Important update: The Higashiyama Hanatouro festival has ended. Its final edition was held in March 2022, and the organisers concluded the event after roughly two decades. If you came looking for it, this guide explains what it was, why it stopped — and, more usefully, the beautiful evening illuminations and night temple visits you can still enjoy in Higashiyama today.

For about twenty years, the Higashiyama Hanatouro (“flower and light path”) transformed eastern Kyoto into a magical evening promenade each March, lining the historic stone streets between Kiyomizu-dera and Maruyama Park with thousands of lanterns and seasonal flower displays. It was one of the city’s most romantic events — but it is no longer held. Here’s the honest picture and what to do instead.

🗓️ Quick Reference
Status ❌ Ended — final event March 2022
What it was Evening lantern-lit walk through Higashiyama
When it ran Annually each March (~2003–2022)
Today Replaced by temple light-ups & illuminations
Best alternative Seasonal night temple visits (spring/autumn)

What Higashiyama Hanatouro Was

From around 2003, each March the streets of Higashiyama — the preserved historic district below Kiyomizu-dera — were lit after dark by some 2,400 lanterns (roji-andon) lining the lanes, with large ikebana flower arrangements, illuminated temples and shrines, and special evening openings of sights like Kiyomizu-dera, Kodai-ji, Yasaka Shrine, and Maruyama Park. Visitors strolled the glowing stone slopes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka past the Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji), the streets calm and beautiful in lantern light. There was also a separate Arashiyama Hanatouro in December. Both were beloved, gentle, romantic events.

Why It Ended

The Higashiyama Hanatouro held its final edition in March 2022 before the organising committee brought the long-running event to a close (the Arashiyama edition had likewise ended). After about two decades, the festival concluded — so it is no longer part of Kyoto’s calendar. We note this honestly because older guidebooks, blog posts, and listings still describe it as an annual event; please don’t plan a trip around it.

What You Can Enjoy Instead

The good news: Higashiyama is still gorgeous at night during the right seasons, thanks to temple light-up (raito-appu) events that continue independently. Look for these:

  • Kiyomizu-dera special night illuminations: The great temple holds evening light-ups in spring (cherry blossom) and autumn (foliage), with a beam of light into the sky and the stage and grounds beautifully lit — a stunning night visit. See our Kiyomizu-dera guide .
  • Kodai-ji night illuminations: This atmospheric temple near Maruyama Park runs acclaimed seasonal evening light-ups (including projection and garden lighting) in spring and autumn.
  • Shoren-in: Quiet evening illuminations of its garden in season.
  • Maruyama Park & Yasaka Shrine: Lovely to stroll in the evening; Maruyama’s weeping cherry is famously lit during blossom season.
  • The streets themselves: Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and the Yasaka Pagoda remain beautiful and atmospheric in the early evening year-round — an enchanting after-dark walk even without a festival.

Seasonal illuminations also light up Arashiyama temples (e.g. autumn and special winter events) and other sites around the city.

Planning an Evening in Higashiyama Today

  • Best seasons for night light-ups: Late March–early April (cherry blossom) and mid–late November (autumn foliage), when temples hold their special evening openings.
  • Check current dates: Each temple sets its own light-up schedule and ticket each year — confirm in advance for the season you visit.
  • Stroll early evening: Even outside light-up season, walking the lantern-lit lanes around the Yasaka Pagoda and Gion at dusk is magical and free.
  • Combine with dinner: Pair an evening walk with dinner in Gion or along the Kamo River.

Combining Your Visit

Getting There

The Higashiyama district is reached via Higashiyama or Gion-Shijo stations and city buses to the Kiyomizu/Gion area. For seasonal night illuminations, go to the specific temple (Kiyomizu-dera, Kodai-ji, etc.) during its published evening hours.