Matsushima's Fall Light Up 2025

This year again Matsushima is hosting its annual Autumn light up featuring this time not only the garden at Entsuiin Temple but also the gardens around Zuiganji, the neighboring Buddhist temple in the same area.

Both require separate fees so I only went to the first one this time, but I highly recommend anyone who is planning to go to take advantage of this chance to see the Buddhist gardens also lit up. It is the first time that I can remember them lighting up that site as well.

Also, on the website you will find information about what days the gardens will host which performer and type of performance. There's something very enchanting about walking through these well-lit beautiful Autumn trees while listening to a pan flute or piano play in the background. 

One difference from years previous is the tickets can be purchased exclusively at a booth booth located closer to the matsushima kaigan train station, not at the gates themselves. I did go a few weeks ago on a weekday so that might have made a difference in ticket availability, but unless you want to walk back and forth, I would recommend buying them at the first booth rather than hoping they're on sale somewhere else. 

There's still a few weeks left before this event closes on the 24th, so if you're in the area and want to see some lovely Fall foliage at Matsushima's gorgeous temples, do so soon.