Kyoto's Higashiyama Lantern Road Illuminated in March – A 5-Kilometer Path of Stunning Candlelight

Reported by You T-Ru / Comprehensive Report

Higashiyama in Kyoto is a central hub for sightseeing in the city. Every March, theWinter Lantern Road


is held. After sunset, shrines, temples, and alleyways are adorned with warm lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Some temples participate in the illumination events and open their doors for night visits. At the famous Yasaka Shrine, visitors can also enjoy traditional maiko dances dedicated to the deities, offering a completely different experience of Higashiyama compared to daytime.

▲ Kyoto Higashiyama Winter Lantern Road. (Photo / Courtesy of official website)


Starting from Shoren-in Temple at the foot of Higashiyama and stretching approximately 5 kilometers, the lantern path winds its way through Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine before extending southward to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The route is illuminated by a total of 2,500 lanterns. When night falls, the golden light spills across white walls, stone steps, and trees, with flickering shadows and the soft glow of candlelight reflecting on the steps, highlighting the unique charm of the ancient city. It showcases a special side of Kyoto’s streets that visitors are highly recommended to experience during spring.
Kyoto Higashiyama Winter Lantern Road
Event Period: March 6 (Fri) – March 15 (Sun), 2015
http://www.hanatouro.jp/e/higashiyama/index.html