Japan Photo Journal: Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera Temple, autumn leaves lit up for special event

Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward is seen during a lighting test on Nov. 17, 2021 ahead of a special night viewing event, which begins on Nov. 18. The temple's famous Main Hall -- a designated national treasure -- and maple leaves that began to change their color were illuminated during the test, with the city's lights in the background. Repair work on the Main Hall's roof and stage was completed in December last year. There are some 1,000 maple trees on the temple's grounds, and the autumn leaves will apparently be at their most spectacular in late November. The night viewing event will continue until Nov. 30. The lighting-up starts at 5:30 p.m., and visitors can enter the temple until 9 p.m. Admission is 400 yen (about $3.50) for high school students and older and 200 yen (approximately $1.80) for elementary and junior high school students. For more information, contact the temple by phone at 075-551-1234 (in Japanese).

(Japanese original by Yoko Minami, Kyoto Bureau)