Kyoto’s Nijo Castle is already one of the the city’s top cherry blossom viewing spots, with roughly 500 trees. But the evening illuminations, which occur nightly between 6pm and 9pm, are truly something else. For the past few years they’ve been directed by Tokyo-based art collective Naked.
The event’s showpiece is a colorful projection mapping over the castle’s already spectacular Karamon gate. There are also interactive displays, like the Dandelion Project, and ones that change with the weather. Part of the donations collected through the Dandelion Project will go to the Kyoto-Kyiv Sister City Alliance 50th Anniversary Project Executive Committee.
Day time admission is between 8.45am and 4pm and tickets cost adult/child ¥1,030/¥200–¥350. Evening admission is between 6pm and 9pm and tickets cost adult/child ¥1,400/¥800 Monday through Thursday and adult/child ¥1,800/¥1,200 Friday through Sunday if purchased in advance; tickets purchased at the door cost an extra ¥200. 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.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, many events have been canceled. Always check official sites before heading to an event.Get the best Japan Cheapo hacks direct to your inbox
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- 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)
