Nijo Castle Sakura Festival NAKED 2025- Tickets, and Must-See Highlights

Every spring, Kyoto’s Nijo Castle hosts the spectacular NAKED Sakura Festival, an immersive nighttime cherry blossom event designed by the creative company NAKED Inc.. This event seamlessly blends nature and technology, using stunning light projections, music, and interactive installations to transform the castle grounds into a magical wonderland.

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NAKED Sakura Festival 2025: About Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is one of Japan’s most significant cultural heritage sites. Built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, the castle served as a residence for shoguns visiting Kyoto and as a protective stronghold for the nearby Imperial Palace.

In 1624, the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, expanded the castle, shaping it into the structure we see today. It later became the site where the 15th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, announced the return of power to the Emperor in 1867, marking the end of the Edo period. Nijo Castle, a silent witness to both the rise and fall of the Tokugawa shogunate, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

The NAKED Sakura Festival at Nijo Castle aims not only to attract visitors to admire the breathtaking cherry blossoms but also to deepen appreciation for this historic site through the fusion of traditional architecture and modern digital art.

NAKED Sakura Festival 2025: Nighttime Sakura Light Show

With around 300 cherry trees representing 50 different varieties, Nijo Castle is a beloved sakura viewing spot in Kyoto. The blossoms typically peak from late March to late April, offering a breathtaking spectacle. But when night falls, the scenery becomes even more mesmerizing, as the NAKED Sakura Festival transforms the castle into an enchanting dreamscape with illuminations and projection mapping.

Karamon Gate Light Show

The Karamon Gate, Nijo Castle’s grand entrance, is an elaborate structure adorned with intricate carvings of cranes, guardian lions, and dragons.

During the festival, it becomes the stage for the “Sakura Hayashi” light projection, where glowing cherry blossoms drift across the gate, accompanied by a soft, atmospheric melody. This magical display breathes new life into the centuries-old gate, adding a sense of ethereal beauty.

As you walk from the outer garden toward the Sakura-no-Sono (Cherry Blossom Garden), the castle’s exterior walls are illuminated with dynamic cherry blossom projections that change colors over time. Along the way, delicate pathway lanterns enhance the dreamlike atmosphere.

Sakura-no-Sono (Cherry Blossom Garden) Night Illumination

Sakura-no-Sono is the heart of Nijo Castle’s cherry blossom scene, home to a variety of sakura trees, with Yaezakura and Weeping Cherry Blossoms taking center stage.

At night, the trees are bathed in soft, colorful lights that change in harmony with the music, creating an unforgettable visual and sensory experience. Unlike the daytime scenery, the nighttime sakura radiates a completely different kind of charm.

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Momoyama Gate & Castle Walls Projection Mapping

As you pass through Momoyama Gate, you’ll be greeted by a dazzling projection mapping show on the castle walls. The animations depict cherry blossoms swirling in the wind, transforming the stone fortifications into a vibrant, ever-changing canvas of light and color.

Seiryu-en Garden & Koun-tei Pavilion

Seiryu-en Garden is one of Nijo Castle’s most famous Japanese gardens, and Koun-tei Pavilion is a traditional structure nestled within its serene landscape.

During the NAKED Sakura Festival, the garden is adorned with sophisticated light installations that blend seamlessly with the natural scenery, creating a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation. The reflections of the illuminated cherry blossoms in the tranquil pond add an extra layer of beauty and serenity.

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At the final exit, visitors can enjoy an interactive projection display, where they can take stunning photos with vibrant digital cherry blossoms.

Why You Should Experience the NAKED Sakura Festival at Nijo Castle

By merging historic architecture with state-of-the-art digital art, the NAKED Sakura Festival transforms Nijo Castle into a mesmerizing landscape of light, music, and nature. Whether you’re with friends, family, or a special someone, this one-of-a-kind nighttime sakura experience is a must-see when visiting Kyoto in spring.

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NAKED Sakura Festival 2025: Event Details & Ticket Prices

• Dates: March 14, 2025 (Friday) – April 13, 2025 (Sunday)
• Time: 18:00 – 22:00 (Last admission at 21:00)
• Location: 541 Nijojo-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
• Admission Fees:
  • Weekdays (Mon – Thu): ¥2,000
  • Weekends & Holidays (Fri – Sun, National Holidays): ¥2,400
• Get Your Tickets Now 👉👉 KKday Nijo Castle Admission Tickets

🌸 Looking for More Kyoto Cherry Blossom Experiences? Check out other spring tours on KKday!

How to Get to Nijo Castle

• By Subway: Take the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line to Nijojo-mae Station (3-minute walk).
• By JR Train: Take the JR Sagano Line to Nijo Station (16-minute walk).
• By Bus: Take a Kyoto City Bus to Nijojo-mae stop (3-minute walk).

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