Photo= Autumnal foliage around Hojo-ike pond is illuminated in a test lighting (6:18 p.m., November 2, Eikando, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto)

A test illumination of autumnal foliage was conducted on November 2 at Eikando Zenrinji Temple, the head temple of Jodo-shu Seizan-Zenrinji School, in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, prior to its autumn special night opening which started November 7. Red leaves, which have just begun to turn color, were lit up by soft lighting.

Approximately 3,000 trees, including Japanese maples, Matsumurae maples and others, are planted throughout the area, and are illuminated by about 670 lights this year. Around Hojo-ike pond in the temple precincts' center, maple leaves and pine trees were reflected on its pitch-black surface. Keitetsu Okugauchi, a chief steward at Eikando, encouraged people to come, saying, "The best view is expected around mid-November. We sincerely hope people will see the autumn leaves at night and also view the temple's principal image 'Mikaeri Amida,' or Amitabha looking back."

The special admission will continue until December 6. Admission hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day. The admission fee is 600 yen for junior high school students or older.