Written by Aarohi Narain
Zuiganji is a 17th-century Zen temple restored by Date Masamune. This fall, the temple stays open after dark for an evening event by world-famous creative group NAKED.
What happens?
Matsushima’s Zuiganji is already stunning. Now, art collective NAKED is reimagining it after dark, bringing contemporary light art into the historic space.
Rather than overwhelming the site, the installations cast what’s already there in a new light: the vast kitchen hall with its intricate woodwork, the raked sand garden and plum tree said to have been planted by Masamune himself, and the main hall garden designed for moon-viewing.
Pro tip: Check out our guide to Matsushima.
Highlights 2025
This year’s edition revolves around the moon, a recurring motif in Masamune’s world.
The event includes small interactive elements, like handheld lanterns that cast shifting patterns underfoot, a floral fortune-slip artwork, and several Date Tsukimi evenings, which are staged moon-viewing nights that echo the rituals of the samurai era.
Schedule 2025
The event runs from Friday, October 24, to Monday, November 24, 2025, and is open nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (last entry is at 8:45 p.m., and ticket sales end at 8:30 p.m.).
Tickets 2025
Online advance tickets are ¥1,100 for adults (high school age and above), or ¥1,200 at the door. Admission is free for junior high school students and younger (with a guardian).
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.Add to Calendar
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Adults:
Advance sales: ¥1,100
At the door: ¥1,200
