Kiyomizu Temple (Nov. 12-Dec. 4): The views of the city from this temple’s famous wooden veranda, overlooking a valley of maple leaves, are magnificent. The temple and much of the grounds will be illuminated; 400 yen; Open: 18:00-21:00; Kyoto City Bus #206, get off at Kiyomizu-michi; www.kiyomizudera.or.jp

Kodai-ji Temple (Until Dec. 11): This temple was built by the wife of the legendary warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1606. The temple’s stunning garden, full of maple trees, will be lit up in the evenings; 600 yen (including entry to the Sho Museum); Open: Sunset-21:30; Kyoto City Bus #100, 206, get off at Higashiyama Yasui; www.kodaiji.com

Shoren-in Temple (Oct. 28-Dec. 4): The serene gardens of Shoren-in Temple are a delightful place to enjoy the autumn colors by day and by night; 800 yen; Open: 18:00-21:30; Kyoto City Bus #5, get off at Jingumichi; www.shorenin.com

Chion-in Temple (Nov. 3-Dec. 4): The temple’s stunning Miei-do Hall, San-mon Gate, Hojo Garden and Yuzen-en Garden will be lit up; 800 yen; Open: 17:30-21:00; Kyoto City Bus #206, get off at Chionin-mae; www.chion-in.or.jp

Daikaku-ji Temple (Nov. 11-Dec. 4; Closed on Nov. 17-19): Daikakuji Temple is one of the very old temples in Kyoto, and was originally built as Imperial Villa for Emperor Saga in the early Heian period. The temple’s spacious precinct and the surrounding area of the Osawa Pond will be illuminated with a soft and mystical light up; 500 yen; Open: 17:30-20:00; Kyoto City Bus #28, get off at Daikaku-ji; www.daikakuji.or.jp

Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine (Nov. 12-Dec. 4): This shrine was built in 947 by the emperor of the time in honor of Michizane Sugawara, a great scholar and politician of the Heian period. The precinct is surrounded by about 300 autumn colored-trees; 700 yen (with tea and sweet); Open: Sunset-20:00; Kyoto City Bus #50, get off at Kitano Tenmangu-mae; www.kitanotenmangu.or.jp