Cherry blossoms bloom in an unexpected place this spring—on the moon, rendered in light atop Sakuramachi Kumamoto. Princess Kaguya’s Shining Garden draws on the timeless imagery of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.
The story begins with a bamboo cutter—often introduced with the familiar line of an old man discovering a radiant child within a glowing stalk. That child, Kaguya, grows into a woman of extraordinary beauty, admired by nobles and even the Emperor, yet ultimately returns to her celestial home. The moon she leaves for is imagined here as a place of quiet brilliance and longing. In SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto’s interpretation, the garden becomes a continuation of that tale—a vision of spring unfolding after her departure, where luminous cherry blossoms bloom across a dreamlike landscape shaped by memory, distance, and a story passed down for over a millennium.
This imagined world takes place within the open-air “Sakuramachi Garden,” which displays around 20 large-scale works composed of approximately 400 bamboo lanterns, 150 bamboo spheres, and newly introduced floral light installations. More than 16,000 individual illuminations cast a gentle glow across the space, where soft petals of light appear to drift through the night air. The effect is otherworldly, as bamboo structures—traditionally rooted in craft—are elevated into contemporary art. The installation is designed by CHIKAKEN, a Kumamoto-based collective known for reimagining bamboo design.
On Saturday evenings, the garden comes alive with intimate mini live performances beginning at 7pm. There will be concerts featuring local musicians, unfolding among the glowing installations and enhancing the tranquil mood.
Admission is priced at ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for high school students, with younger children admitted free when accompanied by a guardian. Ticket options include a drink package, and a small additional fee allows guests to upgrade to an alcoholic beverage on-site. For those celebrating a birthday during the event period, the complimentary entry adds an extra touch of occasion!
