Hello from Kyoto! This is Mai from THE MACHIYA EBISUYA Hotel.
Spend a summer evening in Kyoto at a special illumination event currently being held at Shoren-in Temple. As the sun sets, the historic temple grounds are softly illuminated, revealing a different side of Kyoto after dark. We think that an evening at Shoren-in Temple offers a quieter way to experience a summer night in the city.
The illumination takes its inspiration from the lotus (ren), a symbol of Shoren-in temple. Soft light fills the temple grounds after dark, revealing a different side of the temple from what visitors see during the day and creating a quiet setting for a summer evening.
Special Night Visits at Shoren-in Temple
Dates: July 17–August 23, 2026 (excluding August 13–16)
Hours: 7:00 PM–9:30 PM (last admission at 9:00 PM)
Admission: Adults ¥1,500 / Elementary school students ¥1,000
Access: 5-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line
From THE MACHIYA EBISUYA, take the Karasuma Subway Line from Shijo Station or Kyoto Station and transfer to the Tozai Line for Higashiyama Station. Shoren-in is approximately a five-minute walk from the station. You can also make the visit part of an evening walk through Higashiyama and take in the neighborhood streets after dark.