NAKED meets Nijo Castle – Sakura 2025
Last Updated on February 13, 2025
| calendar_month DATE | Mar 14 2025 - Apr 13 2025 |
|---|---|
| schedule TIME | 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
| payments Cost | from ¥400 |
| info Website | Official Website |
| location_on Location | Nijo Castle |
|---|---|
| map Area | Kyoto |
| category CATEGORY | Art Castles Flowers Illumination |
Event Overview
Nijo Castle, one of Kyoto’s most iconic cherry blossom spots, transforms into an enchanting night sakura experience with NAKED’s digital art.
A number of different events and art installations will be located around the castle grounds:
Karamon Gate
The main entrance to Nijo Castle will greet visitors with a projection mapping heralding the arrival of Spring, with the “Sakura Guardian” dragon god awakening.
Cherry blossoms bloom across the magnificent carvings of the Karamon Gate, and as petals dance in the spring breeze the dragon god emerges, giving visitors a moment to enjoy where history and fantasy intertwine.
Inner Moat Cherry Blossom Illuminations
As part of the DANDELION PROJECT, which was introduced to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the inner moat will be illuminated with cherry blossom artwork created by Kyoto’s children with the aim of connecting the world through prayers for peace.
Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom
The inner moat will also host the “Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom” projection mapping transforming it into a magical space overflowing with spring cherry blossoms.
Garden of Spring Thunder
The light and sound installation “Garden of Spring Thunder” will captivate visitors by recreating 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.
Hanami Food Stalls
Hanami food stalls will be set up at the South Gate and in the courtyard, offering seasonal delights to let visitors experience the tastes of spring in an atmospheric setting.
Visitors can enjoy drinks and dishes inspired by cherry blossoms as well as classic festival favourites, while relaxing under traditional tea umbrellas.
Sakura Night Picnic Area
A hanami area with sakura-themed leisure sheets will also be available (this area is exclusively for those who purchase a picnic set).
Evening Cherry Blossom Garden
Ninomaru Palace Courtyard will be home to the banquet area designed around the theme of “Evening Cherry Blossom Garden” where visitors can enjoy original cocktails paired with spring-inspired snacks purchased from the bar.
Koun-tei Pavilion Illumination
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.
Cherry Blossom Avenue
The main cherry blossom avenue of Nijo Castle will be illuminated with lights and music, creating an enchanting atmosphere as the cherry trees are illuminated against the night sky.
Enjoy a magical spring night where history, art, and cherry blossoms come together.
Venue Information
Location: Nijo Castle
Dates: 14th March – 13th April 2025
Entry Cost
Tickets for the event are priced as follows:
| Mon.~Thu. | Fri.~ Sun. Holidays | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early bird tickets | Regular tickets | Early bird tickets | Regular tickets | |
| Middle school students or above | 1,600 yen | 2,000 yen | 2,000 yen | 2,500 yen |
| Elementary school students | 800 yen | 1,000 yen | 1,200 yen | 1,500 yen |
| Discount for Disabilities Middle school students or above | 800 yen | 1,000 yen | 1,000 yen | 1,300 yen |
| Discount for Disabilities Elementary school students | 400 yen | 500 yen | 600 yen | 800 yen |
Tickets can be purchased in advance from the official website.
Getting There
Nijo Castle is best accessed from Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Line.