Rikugien Gardens "Special Nighttime Viewing in Spring" - Tokyo's Premier Cherry Blossom Illumination Event

Rikugien Gardens is a traditional Japanese stroll garden designed around scenic spots from classical poetry, built in 1695 by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu and designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Located in Bunkyo ward's Honkomagome area, this historic garden is easily accessible, just a 7-minute walk from JR Komagome Station, yet preserves the elegant garden culture of the Edo period within the heart of Tokyo. Rikugien Gardens "Special Nighttime Viewing in Spring" is an annual nighttime-only illumination event held during the cherry blossom season. The garden's symbolic giant weeping cherry tree, standing approximately 15 meters tall and 20 meters wide, creates a breathtaking spectacle as it emerges phantasmagorically from the darkness under illumination. Historic spots throughout the garden including Nakanoshima (Center Island), the former Ginkaitei pavilion site, and Suikokoe are also enhanced with lighting, creating an elegant spring night atmosphere unique to this season. Modern touches include projection mapping using the Iwasaki family's historic storehouse and installations combining classical poetry with light, creating a distinctive world where the dignity of Edo-period gardens merges with contemporary art. This represents Tokyo's foremost spring cherry blossom illumination event, offering visitors an experience of refined beauty that bridges traditional Japanese culture and modern presentation.