As of February 21 2021,
Kyoto Nijo-jo Illuminage has ended.
Thank you very much for coming.
First event for this year, Kyoto Nijo-jo Castle Illuminage!
Shunkashūtō which means four seasons in Japanese, is Shunkashūtō the theme for this year’s event.
We illustrated some important events occurred at Nijo-jo Castle while expressing the beauty of each of four seasons at same time.
Nijo-jo Castle was built by Ieyasu Tokugawa to accommodate Emperor Gomizunoo’s visit, also it was the place where historical event called Taisei Hokan, which is an event where the last Shogun had returned sovereignty to Emperor Meiji. You can experience these historical events through our illumination works.
Don’t miss the winter night event in Kyoto that can only be seen at Nijo-jo Castle! Such as flower arrangement work created by IKENOBOYS and cute maiko neon which was made with direction of Shinji Osugi.
First event for this year,
Kyoto Nijo-jo Castle Illuminage!
Shunkashūtō which means four seasons
in Japanese, is Shunkashūtō the theme for
this year’s event.
We illustrated some important events occurred
at Nijo-jo Castle while expressing the beauty of
each of four seasons at same time.
Nijo-jo Castle was built by Ieyasu Tokugawa to
accommodate Emperor Gomizunoo’s visit, also it
was the place where historical event called Taisei
Hokan, which is an event where the last Shogun
had returned sovereignty to Emperor Meiji.
You can experience these historical events through
our illumination works.
Don’t miss the winter night event in Kyoto that can
only be seen at Nijo-jo Castle! Such as flower
arrangement work created by IKENOBOYS
and cute maiko neon which was made with
direction of Shinji Osugi.
The history of Nijo-jo Castle and beautiful shunkashūtō illumination!!!!
Date : 2020.12.14 ▶︎ 2021.2.21
※Excluding 12/29 – 12/31
Location : Nijo-jo Castle
※Excluding 12/29 – 12/31
Adult Admission ( Junior High School and above )
Adult Admission ( Junior High School and above )
Regular 1,500 yen
Children Admission ( 3 years old and above )
Children Admission ( 3 years old and above )
Regular 800 yen
*No admission fee for kids 3 or younger
*no admission fee for kids 3 or younger
*If you are planning your visit on 12/24 or 12/25
please purchase ticket with that specific date
You can purchase a ticket at the post office.
Please click here to see the eligible post office (List is in Japanese)
Countermeasures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection
Please note the following measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 for us to have a safe environment at Kobe Illuminage!
★ Register to Hyogo Prefecture New Corona Tracking System! Click here to register.
★ The numbers of visitors will be limited.
★ All visitors must wear a mask at all times.
★ All visitor’s temperature will be checked before entering (temperature 37.5 °C and above will not be able to enter)
★ Hand disinfectant at the entrance of the venue.
Depending on the spread of COVID-19 and regulations, the content and schedule may change or cancelled
Please note the following measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 for us to have a safe environment at Kobe Illuminage!
★ Register to Hyogo Prefecture New Corona Tracking System! Click here to register.
★ The numbers of visitors will be limited.
★ All visitors must wear a mask at all times.
★ All visitor’s temperature will be checked before entering (temperature 37.5 °C and above will not be able to enter)
★ Hand disinfectant at the entrance of the venue.
Depending on the spread of COVID-19 and regulations, the content and schedule may change or cancelled
Spring
When you go through the entrance, our cherry blossom tree line illumination will welcome you and you will be able to see the neon lights displaying the fashion during that time. The path then leads you into beautiful area with glowing bubble lights. And we have cute maiko neon display which was made under the supervision of Shinji Osugi. you can see the scene where Ieyasu Tokugawa instructing the construction of Nijo-jo Castle.
Spring
When you go through the entrance, our cherry blossom tree line illumination will welcome you and you will be able to see the neon lights displaying the fashion during that time. The path then leads you into beautiful area with glowing bubble lights. We have booth next to bubble lights where you can enjoy hot food and drinks. From the eating area we have cute maiko neon display which was made under the supervision of Shinji Osugi. Also from eating area you can see the scene where Ieyasu Tokugawa instructing the construction of Nijo-jo Castle.
