Kyoto’s Nijo Castle is already one of the city’s top cherry blossom (sakura) viewing spots, with roughly 500 trees. But the evening illuminations, which occur nightly between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., are truly something else. For the past few years, they’ve been directed by the Tokyo-based art collective Naked.
What happens
The event’s showpiece is a colorful projection mapping over the castle’s already spectacular Karamon Gate in the evening. There are also interactive displays and a nighttime cherry blossom tea ceremony. And in the day, there will be food trucks and cultural experiences.
Schedule 2024
The castle will open during the day from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entrance at 4 p.m.). It will then close and reopen at 6 p.m. for the nighttime illuminations, which will end at 10 p.m. (last entrance at 9 p.m.).
Tickets
Daytime tickets (until 5 p.m.)
- Tickets cost ¥1,300 for adults and ¥300–¥400 for children.
Evening tickets (from 6 p.m.)
If tickets are purchased in advance they will cost:
- Monday to Thursday: ¥1,600 for adults and ¥1,000 for children.
- Friday to Sunday: ¥2,000 for adults and ¥1,400 for children.
- Special days (Mar. 23 and Mar. 30): ¥2,400 for adults and ¥1,800 for children.
Tickets purchased at the door cost an extra ¥400. Tickets are limited so we recommend purchasing in advance.
For more ideas of places to visit in Kyoto during cherry blossom season, check out our guide to Kyoto’s top sakura spots.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.- 357 m from Nijōjō-mae Station Tōzai Line (T14)
- 0.6 km from Nijō Station Tōzai Line (T15)Sagano Line (E4)
- 1.1 km from Marutamachi Station Karasuma Line (K7)
