There are plenty of novel ways to enjoy the best of sakura season across Japan, with one of them being via projection mapping displays. Digital art collective NAKED are combining the best of real blossoms and faux ones at the NAKED Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Festival in late March.
Over 1000 sakura trees will be in bloom across the castle grounds during this period, and alongside them visitors can enjoy artistic projection mapped sakura displays on the castle tower and illuminations of the trees at the Nishinomaru and Kane-no-maru areas.
Admission to the event is priced at 1000 JPY for adults, and 500 JPY for elementary and junior high school students. Preschoolers receive free admission. Advance ticket sales will open on the Hikone Castle website as of March 1st.
Getting there
Hikone Castle is located 15 minutes on foot from Hikone Station, which is served by the JR Biwako Line and the Ohmi Railway Main Line.