Spring Night Special Viewing at Rikugien Garden

Experience the Beauty of Cherry Blossoms After Dark

The "Spring Night Rikugien Garden Special Night Viewing," a much-anticipated light-up event celebrating the cherry blossom season, returns to Rikugien Garden this year. This annual tradition offers a unique opportunity to experience the garden’s serene beauty under the enchanting glow of carefully orchestrated illuminations.

During this special event, Rikugien Garden extends its hours into the evening, providing exclusive access to a landscape usually hidden from public view after sunset. The illuminations showcase several key features of the garden, including the central island, the ruins of Ginkatei, and Suikōno-e, with the magnificent weeping cherry tree taking center stage. This iconic tree, standing approximately 15 meters tall with a 20-meter wide canopy, becomes a breathtaking spectacle as it appears to float ethereally against the night sky.

Beyond the weeping cherry tree, visitors can enjoy projection mapping on the walls of a historic storehouse dating back to the Iwasaki family era, along with thoughtfully placed photo spots designed to enhance the atmosphere of a spring evening.

◆ Event Details

(1) Special Night Viewing

• Date and Time: Every evening during the event period, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
• Location: The entire garden (with some areas restricted).
• Details: A variety of locations will be illuminated, centering on the weeping cherry tree. These include the central island, a prominent scenic viewpoint within Rikugien Garden, as well as Fukiageno-matsu, Takimi-jaya (a tea house), the ruins of Ginkatei, and Suikōno-e.

(2) Storehouse Projection (Cancelled in case of inclement weather)

• Date and Time: Every evening during the event period, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
• Location: Storehouse (exterior wall).
• Details: Projection images, drawing inspiration from waka poetry, will be displayed on the walls of the storehouse, a structure built during the period of ownership by the Iwasaki family, founders of Mitsubishi.

(3) Lights of Words

• Date and Time: Every evening during the event period, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
• Location: Around the garden paths.
• Details: Waka poems, which serve as the origin of the Eighty-Eight Scenic Spots of Rikugien Garden, will be projected onto acrylic light guide panels. This creates the illusion of poems written in light, seemingly suspended in mid-air.

(4) Weeping Cherry Tree at the Ruins of Ginkatei

• Date and Time: Every evening during the event period, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
• Location: Around the ruins of Ginkatei.
• Details: At the ruins of Ginkatei, a location where Tsuruhime, eldest daughter of the fifth shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, is said to have enjoyed viewing cherry blossoms, the weeping cherry tree will be illuminated. A "light curtain" will be created around it, aiming to recreate the lively atmosphere of that historical period.

(5) Projection on Suikōno-e

• Date and Time: Every evening during the event period, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
• Location: Suikōno-e.
• Details: Suikōno-e, a place where water is believed to have flowed in the past, will have the flow of water recreated with light, accompanied by illuminated lotus flowers.

(6) Photo Spots (Cancelled in case of rain or strong wind)

• Date and Time: Every evening during the event period, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
• Location: Various locations within the garden (subject to change depending on circumstances).
• Details: Photogenic spots will be set up at multiple locations throughout the garden, providing opportunities for memorable photos against the backdrop of this elegant setting.

(7) Matcha Tea House

• Details: A selection of matcha and Japanese sweets sets, ideal for a relaxing break during your stroll, will be available for purchase, along with original Rikugien souvenirs.
• Date, time, and location are yet to be determined. Please refer to the official website for updates.

Basic Information

• Venue / Nearest Station: Rikugien, Komagome Station / Sengoku Station.
• Address: 〒113-0021, 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo (MAP).
• Event Period: Seven consecutive days between March 14th (Friday) and March 30th (Sunday), 2025. The precise dates will be finalized approximately one week prior to the event. Please check the official website for details.
• Fees: Advance purchase of a Special Night Viewing ticket is required. Access to this event is exclusively granted to Special Night Viewing ticket holders.
  • (1) Advance Tickets: Sold online with advance payment. Price: 900 yen (tax included).
  • (2) Same-Day Tickets: Sold at the ticket window and online. Price: 1,100 yen (tax included).
• Inquiries: Rikugien Service Center, 03-3941-2222.
• Official Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/rikugien/news/2024/info_r7spring.html
• Official SNS: X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/RikugienGarden
• Information in Case of Rain: Announcements regarding event changes due to inclement weather will be posted on the official Rikugien X (formerly Twitter) account.
• The information presented here is subject to change. For the latest updates, please consult the official website of the venue or organizer.

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What is Rikugien Garden?

Rikugien Garden is a traditional Japanese garden in Tokyo, known for its landscape design and historical roots. Established in the early 18th century during the Edo period, it was commissioned by the fifth shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, and designed by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu. The name "Rikugien" means "Garden of the Six Principles of Poetry," inspired by classical Japanese waka poetry.

Covering nearly 87,000 square meters, Rikugien exemplifies a "strolling garden," where visitors can walk along paths that reveal a series of composed scenes. The garden includes a central pond, man-made hills, and diverse plant species that change with the seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms attract many visitors with their pink and white blooms.

Rikugien’s design blends natural and man-made elements, offering a peaceful retreat from the city. Its detailed design and tranquil atmosphere make it a valued cultural and historical site in Tokyo. Whether visited during the day or at night, Rikugien provides insight into traditional Japanese garden design.