Don’t miss the beautiful lighting designed by world-renowned lighting designer Mikiko Ishii, which brings out the charm of this important cultural property!
Lighting design by world-renowned lighting designer Mikiko Ishii
Ueno Toshogu Shrine (Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo), an important cultural property founded in 1627, will be lit up for the first time during the New Year period. This new lighting was designed by world-renowned lighting designer Mikiko Ishii, and was installed in November of this year.
The approach to the shrine is filled with colorful lights creating a gorgeous atmosphere.
The illumination will take place for seven days from Monday, December 30, 2024 to Sunday, January 5, 2025, with admission from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Admission is 1,000 yen for adults, 400 yen for elementary school students, and free for preschoolers, and you can enter inside the lattice fence. Why not pray for good fortune in 2025 amid the beautiful illumination entitled “A Night of Light Where Dreams Come True”?
Photography is permitted throughout the temple grounds. Charms and stamps are also available.
The “Yume Katamori” (800 yen), available only during the illumination period, is especially popular. Its motif is an illuminated shrine building under the starry sky and a flying dragon. This dragon is said to have been carved by Hidari Jingoro on the Karamon Gate (an important cultural property) of Ueno Toshogu Shrine, and there is a legend that it flies through the sky at night.
From New Year’s Day, limited New Year’s items such as white snake charms (1,100 yen), hamaya arrows (1,500 yen), and snake bells (1,500 yen) will be available.
“Yumeka-mamori” (800 yen), available only during the illumination period, is a prayer for dreams to come true.
The Golden Hall and Karamon Gate of Ueno Toshogu Shrine are precious early Edo architecture built in 1651 and are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. When lit up, the gold of the Golden Hall shines especially beautifully, and the carvings under the eaves of the Golden Hall and the Karamon Gate are reflected in vivid colors.
Karamon Gate and Konjikiden Hall (Important Cultural Property) – Beautiful gold color is impressive
The solemn atmosphere created by the combination of traditional culture and modern lighting creates a fantastic space that is completely different from the daytime. The limited-edition rental lanterns are also popular. (Numbers are limited.)
The lanterns available for rent during the illumination project the company’s crest, the chrysanthemum crest, onto the ground.
Illuminated Oishi Torii (Important Cultural Property)
Ueno Toshogu Shrine official website : https://www.uenotoshogu.com/
