Review: NAKED SAKURA FESTIVAL 2024: WORLD HERITAGE SITE NIJO-JO CASTLE

NAKED Sakura Festival: An art-centric entertainment “Hanami” cherry blossom viewing event where visitors can see, hear, experience, taste, and enjoy at Nijo-jo Castle with 300 cherry trees of 50 varieties. Produced by the creative company NAKED, INC., this event takes place at Nijo-jo Castle, one of Kyoto's premier cherry blossom spots. A cherry blossom festival unique to Nijo-jo Castle, featuring nighttime cherry blossom illuminations, cherry blossom projection mapping at the important cultural property, Karomon Gate, and digital art inspired by the Kano school's wall paintings adorning the national treasure, Ninomaru-goten Palace. Additionally, the Premium Plan allows guests to enjoy light snacks at one of Nijo-jo Castle's top cherry blossom spots while experiencing special performances such as sword fights and samurai hospitality shows, including commemorative photos with Shogun (general) Yoshinobu Tokugawa.

As we enter, they are greeted by the projection mapping of "Sakura-bayashi" onto the important cultural property, the Karamon gate. The balance between the historical significance of the Karamon gate and the spring-like lighting colors is fantastic. The powerful sound of Japanese drums and flutes enhances the artistic atmosphere. Flurry of petals appear with the carvings of cranes, Chinese lions, and dragons that adorn the Karamon Gate, welcoming visitors with a grand view. The sight of the cherry blossom sea spreading out before one's eyes is breathtaking. The entire area is dyed pink with cherry blossoms, creating a scene that can only be seen here. The chirping of birds can be heard, allowing audiences to truly experience the arrival of spring.

On the way to the next mapping show, the entire castle wall was illuminated with patterns of cherry blossom petals. Lights that resemble flurries of cherry blossoms petals illuminate the ground underfoot, inviting us into the cherry blossom garden.

Drew by the aroma, we proceed to the inner moat, where we are captivated by the projection mapping show "Sakurazukiyo-ezu." Various cherry blossoms and golden wall paintings by the prominent Kano school of Japanese painting illuminate the 140-meter-long moat.

The pale pink cherry blossoms bloom and scatter gently, with white cherry blossoms also bloom beautifully, scattering elegantly. Unlike Karamon Gate, the music dominated by flutes portrays the ephemeral yet serene cherry blossoms. The beauty of cherry blossoms art that reflect the spirit of Nijo-jo Castle's hospitality captivates visitors, making them forget the cold as they are mesmerized.

Following the route, we reach gazebo illuminated by various pale lights. In this Premium Hanami area included with premium tickets, guests not only have exclusive access to a luxury Hanami area, which is one of the best Hanami spots on the Nijo-jo Castle grounds, but also indulge in performances such as sword fights.

Upon taking our seats, Shogun Yoshinobu Tokugawa greets each guest individually. For overseas travelers, he utilizes a translation device called "POCKETALK" to interact. He also let the them to hold his sword for a commemorative photo with him. Matcha green tea with Japanese confectionery, and Sakura lemonade with a donut, which are included with the premium ticket, are served, enhancing the Hanami experience. It's a moment of elegance to enjoy gourmet food while admiring the illuminated cherry blossoms.

As Shogun Tokugawa makes a reappearance, a tense atmosphere fills the air. Suddenly, Ninja leap out from the bushes and attack Tokugawa. Beneath the cherry blossom trees, a thrilling sword fight unfolds before the audience's eyes. Engrossed in the period drama-like performance set within the ideal backdrop of the castle grounds, the crowd leans forward, applauding the dynamic and immersive experience of the swordplay amidst the setting of Nijo-jo Castle and its cherry blossoms.

Even after the luxurious hospitality show, we fully enjoyed the illuminated Nijo-jo Castle gardens. Surrounded by castle's iconic cherry trees and mystical illumination of the Seiryuen Garden, “Ouka-ranma,” then passing through the gate shrouded in mist, we are greeted by cherry blossoms in full bloom in Daidokoro-mae Area. In between the projection mapping displays of a cherry blossom banquet decorates the castle wall, the majestic beauty of the thick and dignified cherry blossoms serves as a fitting finale.

Wrapped in the beauty of nature, the vibrant fragrances, and the weight of history, I was captivated by the transient beauty of the cherry blossoms. Especially noteworthy are the projection mappings embellishing the Karmon Gate and the inner moat, where the historical architecture of Nijo-jo Castle blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. The NAKED Sakura Festival 2024 at the World Heritage Site of Nijo-jo Castle offered visitors one and only experience through the fusion of cherry blossoms, Nijo-jo Castle, and technology.

Photo Credit :[©naked Inc./ Ayaka Ozaki] 

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