On November 1, the first ever night exhibition and illumination started at Jingo-ji Temple in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, celebrating the 1,200th anniversary of Kobodaishi Kukai's joining the temple. In the temple precincts where approximately 120 lanterns are placed, tinted leaves wet with the autumn rain emerged from the darkness, and visitors leisurely strolled while viewing the reddening tree leaves.

The wooden statue of "Yakushi Nyorai," a national treasure and principal image of the temple, has been unveiled in Kondo Hall, and its vigorous figure illuminated by LED, or light-emitting diodes. Daishido Hall in the precincts has also been opened to the public.

Pictures drawn by local children and lanterns with bases made of Kitayama cedar have been arranged along the approach to the temple, casting warm light.

The night exhibition will continue until November 30, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There is an admission fee, and an additional fee is also necessary to enter Daishido Hall. The photo exhibition "Kukai no Aruita Michi," or Walk with Kukai, is also being held in the precincts' Jizo-in Hall during this event. There is also a memorial service for Wake-no Kiyomaro, a high-ranking official during the Nara Period, and a lecture by Tetsuo Yamaori, a religious scholar, on November 4.