Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto

A historic Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto dating back to 1605, Kodaiji only opens for special night visits twice a year. This spring, the serene grounds will host a projection mapping showcase complete with synchronised illumination and immersive 3D sound. The digital effects are more than just flashy graphics. The narrative-driven multimedia show celebrates the friendship of two historical figures: Matsu (Hoshun-in), wife of prominent samurai Maeda Toshiie, and Nene (Kita-no-Mandokoro), who established this temple to pray for the soul of her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the great unifiers of Japan. While this event is not strictly a cherry blossom illumination, the projection mapping show unfolds at Hashintei Garden in front of the Abbot’s Hall, next to a gorgeous weeping cherry tree that’s about 100 years old.