Hogon-in Autumn Foliage Illumination 2026 (Night Viewing)

About this event

At Hogon-in Temple, "Shishiku no Niwa" (The Garden of the Lion's Roar), a circuit-style dry landscape garden skillfully incorporating the scenery of Arashiyama—one of Kyoto's most famous autumn foliage spots—as borrowed scenery, will be illuminated. The magical, mystical view woven by nighttime silence and vibrant autumn foliage presents a distinct charm from daytime. While the Arashiyama and Sagano areas where Hogon-in is located boast many famous autumn foliage spots including Tenryu-ji Temple, locations hosting night illuminations are few, making Hogon-in a valuable experience. Viewing autumn leaves at night in addition to daytime is highly recommended. Shishiku no Niwa was designed by Zen Master Sakuhiko Shuryo during the Muromachi period, carrying forward the representation of "Ryumonbaku" (Dragon Gate Waterfall) related to the legend of the Dragon Gate. "Shishiku" compares the preaching of the Buddha to the roaring of a lion. Hogon-in was founded in 1461, burnt down during the Onin War, had its garden constructed by Sakuhiko Shuryo during the Sengoku period, and was subsequently revived. In the Meiji period, it relocated into Kogen-ji, a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji, and moved to its current location in 2002. In 2008, the main hall was rebuilt.

Venue

Hogon-in Temple

36 Sagatenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 616-8385