Be sure not to miss this brilliant light show if you’re in the neighborhood.
A tour in Japan isn’t complete without a visit to a castle or two. It’s a great way to acquaint yourself with the country’s rich history and a chance to marvel at breathtaking architecture that have withstood the elements for centuries.
Hirado Castle is one such castle that tourists ought to visit. Not only is it one of the best castles in Nagasaki Prefecture, it also boasts a beautiful projection mapping event that transforms its walls into a dazzling light display.
▼ Perfect if you’re a fan of castles and light performances.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On7GlLmv7J4
As part of a night event called “Hirado, a story of the sea” that runs until 31 October, the splendid projection mapping commemorates Hirado Castle’s 300th anniversary and begins every day at 7:00 p.m., runs every 20 minutes and lasts a total of five minutes.
▼ Be entranced by the gorgeous spectacle of sounds and lights.
Built in 1718 atop a hill, Hirado Castle’s picturesque scenery can also be attributed to the fact that it is largely surrounded by sea. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views during the day and enjoy the event at night as well.
▼ Aside from the projection mapping, there are also a number of attractions…
▼ …such as daring acrobatic performances…
▼ …digital art showcasing the castle’s dependence on the sea…
▼ …and mesmerizing surroundings.
▼ The path leading to Kameoka Shrine located in the castle grounds is just as enchanting…
▼ …resembling a mysterious passage to another world.
Admission for adults costs 1,000 yen (US$8.80), a token fee considering such a spectacular event may come only once every century. If you’re in the vicinity, why not head on down for a memorable evening like no other? While other castles in Japan have held impressive night events before, few come close to the grandness of Hirado Castle’s.
Source: Hirado Castle via Japaaan
Top image: YouTube/Nishikawa Suenori
Insert images: YouTube/Nishikawa Suenori, YouTube/ZerotenJP, Hirado Castle
Projection mapping coming to Cinderella’s Castle at Tokyo Disneyland 【Video】
500-year-old national treasure Matsumoto Castle is also a modern projection-mapped beauty【Video】
One of Japan’s coolest castles looks even cooler this winter with laser mapping art event【Video】
Naked meets Kyoto’s Nijo Castle again for a nighttime sakura digital art immersive event
Beautiful Naked digital art event comes to Kyoto’s Nijo Castle after dark (contains no nudity)【Pics】
We go on a quest to find the cheesiest sushi at Japanese conveyor belt sushi chains【Taste test】
More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demand
U.S.A. now the fastest-growing market for Japan’s high-tech toilets, now selling quicker than ever
Godzilla and Gap Japan team up for kaiju casual fashion collection【Photos】
Majority of Japanese men say they feel some discomfort seeing female janitors in men’s restrooms
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Tokyo station platform to transform into sake bar with hot drinks, hot oden, and hot kotatsu
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Gundam and Reebok team up for new GQuuuuuuX Pumps【Photos】
Japanese man who didn’t know how banks work defrauded out of 21 million yen
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap series
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Leave a Reply