Hasedera Temple Autumn Night Viewing: Autumn Leaf Light-Up

What Is the Autumn Night Viewing at Hasedera?

The autumn night viewing at Hasedera Temple (長谷寺) is an annual light-up held during the autumn leaf season. During this period, visiting hours are extended into the evening, and lights come on across the grounds before sunset, so the scenery changes little by little with the dusk sky. Hasedera, the temple of the Hase Kannon (a bodhisattva of compassion), is also known as a “temple of flowers,” and its grounds look out over the sea and streets of Kamakura.

Dates and Admission

In 2026 it runs from Saturday, November 21 to Sunday, December 6, and may be extended depending on the autumn leaves. It runs from sunset until the gates close at 7:00 p.m., and the grounds close at 7:30 p.m. It goes ahead in rain but may be canceled in stormy weather.

There is no fixed time for the lights to come on; the temple only says “sunset.” In Kamakura at this time of year the sun sets around 4:30 p.m., so the lights come on at about that time. The temple does not state a last entry time, but in 2025 the Kamakura City Tourist Association said entry closed at 7:00 p.m.

Admission is 400 yen for adults and 200 yen for elementary school children, the same as during the day.

Highlights: Leaves Reflected in the Ponds and Kannon Hall Lit in Blue

Visitors most often mention the Hojo-ike and Myochi-ike ponds just inside the main gate. The illuminated autumn leaves are reflected on the water, and people line up to take photos.

On the upper grounds, the Kannon Hall is lit in blue, and lights also shine on the Amida Hall, the sutra repository (Kyozo), the Ryoen Jizo statues, the entrance to the Benten-kutsu cave and the stone steps lined with autumn leaves. Around the Jizo Hall, fallen yellow ginkgo leaves cover the ground beneath illuminated maples, and small lanterns light the path. From the lookout you can see the sunset and the night view of the town, though visitors have reported that the lookout itself is only dimly lit.

Best Time to Visit and Crowds

We recommend arriving while it is still light so you can watch the change from sunset to the lights coming on. The night viewing is held by extending the closing time, so if you are already in the grounds during the day, you can simply stay into the evening.

Crowds vary by year and day. Visitors report that the grounds are very crowded on weekends and holidays, especially long weekends, with crowds gathering around the ponds. In a 2025 interview with the Kanagawa Shimbun newspaper, the temple recommended weekdays for a quieter visit.

Autumn Leaf Season and Things to Know Before You Go

Hasedera does not officially state when the leaves are usually at their best, but the Kamakura City Tourist Association gives “late November to mid-December.” According to the temple’s own reports, the leaves were at their best on November 25 in 2025 and slightly past their peak by December 3. In 2024 the colors came late, and some maples were still green at the end of November. In 2023 the peak was late, and the event was extended to December 10.

Some parts of the upper grounds are dark at night and involve many steps, so wear comfortable shoes. The upper grounds can only be reached by stairs, so wheelchairs and strollers cannot be used there. Tripods cannot be used on the paths. It gets cold at night, so dress warmly.

Access: Visiting During Your Stay at Toshi’s Place

Hasedera is about a 5-minute walk from Hase Station on the Enoden line. From JR Kamakura Station, take a bus to the “Hase Kannon” stop and walk about 5 minutes. The temple car park is open only until 4:30 p.m., and cars left after that cannot be taken out until the next morning, so come by train for the night viewing.

Staying in Kamakura lets you arrive at Hasedera early in the evening and wait for the lights to come on without worrying about the trip home. At Toshi’s Place, fully unstaffed smart hotels with full kitchens and no meals provided, you can spend the rest of the autumn evening at your own pace.

Summary

The autumn night viewing at Hasedera is held only during the autumn leaf season. As the grounds shift from dusk to night, you can see autumn leaves reflected in the ponds and the Kannon Hall lit in blue. Even if you have visited during the day, you will see a completely different side of Hasedera. For daytime autumn leaves, see Autumn Leaves at Hasedera Temple.

Basic Information

Google Map