Summer
The highlight of this area is flower arrangement work done by the IKENOBOYS, Emperor Gomizunoo will be right next to the flower arrangement work. Emperor Gomizunoo is the one who popularized cultural art such as Japanese flower arrangement called Kado. After you walk through the tunnel of glowing bamboo, there are illumination work such as the dragon motif which is carved in Karamon, and beautiful weeping willow illumination. Illumination works done on the cultural heritage stone wall and on tall ginko tree are astonishing.
Summer
The highlight of this area is flower arrangement work done by the IKENOBOYS, Emperor Gomizunoo will be right next to the flower arrangement work. Emperor Gomizunoo is the one who popularized cultural art such as Japanese flower arrangement called Kado. After you walk through the tunnel of glowing bamboo, there are illumination work such as the dragon motif which is carved in Karamon, and beautiful weeping willow illumination. Illumination works done on the cultural heritage stone wall and on tall ginko tree are astonishing.
Fall
When you walk through the gate called Minaminaka Shikiri-mon, it is fall season. Illumination work such as Japanese pampas grass and broadleaf tree will welcome you in. Also Yoshinobu Tokugawa, who was the very last Shogun will appear to direct one of the important event at Nijo-jo Castle which was the Taisei houkan, meaning the returning sovereignty to Emperor Meiji. Autumn insects are displayed using mysterious illuminations in which small lights move along the way.
Fall
When you walk through the gate called Minaminaka Shikiri-mon, it is fall season. Illumination work such as Japanese pampas grass and broadleaf tree will welcome you in. Also Yoshinobu Tokugawa, who was the very last Shogun will appear to direct one of the important event at Nijo-jo Castle which was the Taisei houkan, meaning the returning sovereignty to Emperor Meiji. Autumn insects are displayed using mysterious illuminations in which small lights move along the way.
Winter
Crystal Kamakura illumination are set up in this area and winter rabbits are also playing around. There is also illumination that allows light to flow from bottom going up, creating illusional snow-like space and tree. Modern emperors are also shown here in the expression toward modern times as the history of Nijo-jo Castle.
Winter
Crystal Kamakura illumination are set up in this area and winter rabbits are also playing around. There is also illumination that allows light to flow from bottom going up, creating illusional snow-like space and tree. Modern emperors are also shown here in the expression toward modern times as the history of Nijo-jo Castle.
From Kyoto Station
◆ By Kyoto City Subway: From Kyoto Station, use the Subway Karasuma Line for 6 minute to Karasuma Oike Station, then use Subway Tozai Line for 2 minute ride to Nijojo-mae Station, and short walk to Nijo-jo Castleぐ
◆ By Kyoto City Bus: From JR Kyoto Station to Nijojo-mae for 16 minute and short walk to Nijo-jo Castle.
◆ By JR Train: From JR Kyoto Station take JR Sagano Laine for 5 minute to Nijo Station and walk for 17 minute
From Sanjo Keihan Station
◆ By Kyoto City Subway: From Sanjo Keihan Station take Subway Tozai Line for 6 minute to Nijojo-mae Station and short walk to Nijo-jo Castle
◆ By Kyoto City Bus: From Shijo Karasuma take bus for 9 minute to Nijojo-mae and short walk
By Car
◆ From Kyoto Minami Interchange, or Kyoto Higashi Interchange, 30 minute drive on Meishin Expressway to Nijo-jo Castle
From Kyoto Station
◆ By Kyoto City Subway: From Kyoto Station, use the Subway Karasuma Line for 6 minute to Karasuma Oike Station, then use Subway Tozai Line for 2 minute ride to Nijojo-mae Station, and short walk to Nijo-jo Castleぐ
◆ By Kyoto City Bus: From JR Kyoto Station to Nijojo-mae for 16 minute and short walk to Nijo-jo Castle.
◆ By JR Train: From JR Kyoto Station take JR Sagano Laine for 5 minute to Nijo Station and walk for 17 minute
From Sanjo Keihan Station
◆ By Kyoto City Subway: From Sanjo Keihan Station take Subway Tozai Line for 6 minute to Nijojo-mae Station and short walk to Nijo-jo Castle
◆ By Kyoto City Bus: From Shijo Karasuma take bus for 9 minute to Nijojo-mae and short walk
By Car
◆ From Kyoto Minami Interchange, or Kyoto Higashi Interchange, 30 minute drive on Meishin Expressway to Nijo-jo Castle