Koishikawa Kōrakuen Autumn Illumination

Entitled Long Autumn Nights, this is an opportunity to see one of the city’s most beautiful parks lit up at night.

What to expect

Throughout Autumn, Koishikawa Kōrakuen in Bunkyo City will light up at night with its annual autumn illumination. Various locations throughout the expansive park will have immersive light installations, adding a new dimension to the ponds, structures, and autumn leaves. In addition, the park’s reconstructed Karamon Gate will feature projection mapping uncovering the 395-year history of the original gate and the surrounding park.

Various other activities will take place throughout the event, including traditional performing arts, a stamp rally, and a hashtag competition with the opportunity to win prizes. Visitors can also collect traditional souvenirs like paper lanterns and try sanpakku dango (three blessings dumplings) for good luck.

Schedule

• Illumination and projection mapping: From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night
• Food and souvenirs: From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night
• Stamp rally: From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night
• Feast Beneath the Edo Castle traditional performing arts: 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each night
• Instagram and X hashtag competition: September 9 to October 9 and October 10 to October 20. Head to the official website for more info on entry and prizes (In Japanese).

Entry

Tickets can be purchased online in advance for ¥1,000 or on the day from the West Gate entrance for ¥1,200. Discounted tickets for those with disabilities are available for ¥500.

How to get there

Not to be confused with the neasrby Koishikawa Botanical Gardens. The East Gate of the park is a 5-minute walk from Suidobashi Station on the JR Line, a 6-minute walk from Kōrakuen Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi or Namboku lines, or an 8-minute walk from Suidobashi Station on the Toei Mita Line.

The West Gate is a 3-minute walk from Iidabashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line, an 8-minmute walk from Iidabashi Station on the JR Sobu Line, or an 8-minute walk from Iidabashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Yurakucho Line, or Namboku lines, or an 8-minutes walk from Kōrakuen Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi or Namboku lines.