Experience the Beauty of Kyoto in Autumn

— Travel by Shinkansen

Your journey to see the autumn foliage in Kyoto begins with the Shinkansen.

Make your way to Kyoto this fall - the best season to enjoy the autumn foliage. "Autumn Special Viewings" are exclusive plans available to members of the Shinkansen Online Reservation Service. These viewings allow you to enjoy Kyoto's famous autumn foliage spots in a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere, both in the morning and at night, by adjusting the general viewing hours. You can apply for "Autumn Special Viewings" through the Shinkansen Online Reservation Service member site. Take this opportunity to register as a member and enjoy a special autumn in Kyoto.

LET’S GO EXPLORE.

How to Enjoy 
a Special Viewing

  1. STEP

    1

    Register “Shinkansen Online
    Reservation” member

  2. STEP

    2

    Book Special Activities
    for members

  3. STEP

    3

    Enjoy the activities
    with e-Ticket!

Autumn Special Viewing Plans

The beauty of Kyoto amid the autumn leaves from morning to night.

Advance reservation required/
limited capacity

View a list of Autumn Special Viewing Plans

(Many other plans are available in addition to those listed above)

Map

Kyoto in autumn is easy
to get around in by train

Trains are a fast and comfortable way to visit places of interest without worrying about traffic.

Etiquette Upon Viewing

Temples are religious facilities. Please visit them with respect.

  • No food or drink is allowed

  • Do not touch or pull on trees or leaves

  • Do not touch sliding doors or other cultural property

  • No sitting-down is allowed inside temples

  • Please arrive on time

  • Please refrain from taking commercial photographs within the facility.

Video

Discover Kyoto's unique charm and endless surprises!

PLAY MOVIE

How to enjoy the Special Activities

STEP 1

Register “Shinkansen Online Reservation” member

The Tokaido Shinkansen is a must – experience high-speed train that connects Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in Japan.
You can book Shinkansen tickets via Shinkansen Online Reservation, which makes your travel more convenient.

Merits of Shinkansen Online Reservation

  • All on mobile

    From booking online to getting on board

  • Change

    Reservations easily

  • Use

    From booking online to getting on board

  • Save

    Your budget, anytime reasonable

More about

the service

Special activities must be booked in advance
To book the activities, you need to become a member of the Shinkansen Online Reservation Service

Register “Shinkansen Online Reservation” and get ID and Password.

Register

*A compatible credit card is required for initial registration.
*There is no annual fee.

STEP 2

Book Special Viewing for members

1

Log in

Login “Shinkansen Online Reservation”  and go to “Hotels and Activities”.

2

Search

Go to “Search Sightseeing plans”,
you can see the Plan List.

Enter Date of use, Days of use and
Destination (Region>Prefecture).
Push “Plan details” to book.

3

Select

Select the date of use, enter the number of people joining the activities and proceed to the reservation.

4

Book

Enter the Shinkansen Online Reservation
ID/Password to login.

Enter the name and contact details of the representative participant.

Please make a payment after confirming the date, time and the number of participants, and reading the notes.

Payment will be made with the credit card registered on “Shinkansen Online Reservation”.

The contract is complete when the application completion screen is displayed. You will receive a confirmation email at the same time as your reservation is complete.

Go to Login page

STEP 3

Enjoy the activities with e-Ticket!

We can only accept e-Tickets for the Special Activities. You are not allowed to join the activity with your name, the reservation screen, nor the printed ticket only.
To display the e-Ticket, you will need a smartphone or tablet with an internet connection.
Please show the e-Ticket to the staff at the venue.

1

Display

Display e-Ticket from email

Please tap the URL for displaying the e-Ticket included in email.
*Login is not required.

Email is sent when reservation is complete and the day before use with ticket.

2

Use

On Site

Display and tap the ticket you use and follow the instructions that appear.
*The way to use the ticket will differ depending on the venue.

You can also view your tickets from the account page.

Other

Display e-Ticket from your Account Page

Please login to Shinkansen Online Reservation and tap “Hotels and Activities”.

Please click on “Account Page” at the Menu bar.

Select the activity you participate in and Tap.
“View e-Tickets”.

