The Himeji Castle Night Cherry Blossom Festival, titled "Haru-iro Maizakura" (春彩舞桜), will take place from March 27 to April 5, 2026. The event showcases the beauty of Himeji Castle during the cherry blossom season with nighttime illuminations aimed at highlighting the castle's nighttime allure and promoting extended-stay tourism in the area.
Event Overview
- Dates: Friday, March 27 to Sunday, April 5, 2026
- Hours: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:30 PM)
- Venue: Himeji Castle paid area (Nishinomaru Garden and surroundings)
- Held rain or shine
Admission
No advance reservations are required for this event. Tickets can be purchased on the day at ticket machines on-site, or in advance as digital tickets.
- Adults: ¥600
- Under 18: Free
"Under 18" includes those who have not yet reached their first March 31st following their 18th birthday.
Highlights
This year's theme is "dancing cherry blossoms" — a tribute to the fleeting yet beautiful nature of sakura. The entire Nishinomaru Garden, once the residence of Lady Sen (Senhime), will be bathed in fantastical light displays evoking the colors of spring. Street piano performances, popular in previous years, will also return for 2026.
