Kyoto’s Nijo-jo Castle to be illuminated with stunning cherry blossom art this spring
Renowned media artist Ryotaro Muramatsu and his studio, NAKED, Inc., are set to transform Nijo-jo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, into a captivating canvas of light and color this spring.
From March 14th to April 13th 2025, visitors can experience “NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2025 Sakura” an immersive nighttime art event that seamlessly blends stunning visual projections with the breathtaking beauty of the castle’s famed cherry blossoms.
This year’s event will showcase the artistry of nature, featuring approximately 300 cherry trees of various species in full bloom.
NAKED’s signature projection mapping will illuminate the castle grounds, transforming the blossoms into a mesmerizing spectacle of light and color.
The event will culminate in a dramatic display, featuring the awakening of the dragon god, the legendary guardian of Nijo Castle, heralding the arrival of spring.
“NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2025 Sakura” will encompass seven distinct zones within the castle grounds, each offering a unique and immersive cherry blossom experience.
The event will also incorporate a poignant artistic element, as Muramatsu collaborates with children from Kyoto on his “DANDELION PROJECT,” an ongoing initiative dedicated to fostering global peace.
The “DANDELION PROJECT” is a participatory art project that plants (installs) interactive dandelion art objects “DANDELION” around the world, making flowers, a symbol of peace, bloom all over the world.
It has traveled to 64 locations around the world, including Paris, San Francisco, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Kyoto, and will be exhibited at Hiroshima Orizuru Tower as part of the G7 Hiroshima Summit Partners Official Program in 2023.
This time, illustrations of cherry blossoms drawn by children who have learned about the history of Nijo Castle will be projected onto the inner moat as part of DANDELION’s production, alternating with the main illuminations.
Food and drink stalls selling cherry blossom viewing menus will be set up at the South Gate and Ninomaru Palace courtyard.
Cherry blossom themed sweets, drinks, and alcohol, as well as popular standard cherry blossom viewing foods such as hanami dango will all be on sale.
As the event expects to attract a large number of foreign tourists, a vegan menu will also be available.
To enhance the visitor experience, a designated “Cherry Blossom Garden” will be available for those who purchase a “Picnic Set”, which includes a “Sakura Leisure Sheet” in the shape of a cherry blossom petal, a drink and snacks.
This exclusive area provides a tranquil setting for visitors to enjoy the cherry blossom spectacle at their own pace.
“NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2025 Sakura” will be open from 18:00 to 22:00 daily (last entry 21:00) from March 14th to April 13th 2025.
Tickets range from 800 yen for elementary school students up to 2,800 yen for adults. Discounts are available for advance bookings.
Same day tickets will be available, however availability cannot be guaranteed and it is recommended to book in advance via the official website.
The event promises to be an unforgettable experience, combining the timeless beauty of cherry blossoms with cutting-edge artistic technology in the surroundings of one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks.
Source: Official Website