A Castle of Cherry Blossoms and Light — 50 Varieties, 300 Trees, and Mesmerizing Night Sakura Art
Final admission at 21:00
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The guardian deity of Nijo-jo Castle, the “Sakura Guardian” dragon god, awakens in a grand projection mapping show that heralds the arrival of spring. Cherry blossoms bloom across the magnificent carvings of the Karamon Gate, and as petals dance in the spring breeze, the dragon god emerges. Enjoy a moment where history and fantasy intertwine.
A mesmerizing light display covers the castle walls with cherry blossom petal patterns, alongside a yatai (food stall) area where you can savor the flavors of spring. Enjoy drinks and dishes inspired by cherry blossoms, as well as classic festival favorites, while relaxing under traditional tea umbrellas. Experience the tastes of spring in an atmospheric setting.
A captivating light and sound installation recreates swirling cherry blossom petals, evoking the presence of the dragon god. Interactive lights respond to visitors’ movements, transforming the cherry blossom garden into a mystical realm.
A special hanami area where you can enjoy the night cherry blossoms while sitting on a sakura-shaped picnic sheet. Bring food and drinks purchased at the South Gate and relax while savoring the scents of spring. *This area is exclusively for those who purchase a picnic set.
In 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, artist Ryotaro Muramatsu’s participatory art project, “DANDELION PROJECT,” which connects the world through prayers for peace, will be featured as a collaborative piece with children from Kyoto. Inspired by the history of Nijo-jo Castle, which has never witnessed war, children’s painted cherry blossoms will illuminate the inner moat, symbolizing their heartfelt prayers for peace.
The entire inner moat transforms into a magical space overflowing with spring cherry blossoms. As the waters fill Nijo-jo Castle, the guardian dragon deity of the cherry blossoms dances, and a flurry of petals spreads across the scene. A magnificent spectacle unfolds, reaching the height of Nijo-jo Castle’s mystical allure.
The Koun-tei Pavilion glows with cherry blossom hues, reflected beautifully on the pond’s surface. Gentle lights celebrating the arrival of spring envelop the entire garden, creating ephemeral beauty with the scenery reflected as a borrowed landscape.
Nijo-jo Castle’s most stunning cherry blossom avenue is illuminated with light and music, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The lighting, themed around the arrival of spring, brings the cherry blossoms to life against the night sky.
Step into a banquet area surrounding cherry trees rooted here since the Meiji Restoration. At the bar counter, enjoy original cocktails paired with spring-inspired snacks. Savor a special moment where cherry blossoms and lights intertwine, steeped in historical charm.
Final admission at 21:00
Former Imperial Villa Nijo-jo Castle
541 Nijojo-cho, Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8301
【Early Bird Tickets】
Middle School Students or Above（Mon～Thu）: 1,600JPY／（Fri~Sun & Public Holidays） 2,000JPY
Elementary School Students（Mon～Thu）: 800JPY／（Fri~Sun & Public Holidays） 1,200JPY
【Regular Admission Tickets】
Middle School Students or Above（Mon～Thu）: 2,000JPY／（Fri~Sun & Public Holidays） 2,500JPY
Elementary School Students（Mon～Thu）: 1,000JPY／（Fri~Sun & Public Holidays） 1,500JPY
【Special Date Tickets】
Early Bird: Middle School Students or Above 2,400JPY／Elementary School Students 1,500JPY
Regular: Middle School Students or Above 2,800JPY／Elementary School Students 1,800JPY
■NAKED meets Nijo-jo Castle Committee
E-mail: naked-nijojo@naked.works
*Service Period: March 14th - April 13th, 2025
Get off at Subway Tozai Line Nijojo-mae Station (right next to the venue), or get off at JR Nijo Station, and walk for 17 minutes
Visitor Parking:
Parking Lot 1
Hours: 8:15〜22:15 （final entry at 21:00）
Capacity: 120 cars
Price: 40minutes/¥600 Maximum fee for the day ¥1,800
Parking Lot 3
Hours: 8:15〜22:15
Capacity: 20 cars
Price: ¥1,000 for first 2 hours plus ¥200 per additional hour
Motorbike and bicycle parking
Hours: 8:15〜22:15
Capacity: 10 motorcycles （middle-class and smaller） / 83 bicycles
Price: For motorcycles, ¥400 for first 2 hours plus ¥200 per additional hour / For bicycles, ¥200 for first two hours plus ¥100 per additional hour.
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A light scroll of Kyoto's seasons envelopes the East Square of Kyoto Station Building, the gateway to the city.
Discover the enchanting glow of a Japanese garden in winter Kyoto
In addition to the special opening of the main statue of Buddha Shakyamuni and special viewing of the inner sanctuary, there will be a special exhibition of the “DANDELION PROJECT,” which was born from the idea of connecting the world with prayers for peace that transcends all differences.
An evening stroll through glowing autumn leaves and dandelion art in the town of Sakamoto, the entryway to World Heritage Site Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei.
Special Illumination and Exhibition of National Treasure Hiunkaku, one of the "Big Three" pavilions of Kyoto
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First lighting event in the precincts of Higashi Hongwanji Temple
Commemorating the Opening of Honmaru-Goten Palace NAKED meets Nijo-jo Castle 2024: Autumn Harvest Festival and Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck set tickets, the first day of the NAKED Summer Festival 2024 will be lit up in a special color.
Stroll the streets of Kyoto at night with NAKED's art lanterns “NAKED Distance Lanterns ®︎” in hand.
Commemorating the Opening of Honmaru-Goten Palace NAKED Summer Festival 2024: World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle and Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck set tickets, the first day of the NAKED Summer Festival 2024 will be lit up in a special color.
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