Yugyo-ji Temple Illumination: "Yugyo no Hikari" 2026

About this event

"Yugyo no Hikari" is an illumination event held on the grounds of Shojokoji Temple (Yugyo-ji), the head temple of the Ji sect. Centered on the giant ginkgo tree within the temple grounds, light is projected onto the main hall and historic structures. The interesting aspect is how the appearance completely transforms between the golden autumn leaves of daytime and the illumination at night. Because lights turn on at 16:30, visiting before sunset to see the yellow leaves and then waiting for it to get dark allows you to enjoy two different experiences in a single visit. The event runs for a limited period of 10 days. Yugyo-ji is the head temple of the Ji sect, founded in 1325 (Shochu 2) by Donkai Shonin, the fourth patriarch of Yugyo, and has a history of welcoming Tokaido travelers as the center of Fujisawa-shuku post station. "Yugyo-jizaka" slope in front of the gate is still well known today as a famous section of the Hakone Ekiden race. The giant ginkgo tree on the temple grounds, which is the main highlight, is a giant tree representative of Fujisawa.

Venue

Shojokoji Temple (Yugyo-ji)

1-8-1 Nishitomi, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0001