Top 5 of Japan's most beautiful autumn illuminations
- Published on : 04/11/2025
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
@Lucas Calloch
Very popular in Japan, autumn illuminations arrive at the same time as the koyo and embellish the moment when the leaves turn red. They are often put in place to celebrate the change of season and appreciate the new colors that foliage takes on across the country.
Discover our 5 favorite places to enjoy autumn illuminations in Japan!
Kiyomizu-dera, the great water temple in Kyoto
With its 1200 years of history, Kiyomizu-dera temple's architecture attracts a large number of visitors. The temple is most popular in autumn: its location and high platform allow you to admire the leaves, which now range from orange to bright red. Discover the Otowa-no-taki waterfall below. Legend has it that drinking the water from its three canals will bring health, success and long life!
To celebrate the new season, illuminations are organized from November 22 to December 7, 2025, until 9:30 p.m. (ticket office closes at 9 p.m.). Temple, pagoda and surrounding garden will be illuminated. Come and discover this autumnal nocturnal atmosphere!
©Jeff Laitila, flickr
Kenroku-en: Kanazawa's most beautiful garden
Kanazawa is home to one of Japan's most famous gardens: the Kenroku-en. With almost 8,200 trees in 10 hectares of grounds, it's a natural area well worth a visit. The garden is even more remarkable when the autumn season brings its flamboyant hues and illuminations.
From early November, the Karasaki Matsu pines are adorned with yukitsuri, ropes used to protect these ancient trees before the onset of winter. To keep up the light show, the yukitsuri are also illuminated until the end of winter.
A show to discover from October 18 to November 29, 2025.
©Ajeng Larasati, unsplash
@mutsu7211
Need some fresh air? Discover our ideal autumn activities!
Tokyo's Rikugi-en , garden of a thousand lights
The emblematic garden of the Japanese capital, Rikugi-en is a symbol of traditional poetry. Arranged to respect the principle of harmony of nature praised by waka poetry, it is composed of water features, hills and vegetation... ideal for strolling and contemplation.
The Rikugi-en garden attracts the most visitors during the autumn leaf color change. From November 28 to December 9, 2025, discover the illuminations that highlight the garden's blushing leaves.
Illuminations from 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Last admission at 8pm.
Please note: this year, tickets must be purchased in advance (1000 yen - €6.00).
©Hideya HAMANO, flickr
sawarut Triratan, shutterstock
©Marufish, flickr
Korankei Valley in Aichi
It's in Aichi prefecture, in Toyota is the immense Korankei Valley.
Made up of over 4,000 maple trees, whose leaves turn alternately orange and bright red in autumn, this valley attracts locals and tourists alike. During this period, illuminations celebrating the change of season are installed all along the valley. As soon as night falls, admire the reflection of the lights and the beautiful autumn colors on the Tomoe River! To the rhythm of concerts and traditional performances, sample the local specialties offered by the yatai set up for the occasion.
The illuminations take place from November 1 to 30, 2025, between sunset and 9 pm. Admission is free for all.
Easy travel in Japan this autumn with the JR Pass!
The Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass is a single pass giving unlimited access to the JR (Japan Railways) network in Japan for 7, 14 or 21 days. It's the most economical and by far the most practical option for those wishing to travel by train in Japan.
N700 Shinkansen high-speed train on the Tokaido line
@Wikimedia
Ritsurin Koen, a traditional garden in Takamatsu
Japan's historic garden, the Ritsurin Koen was built in the 17th century. Initially consisting of a single pond, it was developed over more than a century by successive generations of daimyo of the Matsudaira clan to become one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. And with good reason! 75 hectares of lush greenery, in beautiful red and orange during the autumn season. The Ritsurin Koen garden is a natural environment where illuminations are set up from the end of November until December.
The park and its illuminations are accessible from November 21 to 30, 2025, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. (last entry at 8:30 p.m.) at a cost of 410 yen (€2.70) for adults and 190 yen (€1.29) for children.
Autumn illuminations, Ritsurin Koen garden
© Masayoshi Hirose
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