All three are confirmed for 2026: Kōdai-ji Oct 23–Dec 13, Eikan-dō Nov 20–Dec 6 and Kiyomizu-dera Nov 21–30. Tōfuku-ji has no night light-up.
2026/10/23 09:00 KyotoKōdai-ji adults ¥800 (same day and night); Eikan-dō light-up ¥1,000 (junior high and up); Tōfuku-ji Tsūtenkyō & Kaisandō adults ¥1,000 in the Nov 14–Dec 6 autumn period (daytime only); Kiyomizu-dera — check the official site (as of September 18, 2026).
Where to see Tokyo's best autumn color in 2026 — Rikugien's evening light-up, Koishikawa Korakuen's maple-lined pond, the free Meiji Jingu Gaien ginkgo avenue, and Mt. Takao's mountain foliage — with hours, admission and the quiet etiquette that keeps these gardens special.
2026/11/15 09:00 TokyoFree (Gaien ginkgo avenue, Mt. Takao trails) to about ¥1,200 (Rikugien evening illumination, same-day ticket); day admission ¥300 at Rikugien / Koishikawa Korakuen; Mt. Takao cable car or lift ¥980 round-trip.
Kyoto's autumn leaves typically peak in the second half of November 2026, with top spots like Tofukuji, Eikando and Arashiyama running mid-November into early December. Here's where to go, what's free, and which temples light up at night.
2026/11/15 KyotoMany temple grounds are free; paid temples run roughly ¥300–¥1,000 for daytime entry. Night illuminations cost about ¥500–¥800 (Rurikoin's special opening is ~¥2,000). Prices as of 2025 — confirm 2026 on each official site.
The 2026 momiji front sweeps south from Hokkaido in mid-to-late September to Kyushu in early December — here is a region-by-region timing table and Japan's best fall foliage spots.
2026/11/15 Across JapanFree at most parks, gardens and mountain roads; some famous gardens, temple grounds and light-up events charge roughly ¥300–¥1,000 (as of 2026).
