】Ansho-ji

◇ Giant Bamboo Lanterns
An impressive bamboo lantern art piece, standing 4 meters tall, crafted from a single, whole bamboo stalk.
【Participating Temple】Ninna-ji

(2) From Art Experiences to Tuk-Tuks!? Various Tour Plans Available
To enhance the travel experience for visitors to Kyoto, various tour plans are also being offered.

■ Autumn to Enjoy with All Senses! Kyoto's Finest Spots & Sweets
Kyoto offers numerous attractions in autumn. This plan features temples recommended by our local staff as must-visits this fall, along with comforting sweets perfect for the season. Coupons usable at participating temples and sweet shops allow you to fully savor Kyoto's autumn. Additionally, an original Choju-giga furoshiki (wrapping cloth) is included (choose one from three colors, featuring the pattern from the National Treasure Choju-giga).

【Period】Saturday, October 1st - Sunday, December 11th *Closed on certain dates depending on the facility.
【Participating Temples】Jingoji, Kosanji, Saiinji, Genkoan, Jojakkoji, Tenryuji (Garden), Shisendo, Nanzenji Tenshuan, Daigoji, Kenninji *Listed in order of expected peak autumn foliage.
【Participating Shops】Waguri Senmon Saori Honten, Ito Kyuemon (Gion Shijo Branch, Kyoto Station Branch), Tsujiri (Kyoto Tower Sando Branch), Kan-tō Chaya Kyo-umezono (Kiyomizu Branch), kyocafe chacha (Sanjo Branch, Arashiyama Branch), Bonheur Kyoto, Daigoji Le Clos Sur Le Cerisier
【Price】1,200 yen (tax included)
【How to Purchase】EX Travel Content Portal, or as a "Shift Travel Selectable Experience."

■ First-Ever in Kyoto Temples! Enjoy the Artful Autumn with the Popular "Tarashikomi" Art Experience!
The "Tarashikomi" art experience, which is so popular in Tokyo and Osaka that reservations are hard to come by, is being held for the first time at Jojakkoji, a famous autumn foliage spot in Kyoto! Even those who aren't confident in their artistic skills can relax and create their own unique artwork while enjoying drinks. If the weather permits, the session will be held outdoors. Immerse yourself in the artful autumn at Jojakkoji, one of the most picturesque autumn foliage spots.
【Location】Jojakkoji Temple
【Dates】Saturday, November 12th, Sunday, November 13th, Sunday, November 27th
【Times】Two sessions: ① 10:00 AM - ② 2:00 PM -
【Tour Price】9,900 yen (tax included)
【How to Purchase】EX Travel Content Portal

■ Exciting! Tuk-Tuk! Let's Tour Autumn Kyoto by Tuk-Tuk
While most Kyoto sightseeing involves buses and trains, you can now tour the city by "Tuk-Tuk" on a limited, one-group-per-day basis. Tuk-tuks can be driven with a regular driver's license. Renting a tuk-tuk instead of a car is sure to make your Kyoto trip uniquely fun! Available for up to 8 hours!
【Period】Tuesday, November 1st - Sunday, December 11th
【Capacity】4 people (available for 2 or more) *Children under 6 cannot ride.
【Tour Price】6,000 yen per vehicle (tax included)
【How to Purchase】EX Travel Content Portal

*Various other plans to further enjoy autumn in Kyoto are also on sale. Please visit the special website for details.

(3) TV Commercial Filming Location: Takao - Local Events Introduced
In the Takao area, the setting for the commercial, local events are being held!

■ Participatory Event "Mystery Solving x Tourist Guide: Choju-giga and Traces of Kyoto"
This popular mystery-solving event was also held two years ago and was highly acclaimed by visitors.
Solve mysteries alongside the frog and rabbit characters from "Choju-giga," considered "Japan's oldest manga," and receive commemorative gifts such as an original Choju-giga tote bag upon completion.
The puzzles have been changed from two years ago, and the area has been expanded from the San'o area (where Jingoji is located) to Arashiyama and Nijo! Both first-time participants and those who joined previously can discover new charms of Kyoto by experiencing its magnificent nature and history.

【Period】Saturday, October 29th - Wednesday, November 30th
【Estimated Time】180-240 minutes
【Participation Fee】Free *While participation is free, admission fees for spots visited during the mystery-solving are the responsibility of the participant.

【Location】Kyoto: San'o, Nijo, Arashiyama Areas
*Other events, such as walking tours, are also planned. Please visit the special website for details.

TV Commercial Airing Begins, Showcasing the Profound Beauty of Takao's Autumn Foliage
This commercial was filmed primarily in the Takao area, renowned for its stunning contrast between the deep green of Kitayama cedars and clear streams, featuring Jingoji, Kosanji, and Saiinji temples enveloped in autumn colors. The TV commercial displays the picturesque temples nestled amidst layers of colorful autumn leaves, allowing viewers to feel the overwhelming beauty of Kyoto, a city with a 1200-year history.

【Airing Period】Saturday, October 1st - Sunday, November 6th
【Airing Areas】Spot commercials will be aired mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Shizuoka region.
Commercials will also be broadcast during programs provided by JR Central.
【Video URL】https://youtu.be/rGP3gAOmG3I

For Your Trip to Takao, We Recommend the Limited Express Bus from JR Nijo Station West Exit!
To support the campaign, a limited express bus service will run from JR Nijo Station West Exit to Takao on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays throughout November. When traveling to Takao, it is recommended to avoid the bus congestion around Kyoto Station and depart from JR Nijo Station West Exit.
A return service is also available to JR Nijo Station West Exit, making your journey back easy! Please take advantage of this service when visiting Takao.
*A day pass can also be utilized.

Furthermore, we offer a special value plan that includes a viewing ticket for Jingoji Temple, one of the temples featured in the commercial.

■ [One Coin] Avoid Traffic Jams: From Nijo Station to Jingoji! Round-Trip Bus + Temple Viewing
To coincide with the operation of the limited express bus from JR Nijo Station West Exit to Takao, we are offering a special plan for just one coin that includes a round-trip bus ticket for this service and a viewing ticket for Jingoji Temple.
This plan is recommended for those who want to minimize travel time and enjoy sightseeing more efficiently.

【Period】Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays in November
【Outbound】Departing JR Nijo Station West Exit → Arriving Takao, Makino-o, Tsuguno-o
(Limited to boarding the special express bus)
【Return】Departing Tsuguno-o, Makino-o, Takao → Bus stop within the city's flat-fare zone of the boarding bus
【Price】500 yen (tax included) *Includes round-trip bus ticket and Jingoji Temple viewing ticket.
【How to Purchase】EX Travel Content Portal
【Details】https://souda-kyoto.jp/plan/takao/index.html