[2023] Limited time light-up event at Hyogo’s world heritage site “Himeji Castle”

This service includes sponsored advertisements.

Himeji Castle is considered the most famous castle in Japan and is visited by many people from all over the world every year. The light-up event "Himeji Castle Castle History 30th Kyoka Suigetsu" is being held from November 22nd to December 11th. This time, we will introduce the highlights of this e...

Written by

Hyogo Tourism Bureau

Welcome to Hyogo Hyogo is a gateway to the Kansai region, which nurtures the blessed land that connects the Sea of Japan, the Chugoku Mountains, and the Seto Inland Sea, as well as the blessed climate. There are many spectacular views that will catch your eye, such as Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site that was selected as one of the 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots, and the panoramic night view from Mt. Rokko. The world-famous Kobe brand, KOBE BEEF, which is synonymous with Tajima beef, is one of Japan's leading beefs, and the sake rice ``Hyogo Yamada Nishiki'' is a gem that will surprise your tongue. Arima Onsen is a famous hot spring, and Kinosaki Onsen has appeared in many literary works. Surrounded by nature, you can relax your mind and body. You can come across memorable sounds such as the thunderous sounds of the whirlpools of Naruto on Awaji Island, and the dynamic sounds of the fireworks festivals held in various places in the summer. In the herb gardens and botanical gardens in the prefecture, you will be healed by the gentle and pleasant scent of herbs and flowers throughout the four seasons. Enjoy a new journey in Hyogo that stimulates the five senses of sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell.

Table of Contents
Light-up event “Himeji Castle Castle History 30th Kyoka Suigetsu”
1. Experience the mysterious illumination! "Sannomaru Square"
2. Enjoy live music and performances in the “Omotenashi Zone”
3. Because it's winter! Shining cherry blossom trees
4. Participating in the creation of works ``Shadow picture installation''
5. Stay gorgeous on your way home! "Otemae Street Illumination"
[Official website] Hyogo prefecture tourism site HYOGO! navigation

[Official website] Himeji Castle Castle History 30th Kyoka Suigetsu

Light-up event “Himeji Castle Castle History 30th Kyoka Suigetsu”

As Himeji Castle will celebrate its 30th anniversary as a World Heritage Site in December 2023, a light-up event is being held as one of the commemorative events, with the theme of "Castle History Connected by Light", where light, water, and music resonate.

``Kyoka Suigetsu'' is a word that expresses the ephemeral beauty and taste that can be seen but cannot be felt, or felt but cannot be expressed in words, like a flower reflected in a mirror or the moon reflected in water. thing.

Event basic information

■ Event period: November 22, 2023 (Wednesday) to December 11, 2023 (Monday)

■ Time: 17:45-21:15 (Admission until 21:00)

■ Location: Himeji Castle Sannomaru Square

■ Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture 670-0012

Himeji Castle

68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture 670-0012

■ Admission fee: General 500 yen

*Free for junior high school students and younger / Free for those with a disability certificate (including one caregiver)

■ Access: 20 minutes walk from JR Himeji Station or Sanyo Himeji Station

1. Experience the mysterious illumination! "Sannomaru Square"

The main venue, Himeji Castle Sannomaru Square, will feature a giant water mirror, laser searchlights, and 60,000 bulbs of illumination, creating a ``reviving moment of beauty'' in the hearts of viewers.

``Water mirror'' that reflects Himeji Castle in a fantastical way

A water mirror reminiscent of the beautiful waterside of the Mukoyashiki Garden, which is said to have once existed, transcends time and space and returns to Yamamaru Square. Digital art overlaps with the castle reflected on the surface of the water, allowing you to enjoy the world of Kyoka Suigetsu while thinking about the history of this place and the flow of time.

"Light up" colors the night sky with a veil of light

Eight lighting towers depicting scenes of everyday life from the Edo period illuminate the night sky with 16 laser searchlights, which have doubled in number since last year, illuminating the night sky with a veil of light.

In addition, you can enjoy a mysterious dance of light accompanied by original theme music, including various projection mapping, illuminations, and balloon lanterns.

2. Enjoy live music and performances in the “Omotenashi Zone”

A "hospitality zone" has been set up in Marunouchi Square so that visitors can enjoy the venue at their leisure.

There are vermilion outdoor umbrellas and shogidai, which have been used since ancient times when holding outdoor tea ceremonies (tea ceremony ceremonies), so you can take a break as you please. You can take it.

You can also enjoy daily live music and performances here.

Click here for the schedule ↓

Music Event Hospitality Stage

3. Because it's winter! Shining cherry blossom trees

After leaving the main venue, you will be greeted by a row of cherry blossom trees. Unfortunately, you won't be able to admire the cherry blossoms in full bloom during this season, but instead, projection mapping and illumination neon art will brightly color the night streets, making your way home more enjoyable.

"Projection mapping" that appears on the road at night

Projection mapping will randomly project images of carp swimming in the pond, ripples, flowers, and more. You can experience a mysterious space of light while walking on a virtual waterfront created by digital art.

"Illumination neon art" imitating historical figures

Beside the row of cherry blossom trees, illuminated neon art reminiscent of figures associated with Himeji Castle, such as Princess Sen and Lord Tadatoki, will also appear.

4. Participating in the creation of works ``Shadow picture installation''

``Shadow play installation'' where everyone can experience the shadow play that everyone has experienced at least once.

Would you like to become a creator and participate in the creation of "Kyoka Suigetsu" works? Please enjoy shadow art and feel like a child again.

5. Stay gorgeous on your way home! "Otemae Street Illumination"

From November 22nd (Wednesday) to February 29th, 2024 (Thursday), including the “Kyoka Suigetsu” period, Otemae Street will be brightly illuminated with approximately 220,000 full-color LED lights to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Himeji Castle being registered as a World Heritage Site. You can

During the same period, illuminations will be held at Himeji Station North Nigiwai Exchange Plaza, and the whole city will be wrapped in dazzling lights, so after touring Himeji Castle, be sure to enjoy the glittering winter streets of Himeji.

[Official website] Himeji Castle Castle History 30th Kyoka Suigetsu

[Official website] Hyogo prefecture tourism site HYOGO! navigation

The official website of Hyogo Tourism Headquarters, which provides tourist information for Hyogo Prefecture (Kobe, Himeji, Kinosaki, Awajishima, etc.). There is a lot of recommended travel information, including special sightseeing spots such as Hyogo Prefecture's Japanese heritage sites and cycling, as well as model courses where you can enjoy hot spring culture and Japanese sake, so be sure to check it out!

HYOGO! Check your navigation now!

Written by

Hyogo Tourism Bureau

Hyogo

The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.

The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.