Kairakuen UME The Lights
偕楽園 UME The Lights- Kairakuen StationJōban Line
- Walk 1 minutes
This spring, Kairakuen Garden once again transforms into a magical world of illumination. The event coincides with the 130th Mito Plum Festival and features 16 nights of spectacular displays that blend history, nature, and modern technology.
Highlights
“Utakage no Chikurin” – Bamboo Grove of Floating Poetry
In the bamboo grove, representing Kairakuen’s “yin” side, artificial mist forms a sea of clouds that expands the immersive experience. This year, projection mapping displays poems from Nariaki’s Meirin Kashu, written about plum blossoms, appearing on the bamboo stalks. The grove also features a lighted tea room, Utakage-tei, inspired by the Karou-an tea house inside Koubuntei. Visitors can experience a tranquil interplay of light, nature, and poetry.
“Kasane Irome no Niwa” – Plum Grove in Traditional Colours
The plum grove, symbolising the “yang” world, is illuminated using traditional Japanese layering of colours called Kasane Irome, inspired by the Heian-period twelve-layered kimono worn by Tokugawa Nariaki’s wife, Princess Yoshiko. Delicate gradations of red buds and white petals bring the garden to life, echoing the aesthetics of the imperial court.
Anime Collaboration – “Hikari no Tsurugi Michi”
A special collaboration with the anime Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru turns Kairakuen’s cedar forest into a mystical pathway. Projection lights evoke the presence of three sword warriors – Shokudaikiri Mitsutada, Yamato no Kami Yasusada, and Kashuu Kiyomitsu – guiding visitors along the illuminated trail. The experience is enhanced with a limited-mix BGM combining traditional Japanese sounds with selected anime music and character voices. This interactive illumination invites visitors to step into a story rather than merely watch it.
Food and Drink
Visitors can enjoy Ibaraki’s local specialties, including premium sake and plum wine tasting. Unique seasonal treats include steamed buns filled with plums or Hitachi beef, a creamy sweet potato potage, and a special sparkling plum wine, UME Sake Lights, exclusive to the event.
At Hey Japan!, we strive to keep the events listed on our website as current as possible. However, it is important to note that event organizers may make changes to their plans, including cancelling events, altering schedules, or modifying admission requirements, without prior notice. To ensure that you have the most accurate information, we recommend checking official websites before attending any events.
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