The Sasagawa Residence — the nationally designated Important Cultural Property Former Sasagawa Family Residence in Niigata City's Minami Ward — is hosting "Wa no Hikari" from September 26 (Sat) to October 18 (Sun). On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays during the period, plus Friday, October 2 — 10 days in total — the residence opens specially at night from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Now in its sixth year, the event features renewed projection mapping displayed inside the residence, along with video projected onto the exterior roof to create a fantastical atmosphere. The garden is illuminated, and Niigata University students contribute participatory art using engineering technology, while students from Ajikata Junior High School produce their own area. Scratch art by local elementary school children and around 400 white lanterns add to the variety of light that colors the Sasagawa Residence.
This year's theme is "A Treasure to Leave for the Future." Come experience a special night at the Sasagawa Residence, where the dignified atmosphere of the historic estate blends with light for a night full of charm.
Projection mapping (from last year)
Niigata University students' participatory art that changes color when stepped on (from last year)
The area produced by Ajikata Junior High School students (from last year)
Special Events
During the night openings, special events take place in the hearth room (irori no ma).
- Old Tales (Shirone Iroha / 白根いろは): Storytellers share old folk tales. September 26 (Sat), 6:00–7:00 PM
- Sasa dango, gomoku okowa, and whelk-and-cherry-salmon rice sales (Kamifūsen / 紙ふうせん): September 27 (Sun), October 4 (Sun), and 18 (Sun), 5:30–8:00 PM
- Café (Yu-wa / ゆうーわ): Handmade chiffon cake and drinks for sale. October 3 (Sat), 5:30–8:00 PM
- Sasagawa Residence Quiz Rally (Shirone Junior Chamber of Commerce / 白根青年会議所): Held at eight spots inside the residence. Collect letters by answering quizzes, recite the resulting phrase, and receive a special light show plus a commemorative gift. October 10 (Sat), 5:30–8:00 PM
- Onigiri, tamagoyaki, and inaka-zushi sales (Dōgataya / 道潟屋): October 11 (Sun) and 17 (Sat), 5:30–8:00 PM
For more details on the event, check the Niigata City website or the Minami Ward official Instagram.
https://www.city.niigata.lg.jp/event/shi/event_minami/sasagawatei_hikari.html
Wa no Hikari 2026 Overview
- Night openings: September 26 (Sat), 27 (Sun); October 2 (Fri) to 4 (Sun); October 10 (Sat) to 12 (Mon, holiday); October 17 (Sat), 18 (Sun)
- Night hours: 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM)
- Venue: Important Cultural Property Former Sasagawa Family Residence (216 Ajikata, Minami Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture)
- Regular opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday)
- During regular hours in this period, visitors can view the light installations (excluding some works)
- Admission: ¥500 for high school students and above, ¥300 for elementary and junior high school students (free for elementary and junior high school students on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
About the Important Cultural Property Former Sasagawa Family Residence
The Sasagawa Residence was once the home of the Sasagawa family, ōjōya (senior village headmen) who governed the region during the Edo period. Across its expansive grounds stand a thatched-roof main gate, a stately reception hall, and earthen storehouses that still convey the lifestyle and status of the era. The quiet, tasteful space created by the interplay of architecture and garden is also a major appeal. The residence was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1954 (Showa 29).
