Himeji Castle of Light: Dandelion Project 2025

Celebrating decades of the castle's World Heritage status

Kim Bergström   - 1 min read

Venue Himeji Castle

When Nov 22nd - Dec 11th 2025, 5:45pm - 9:15pm

This autumn, Himeji Castle transforms into a radiant sanctuary of peace and reflection. From November 22 to December 11, 2025, the immersive art event “Himeji Castle of Light: DANDELION PROJECT Himeji Castle × NAKED, INC.” invites visitors to explore the historic site in a completely new light. Eight interactive installations illuminate the castle grounds.

Visitors can experience “Whispering Forest,” where they blow on delicate dandelion-like sculptures to spread light, and the DANDELION PROJECT, in which local elementary school students help digital “flowers of peace” bloom. They can also watch video mapping dance across the castle’s stone walls, relax in a café lounge under traditional Japanese umbrellas, and admire towering light pillars that merge contemporary artistry with Himeji Castle’s historic beauty.

Guests can rent NAKED Distance Lantern® and try NAKED Flower Fortune® to add interactive fun to their visit. The crisp autumn air, combined with thousands of glowing lights, offers an unforgettable evening. This event lets everyone experience art, community, and serenity at a World Heritage site.

Getting there

Himeji Castle's Sannomaru Square can be accessed in around 20 minutes on foot from Himeji Station, which is served by the Sanyo Shinkansen, the Sanyo Main Line, the Bantan Line, and the Kishin Line.

Buses are also available from the station area (head out the north exit) to the castle area – the travel time by bus is around 10 minutes.

More info

Find out more about Himeji Castle.

Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström @kim.b

Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here.  🍵🌼🌸