Kihara Fudison Spring Festival

Local residents and the university cooperated, and the festival of night cherry blossoms and lights that began in 2002. On the approach to the road, about 3000 pieces of handmade washi lanterns and on the branches of cherry blossoms, about 800 hanging lanterns will be hung up, and about 500 stone lanterns from the chest-faced gangi will be lit up. In addition, about 8000 candles are lit every year with the lights of objects that change designs, and the fantastic world spreads. And various tones such as flute, koto, pipa, and synthesizer played at concerts held at temples on the approach, including the main shrine of Honmyoji, create a world of yugen along with the night cherry blossoms.

It is held annually for the purpose of transmitting information on Kumamoto Castle, a special historic site, and the recovery situation from the Kumamoto earthquake. It is held around the Ninomaru stage, such as the "Taiko Kōkai" and the "Kōbudo Enbu-kai", where warlords from all over the country gather, and the "Kyūshū Gaku-kai", where the festivals of Kyushu gather. Food events with the main ingredients of Kumamoto, which are well received every year, are also popular. Image courtesy: Kumamoto Castle General Office

Starting with bamboo lighting, there are plenty of photogenic spots featuring light displays using lasers and searchlights inspired by Kumamoto's abundant water, interactive experiences, and one of Japan's largest artificial mist seas utilizing well water from Kumamoto Castle. You can see Kumamoto Castle in a way that is not usually possible. *During the event period, Kumamoto Castle and its surroundings will be crowded, so advance purchase of web admission tickets and the use of public transportation are recommended. Photo provided by Kumamoto Castle General Office.