AugustBiwako Grand Fireworks Festival
Kansai ・ Lake Biwa
Usually a weekday evening in early August (about 1 hour)
Autumn Leaves · Kansai
Eigenji Temple
Higashiomi, ShigaTemple🍁 Typical peak: Early Nov – Late Nov✦ Illumination
Overview
Overview
The head temple of the Eigenji school of Rinzai Zen, standing along the Echi River gorge at the foot of the Suzuka Mountains. One of Shiga’s best-known spots for autumn leaves, it holds a special opening of its garden and an illumination during the autumn leaves season.
- Address
- 41 Eigenji Takano-cho, Higashiomi, Shiga 527-0212
- Time needed
- About 1 hour
- Official website
- https://eigenji-t.jp/
Area weather
Lake BiwaWeather and what to wear in Lake Biwa →Tours & tickets for this areaPR
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually early to late November (peak in mid-November)
September
October
November
December
Varies with the weather. The temple’s official website posts updates on the grounds
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
The colors usually peak around the latter part of mid-November. During the autumn leaves season the garden has a special opening and there is an evening illumination, so you can enjoy the combination of the quiet Zen temple buildings and the autumn leaves by day and by night.
Illumination
Illumination & night viewing
- Period
- Usually around early to late November
Check Eigenji Temple’s announcements for the 2026 dates
Hours
Opening hours
Visiting hours9:00–16:00
8:00–17:00 during the autumn leaves season (November)
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓Right after opening in the morning there are few people, so you can enjoy the autumn leaves in peace
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Yokaichi Station (Ohmi Railway)About 35 min on the Ohmi Railway Bus Misono Line; get off at Eigenji-mae
- By car & parking
- Parking lots near Dando Bridge on National Route 421 and elsewhere. In autumn, private lots charge about ¥500 per car
- Getting back
- Roads are congested during the autumn leaves season, so taking the bus is recommended
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- Nearby roads and parking lots get congested on weekends at the peak
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- November normals for Hikone: high 15.6°C, low 8.0°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
- What to wear & bring
- It is cold along the gorge at the foot of the mountains, so bring a heavy jacket
Rules
Photography & visitor rules
- !Tripods and drones are not allowed
- !Climbing stone walls or high places to take photos is not allowed
- !Commercial use of photos requires prior permission
Events
Events & festivals in Lake Biwa
AugustAutumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Kansai
Park🍁 Typical peak
Temple
Park
Shrine
Temple
Temple
TempleHogon-in Temple (Arashiyama)
Kansai ・ Arashiyama, Kyoto
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov
✦ IlluminationNow on
Temple
Temple
Temple
ShrineKitano Tenmangu Shrine Momiji-en
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Early Dec
✦ Illumination
Temple
Temple
Park
Temple
Shrine
TemplePeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-05
