Daigoji Temple Cherry Blossom Illumination, Kyoto

A Unesco World Heritage Site in Kyoto, Daigoji is an expansive temple complex covering an entire mountainside. Come spring, you can explore its historical buildings, elegant gardens and cherry blossoms after dark, all transformed by illuminations and digital light effects courtesy of Tokyo-based creative studio Naked.

After passing through the illuminated Nioman Gate, a lantern-lit pathway will guide you to the event’s various light installations. You’ll find projection mapping and light art at the temple’s two National Treasures – the Five-Storey Pagoda and the Kondo Hall. Fun fact: the pagoda holds special significance as the oldest surviving building in Kyoto.

The beautifully landscaped Benten Pond along with the adjacent Bentendo Hall – Daigoji’s most recognisable landmark – will also shimmer with light. More importantly, all the sites mentioned above are surrounded by blooming sakura and they are lit up, too, creating a magical sight evocative of springtime Kyoto.

While the admission ticket allows you to explore the illuminations freely, several optional activities require additional fees. These include a scenic tea ceremony (¥1,000–¥1,500) accompanied by digital art visuals held in front of the Five-Storey Pagoda, as well as a traditional Japanese candle workshop (¥1,500).

There will also be food stalls on site, serving Kyoto-style oden, sakura latte and hot Japanese tea – because no hanami (cherry viewing) experience is complete without seasonal snacks and drinks. Collectors of goshuin stamps can also pick up an event-exclusive design featuring cherry blossoms drifting across the night sky.