Nijo-jo Castle Illumination : NAKED Festival in 2024

As one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, Nijo-jo Castle attracts visitors from all over the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its historic buildings, impressive castle treasures, and sprawling gardens that showcase the beauty of each season. But it’s the castle’s enchanting nighttime illuminations that truly set it apart.
I highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance for a smoother entrance.
Website for Purchasing Illumination Tickets

History

Nijo-jo Castle was built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate, to protect the Kyoto Imperial Palace and as his own residence when he visited Kyoto. In 1626, the castle was extensively renovated for the visit of Emperor Gomizuno. Ninomaru Palace was decorated with numerous paintings by the famous artist Kano Tanyu. In 1867, the Taisei Hokan (Restoration of the Crown), which marked the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate, was signed at the Ninomaru Palace. In 1994, Nijo-jo Castle was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved Momoyama-period architecture.

Projection Mapping

Nijo-jo Castle is famous for its stunning night views, especially when illuminated with projection mapping. Throughout the year, the castle hosts nighttime events with unique projection mapping displays for each season. These mesmerizing light shows are created by NAKED, a company known for its innovative projection mapping installations.

Karamon Gate

A highlight is the Karamon Gate, a national treasure and the entrance to Ninomaru Palace, which was built in 1626. Adorned with opulent metal decorations, this magnificent gate is a sight to behold even during the day. However, when illuminated at night, its beauty is truly breathtaking.

Moat

The moat surrounding the Honmaru Palace of Nijō Castle serves as a massive canvas for projection mapping. Stretching over 65 feet(20 meters) wide, the moat transforms into a giant screen displaying stunning seasonal imagery. The scale is such that visitors often linger for extended periods of time, mesmerized by the breathtaking display.

Light up

The extensive grounds of Nijo Castle, covering approximately 330,000 yd2(275,000m2), are home to a variety of trees that bloom throughout the year, from cherry blossoms in the spring to autumn leaves and camellias in the winter. These trees are illuminated at night, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere.

The Ninomaru Garden, a special place of scenic beauty, was designed in 1602 and later redesigned by Kobori Enshu. The garden features massive vertical stones that symbolize the power of Tokugawa Ieyasu. When illuminated at night, the majestic beauty of the garden is enhanced.

Food Stalls

Food stalls are set up in the northeastern warehouse area of Nijō Castle, offering a variety of traditional Japanese street food.

Examples of dishes include Deep-fried takoyaki, a trio of oden, karaage chicken, Kyoto-style yuba dengaku, a set of tsukimi onigiri, Kyoto-style white miso soup, udon noodles with fried tofu, etc…

Information

・Night illumination

I recommend to purchase tickets in advance to avoid crowded.

Online Ticket Site

NAKED Autumn Festival 2024 World Heritage Nijo-jo Castle Admission in Kyoto

・Day time

Closed days
・Nijo-jo castle
December 29 to 31

・Ninomaru-goten Palace
Every Tuesday in January, July, August, and December, January 1 to 3, and December 26 to 28

※When any of the above-mentioned days fall on a public holiday, Ninomaru-goten Palace will be closed the following day instead.

Entrance fee

※Entrance fee is free for children younger than elementary school age.

Adress
541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301

How to get there

To get to Nijo-jo Castle from Kyoto Station by train, take a subway on the Karasuma Line and get off at Karasuma Oike Station. Then transfer to the Tozai Line for Uzumasa Tenjin and get off at Nijojo-mae Station. The east entrance of Nijo Castle is a 6-minute walk from the station

Tips to avoid crowds

• Visit on a weekday instead of a holiday.
• The event is very crowded with tourists, especially during the illumination. You may have to wait in line for more than 30 minutes to purchase tickets at the front desk. I highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance for a smoother entrance.
  Website for Purchasing Illumination Tickets
• Arrive at the ticket reservation line (separate from the same-day ticket purchase line) 30 minutes before the castle opens at 5:30 pm. Alternatively, arriving 1.5 hours before closing may help you avoid crowds.

Links and Resorces

Official website
Nijo-jo Castle(English text)

NAKED(English text)