Autumn Special Viewing Plans

Tofukuji Temple

Exclusive Early Morning Visit

[Plan Period] Thu Nov 20 - Mon Dec 8

Eikando Zenrinji

Exclusive Early Morning Visit

[Plan Period] Fri Nov 21 - Sun Dec 7

Shorenin Temple

Exclusive Early Morning Visit

[Plan Period] Fri Nov 28 - Sun Dec 7

Tofukuji Temple

Exclusive Night-time Visit

[Plan Period] Wed Nov 19 - Sun Dec 7

Toji Temple

Special Night-time Visit (Early Entry)

[Plan Period] Fri Nov 7 - Sun Dec 14 *Fri Nov 21 excluded

Hōgon-in Temple

Special Night-time Visit (Early Entry)

[Plan Period] Fri Nov 14 - Sun Dec 7

Chishakuin Temple

Exclusive Night-time Visit

[Plan Period] Fri Nov 28 - Sun Dec 7

Kenninji Temple

Exclusive Night-time Visit

[Plan Period] Sat Nov 29 - Sat Dec 13

Arashiyama Yusai-tei

Exclusive Night-time Visit

[Plan Period] Fri Nov 21 - Sun Dec 7

Find more ways 
to enjoy Kyoto!

OTHER CONTENTS

  • *Please note that the best time to view autumn leaves may differ depending on the timing.
  • *All photos, illustrations, and videos are for illustrative purposes only.
  • *All prices shown are inclusive of consumption tax unless otherwise stated. Fees are subject to change depending on the circumstances of the destinations listed.
  • *The viewing, facility usage and other fees listed are for one adult.
1

Tofukuji Temple Exclusive Early Morning Visit

A sea of autumn leaves awakening like morning clouds

One of Kyoto's most famous autumn foliage viewing spots, which is visited by some 30,000 people on a busy day, will be rented out for your private use in the early morning hours when the sunlight starts shining in. This is a unique opportunity to relax and enjoy the Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando area, where maple trees stretching as far as the eye can see are a sight to behold.

  • *When taking pictures at Tsutenkyo Bridge, please do not stay in a particular spot for too long and take turns with others in enjoying the experience.
  • *Visitors who wish to stay after the early morning private viewing are welcome to do so.
  • *A separate fee is required to view the Honbo Garden (Hojo). (After 8:30 AM)

[Plan Period] Thu Nov 20 - Mon Dec 8

[Plan Times] 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM (Last visitors accepted at 8:00 AM)

[Plan Fee] 1,800 yen *Member-exclusive price

Make a
reservation

2

Eikando Zenrinji Exclusive Early Morning Visit

A garden in all of its autumn splendor that you will want to see again and again

It is said that there are about 3,000 maple trees planted on the temple grounds, making it one of Kyoto's most famous spots in the autumn. Before general public viewing hours start, you will be taken to the garden, whose brocade coloring is especially striking. Start your wonderful day with a luxurious autumn leaf viewing experience.

  • *Visitors who wish to stay after the early morning private viewing are welcome to do so.
  • *The hall interior and Treasures Autumn Exhibition can be enjoyed after general public viewing hours begin (9:00 AM).

[Plan Period] Fri Nov 21 - Sun Dec 7

[Plan Times] 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (Last visitors accepted at 8:30 AM)

[Plan Fee] 1,800 yen *Member-exclusive price

Make a
reservation

3

Shorenin Temple Exclusive Early Morning Visit

Spend a morning at a Monzeki Temple surrounded by the quiet elegance of autumn

Enjoy a private viewing of the Shorenin Monzeki Temple, which will be marking the first autumn since the restoration of its reception hall. Spend a peaceful morning in temple grounds with an abundance of nature that includes the "Garden of Soami" with its beautiful view from the guest hall and the "Garden of Kirishima" surrounded by a carpet of maple trees.

  • *Visitors who wish to stay after the early morning private viewing are welcome to do so.

[Plan Period] Fri Nov 28 - Sun Dec 7

[Plan Times] 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (Last visitors accepted at 8:30 AM)

[Plan Fee] 1,200 yen *Member-exclusive price

Make a
reservation

4

Tofukuji Temple Exclusive Night-time Visit

A scene of autumn splendor spreading over a pearl valley

This is the third year for the special nighttime viewing in the Tsutenkyo Bridge area to be offered. Continuing from last year, the viewing area within the garden will be expanded to allow visitors to fully enjoy the garden of as many as 2,000 maple trees that fill the garden with autumn foliage. As the main hall enshrining the principal image of the temple will also be open to the public, visitors will pay a visit to the temple quietly at night in a solemn atmosphere.

  • *For safety reasons, some areas of the temple are off-limits.
  • *The Kaisando Area and the Honbo Garden (Hojo) are not available for viewing.
  • *When taking pictures at Tsutenkyo Bridge, please do not stay in a particular spot for too long and take turns with others in enjoying the experience.

