Last year, to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of Omiya Bonsai Village (大宮盆栽村), Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine held its first-ever light-up event featuring projection mapping, drawing about 52,000 visitors. Building on that popular response, the shrine returns this year with a fully refreshed light-up event, "Tokimusubi no Mori (Forest of Time Ties)," themed around Omiya's history and traditions, including Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine itself. Light will transform the shrine's nighttime grounds, normally off-limits to visitors, into an extraordinary space.
Bring friends and family along for a visit.
1. Date and Time
November 7 (Saturday) to November 23 (Monday, public holiday), 2026
- Monday to Thursday: 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (last entry: 7:30 PM)
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM (last entry: 8:30 PM)
2. Location
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine (1-407 Takahana-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City)
3. Event Details
Theme
Omiya's history and traditions, including Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine
Title
"Tokimusubi no Mori (Forest of Time Ties)"
"Tokimusubi" carries the meaning of tying together a flow of time that has continued across generations, while "Mori" symbolizes the shrine's sacred space while also meaning a place where life takes root.
Content
Set on the grounds of Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine, which has carried on Omiya's long history and traditions, the event uses light to tell a story connecting the past and the future. Visitors can enjoy fantastical displays, including illuminated second and third torii gates (Ni-no-Torii and San-no-Torii) and projection mapping on the Romon Gate and other structures.
4. Last Year's Event
Footage from last year's light-up:
5. Collaboration with Omiya Science and Technology High School (大宮科学技術高等学校)
With cooperation from Omiya Science and Technology High School (大宮科学技術高等学校), which opened this year, the event will include an exhibition of student artwork as part of a collaboration between the city and the school. Further details will be announced once finalized.
