A tree about 5 meters tall will be set up in the courtyard of The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike (Takaragaike, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto) from Friday, October 9, 2026, and the courtyard trees will be lit up. In this 40th-anniversary year of the hotel, the tree is encircled by a ring of light symbolizing "goen" (connections). The courtyard tree stands within the elegantly curved guest-room wing, surrounded by the ring of light.
Art workshops will be held in step with the seasons, including Halloween, New Year and Valentine's Day, giving guests a chance to join in and take part, through light art, in a tree connected by "goen." From autumn through winter and into spring, visitors can enjoy the changing seasonal scenes.
About the Courtyard
The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike opened in October 1986 in Rakuhoku, the northern part of Kyoto. The building was designed by Murano Togo, a renowned architect of the Showa era.
The courtyard is enveloped by the beautiful curves of the donut-shaped guest-room wing. Autumn leaves, cherry blossoms and seasonal flowers add color to the space, which is loved as a place for staying guests to stroll, for banquets, and for dining guests to relax.
After sunset, the trees are lit year-round in colors matching the image of each season, showing a different side of the courtyard from its daytime look, with shadows adding depth.
Tree and Courtyard Lighting Details
Period: Friday, October 9, 2026 to Wednesday, March 31, 2027
Lighting hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The hotel courtyard is open to everyone. Details are also available on the hotel's website.
https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kyoto/informations/illumination2026/
"Ring of Light" Art Workshops
Participants use water balloons as molds to make egg-shaped candles. With seasonal motifs such as fallen leaves and Halloween designs worked in as see-through patterns, guests can create an original candle. The ring of light around the tree is decorated with the candle art made by guests.
Dates and times:
- Happy Halloween: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- New Year Fukumusubi: Thursday, December 31, 2026 and January 1, 2027 (New Year's Day), 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Heart-shaped ornament workshops are planned for the Valentine's Day and White Day season.
Venue: Hotel lobby or banquet hall
Price: 500 yen per candle (consumption tax included)
- The photos are for illustration purposes only.
- Details may change depending on the weather and other circumstances.
Murano Togo's Architecture and Autumn Scenery
Murano Togo's architecture was carefully conceived to make the most of the nature around the hotel, and it grows even more beautiful as the autumn leaves arrive.
In particular, the illuminated autumn leaves of the Japanese garden reflected in the pond, and the leaves seen through the guest-room windows, make a night view unique to this season, when the trees are rich in color.
