Need to get some inspiration for what to do this week in Tokyo? Say no more and check out this week’s Highlights of Kyoto.
Updated Weekly!
- Limited time opportunity: Before and after-hours views of famous temples in Kyoto
- Autumn Illuminations at Kiyomizu-dera
- The 44th Japan Bonsai Exhibition
- Pure Land Buddhism Special Exhibition
- GUCCI COSMOS Exhibition
- Modern Japanese Painting Exhibition
- Kawadoko dining along the Kamogawa River
- Nidec Kyoto Tower
- Toei Kyoto Studio Park
- Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
Limited time opportunity: Before and after-hours views of famous temples in Kyoto
If you’re a huge fan of Japan’s incredible display of autumn colors, known in Japanese as “koyo”, then you’re in luck! Kiyomizudera and a handful of other temples in Kyoto are offering a special chance to enter the grounds before, or stay after operating hours to see the beautiful fall foliage. This is the perfect opportunity to see the temples in their glory as well as avoid potentially dense crowds as the spots are limited. The luxurious Kyoto Brighton Hotel line offers these immaculate experiences for those staying at the hotel as an add on to the room fee, but can also be reserved as a package initially.
Please note that the morning time slots differ in price and location to the evening. The morning experiences boast a variety of different temples and days Throughout November up until December 1st, while the evening experience is only at Kiyomizudera and is only offered on the 1st of December.
For all the specifics, be sure to visit their official site and make your reservation while you can!
Autumn Illuminations at Kiyomizu-dera
Celebrate at Kiyomizu-dera’s stunning evening illuminations, held each autumn, spring and summer! The temple, pagoda and Jojuin Garden glow against the night, highlighting the vibrant seasonal foliage. No reservations needed; just pay the regular admission to enjoy this magical experience. Don’t miss this chance to see Kiyomizu-dera in a whole new light!
| Website | SEPCIAL NIGHT VIEWING |
| Start/End Dates | Nov 18th – Nov 30th, 5:30pm ~ 9pm |
| Location | Kiyomizu-dera |
| Admission | 400 yen |
The 44th Japan Bonsai Exhibition
This bonsai event combines tradition, art, and elegance for an unforgettable Japanese cultural experience. Discover the artistry of bonsai with live demonstrations by master artists Masahiko Kimura, Shinji Suzuki, Yuki Kobayashi and more! Join a bonsai commentary tour led by researcher Hitomi Kawasaki (advanced application required), including a special visit to Daitokuji Temple’s Hoshunin Bonsai Garden. OR relax in the bonsai-themed café with matcha and Japanese sweets with bonsai motifs. The exhibition also offers unique premium art pieces by renowned calligraphers and potters, available for purchase.
| Website | Website – BONSAI JAPAN – Online Tickets – BONSAI JAPAN – |
| Start/End Dates | Nov 22nd – 25th, 9am – 4:30pm (Nov 25th until 4pm) |
| Location | Kyoto International Exhibition Hall “Miyako Messe” |
| Admission | 1,500 yen, group discount (20 people or more) 1,300 yen |
| Additional information | Demonstration by bonsai masters: Nov 22nd: 10:30am – 12:30 Masahiko Kimura Nov 23rd: 10:30am – 12:30 Shinji Suzuki Nov 24th: 10:30am – 12:30 Yuki Kobayashi, Yusei Sasaki and Lee Ying-ki |
Pure Land Buddhism Special Exhibition
Discover the life and legacy of the Japanese priest Hōnen, founder of Japan’s first Pure Land school of Buddhism Jōdo Shū! Kyotos National Museum is celebrating the 850th anniversary of Jōdo Shū and highlighting Hōnen’s message that anyone can achieve salvation. This exhibition features rare national treasures and important cultural properties, offering a look at the history of Pure Land Buddhism. Don’t miss out on this event of history and spiritual awareness!
| Website | Hōnen and Pure Land Buddhism |
| Start/End Dates | Part 1: Oct 8th – Nov 4 Part 2: Nov 6 – Dec 1 |
| Location | Heisei Chishinkan Wing at Kyoto National Museum |
| Admission | Same day ticket: 1,800 yen Advanced ticket: 1,600 yen |
| Flier | Honen_Kyoto |
GUCCI COSMOS Exhibition
Do you love buying things from renowned brands like Gucci but never thought about their history and development? In honor of Gucci’s 60th anniversary of their official introduction in Japan, the Gucci Cosmos exhibition at the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art showcases the brand’s 100-year journey. This special exhibition celebrates the connection between Kyoto and Florence, where Gucci was founded in 1921, while highlighting the brand’s innovation and creativity.
| Location | Main Building (North Wing, 1F) at Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Arts |
| Start/End Dates | Oct 1st – Dec 1st |
| Admission | Admission: 2,200 yen |
Modern Japanese Painting Exhibition
This is for all art lovers! If you want to learn more about Kyoto’s art history and their renowned painters, this exhibition is for you! Kyoto City University of Arts has a rich legacy shaped by renowned painters like Takeuchi Seiho and Yamamoto Shunkyo, who helped build the future of Japanese painting. Their students, including famous names like Tsuchida Bakusen and Murakami Kagaku contributed to the city’s vibrant art scene as well. This exhibition reflects on the university’s evolution from its early days as the Kyoto Prefectural School of Painting highlighting the struggles of young artists who later became art masters.
| Location | Main Building (South Wing, 1F) at Kyoto City University of Arts |
| Start/End Dates | Part 1: October 11th － November 17th Part 2: November 19th － December 22nd |
| Admission | Admission: 1,800 yen |
Kawadoko dining along the Kamogawa River
For those looking for a unique dining experience, Kawadoko dining along the Kamogawa River offers a chance to enjoy a meal while sitting on platforms built over the water, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat. It’s a quintessential Kyoto experience that combines nature and cuisine.
| Website | Kawadoko dining |
| Location | Restaurants along the River |
| Date | Check out the Restaurants |
Nidec Kyoto Tower
Enjoy the highest view in all of Kyoto. Over 100 meters above the ground, this is one of the best night views in all of Japan.
| Website | Nidec Kyoto Tower |
| Location | Maps |
| Start/End Dates | Daily |
| Time | 10:00 – 20:30 |
| Tickets | ¥900 |
Toei Kyoto Studio Park
Japan’s Jidaigeki Theme Park feels like a perfectly themed set of historical Japan. Enjoy shows and attractions based around Ninja for both adults and children.
| Website | Toei Kyoto Studio Park |
| Location | Maps |
| Start/End Dates | Daily |
| Time | 9:00 – 16:30 |
| Tickets | ¥2400 |
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
When you are visiting Kyoto and you need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place. We’re happy to help you make your trip to Kyoto the best trip ever. We can advise you on where to go or even better, show you around with a local, English speaking guide. Let us help you create safe, comfortable, and unforgettable memories in Kyoto!
▶Kyoto 8h Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
▶Meet a Geisha in Kyoto: Guided Walk in Gion and Enchanted Time with Maiko
Meet a Maiko, a geisha in Kyoto, and enjoy a walking tour in Gion, the geisha district. See an authentic Japanese tradition unfold before your eyes that has existed for hundreds of years. You’ll have chance to take a photo with Geisha!
▶Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk
If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and the local cuisine of Kyoto, this is the perfect tour for you! Take part in this Kyoto food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous surrounding areas.
▶Kimono Experience
Kyoto is the best city to explore in kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. You can choose the one you like the most from several patterns and colors at the rental shop. In Kyoto, two locations are both accessible from the main tourist attractions which makes it easy to try it on and explore the city for a day!
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Happy traveling!
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