Limited temple access, after-hours openings, and Kyoto at its softest.
JR Central is rolling out its spring 2026 edition of SOUDa KYOTO, Let’s Go.（そうだ 京都、行こう。）, running from February 10 through April 30. The hook this year? Flowers—specifically the kind Kyoto does best.
Think cherry blossoms, camellias, and plum trees taking over temple grounds and city views. But this isn’t just about strolling and snapping photos. The campaign leans into limited-access temple visits and after-dark events that actually feel worth leaving the couch for.
At the center of it all: special spring openings at eight temples and shrines, including Toji, Byodoin, Ninnaji, and Daigoji (both the Garan and Reihokan), plus normally off-limits areas of Heian Shrine’s gardens. Entry is capped. Reservations are required. Some visits happen early in the morning, others at night. A few even involve private or restricted areas. In other words, this is Kyoto without the shoulder-to-shoulder shuffle.
Those special visits run between March 14 and April 12, with schedules varying by site.
Nights get their own spotlight. For the first time, the campaign teams up with art collective Naked Inc. for a nighttime cherry blossom event called DAIGO HANAMI（醍醐花見）. Set at World Heritage–listed Daigoji, the experience reimagines Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s legendary cherry-blossom party using projection mapping and digital installations. It runs from March 27 to April 12 and leans more immersive than instructional.
Another evening option: TOJI TSUKI KAIRO（東寺月回廊）, a bamboo-lantern light-up event at Toji. The same team behind Arashiyama’s popular autumn lantern festival is back, this time lighting up the expansive temple grounds—and that towering five-story pagoda—between February 11 and March 11 (minus March 4).
Beyond temples and light shows, the campaign also folds in spring scenery via river boats, the Sagano Scenic Railway, and small-scale experiences tied to local traditions. There’s even a run of intricately cut paper goshuin—temple stamps inspired by seasonal flowers—available at spots like Jonangu, Reikanji, and Myoshinji Taizoin.
JR Central says the goal is to show a different side of Kyoto in spring. Less brochure. More atmosphere. Whether that means setting an early alarm or staying out late is up to you.
For details and the latest updates, visit the official SOUDa KYOTO, Let’s Go.（そうだ 京都、行こう。） spring 2026 campaign website:
https://souda-kyoto.jp/other/spring2026/