[Plan Period] Wed Nov 19 - Sun Dec 7

[Plan Times] 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (Last visitors accepted at 7:00 PM)

[Plan Fee] 2,800 yen *Member-exclusive price

Make a
reservation

5

Toji Temple Special Night-time Visit (Early Entry)

The definitive autumn view of Kyoto that stands out under the night sky

Every year, this special nighttime viewing of Toji Temple attracts a large number of visitors for its remarkable sight consisting of a brilliantly illuminated five-story pagoda and maple trees. This ideal plan allows you to enter the temple grounds lit up a little early before the viewing gets underway. The Kondo and Kodo Halls, which are designated as national treasures and important cultural properties and enshrine many Buddhist statues, will also be available for viewing.

  • *Advance viewing time is 5:10 PM-5:50 PM. Visitors who enter during reception hours (by 5:40 PM), may continue to stay for the "Toji Temple: Autumn Foliage Illumination and Special Nighttime Viewing of the Kondo and Kodo Halls" (6:00 PM-9:30 PM).

[Plan Period] Fri Nov 7 - Sun Dec 14 *Fri Nov 21 excluded

[Plan Times] 5:10 PM - 5:50 PM (Last visitors accepted at 5:40 PM)

[Plan Fee] 1,800 yen *Member-exclusive price

Make a
reservation

6

Hōgon-in Temple Special Night-time Visit (Early Entry)

The Lion's Roar Garden adorned with shimmering brocade

Visitors will get access to an early preview of the illuminated garden decorated with around 300 maple trees before nighttime viewing begins for the general public. In addition to a special viewing of the main hall containing vivid oil paintings on sliding doors, visitors will be treated to views of the garden from the study with reflective effects used to give the impression of looking at a painting.

  • *Visitors who wish to continue to stay after the advance nighttime viewing may do so. However, the study and main hall will close at 5:30 PM.

[Plan Period] Fri Nov 14 - Sun Dec 7

[Plan Times] 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM (Last visitors accepted at 5:20 PM)

[Plan Fee] 3,000 yen *Member-exclusive price

Make a
reservation

7

Chishakuin Temple Exclusive Night-time Visit

First-ever illumination in the autumn foliage area

Chishakuin Temple is the head temple of the Chizan Sect of Shingon Buddhism. For the first time in its history, the magnificent temple grounds will be open for nighttime viewing of the autumn foliage area. The approach to the maple trees surrounding the bell tower and the scenic garden consisting of artificial hills and a pond will be lit up. In addition to the Kodo Hall and the Treasure Museum, visitors will also be able to see the Shinden Reception Hall, which is usually closed to the public.

[Plan Period] Fri Nov 28 - Sun Dec 7

[Plan Times] 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM (Last visitors accepted at 7:30 PM)

[Plan Fee] 1,500 yen *Member-exclusive price

Make a
reservation

8

Kenninji Temple Exclusive Night-time Visit

A serene evening at a Zen temple adorned in maple trees

Visitors will enjoy the gentle illumination of the "Cho'on Garden," which has a charming contrast of autumn leaves and moss, and the "Daioen Garden," whose dry landscape contains impressive shades of sand patterns. Also visit the Dharma Hall, which boasts a ceiling painting of a pair dragons that is the size of 108 tatami mats.

[Plan Period] Sat Nov 29 - Sat Dec 13

[Plan Times] 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (Last visitors accepted at 7:00 PM)

[Plan Fee] 2,000 yen *Member-exclusive price

Make a
reservation

9

Arashiyama Yusai-tei Exclusive Night-time Visit

Autumn foliage art woven from aesthetics and nature

Arashiyama Yusai-tei is popular for offering numerous sights of elaborate reflective landscapes. As it is rarely open to the public at night, this is an extremely rare opportunity to enjoy illumination there. Being that it is a dyeing artist's studio, visitors will note an artistically designed space with refined furnishings.

  • *When taking pictures, please do not stay in a particular spot for too long and take turns with others in enjoying the experience.
  • *Note that it will become dark on the way from Togetsukyo Bridge to Yusai-tei. Having a flashlight or other light will be helpful.

[Plan Period] Fri Nov 21 - Sun Dec 7

[Plan Times] 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (Last visitors accepted at 7:00 PM)

[Plan Fee] 3,500 yen *Member-exclusive price

Make a
reservation