On a summer night, history and fantasy intertwine to create a breathtaking scene. “Tsuyama Castle Night Fantasia” is a special event held at Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park) in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture, where light and shadow combine to form a mesmerizing world. With illuminated castle walls, “phantom cherry blossoms” blooming in summer, and spectacular projection mapping, visitors are transported to an otherworldly experience. While the details for the 2025 event have yet to be announced, this article highlights its past wonders and anticipated charm.
What is Tsuyama Castle Night Fantasia?
Unlike a simple illumination event, “Tsuyama Castle Night Fantasia” blends cutting-edge lighting technology with artistic expression to create an enchanting atmosphere. The castle, illuminated in the tranquil night, offers an entirely different charm compared to the daytime, captivating all who visit.
A particular highlight is the “Summer Cherry Blossoms” illumination, recreating the beauty of springtime sakura in the heart of summer. Additionally, the castle walls serve as a grand screen for projection mapping, bringing history and fantasy together. The synchronization of light and music enhances the immersive experience, engaging all five senses.
Event Information (2025 Details Not Yet Announced)

Event Period & Time
Based on past events, the festival is typically held between August and September. For exact dates and times, please check the official website or the local tourist information center.
Venue
Tsuyama Castle (Kakuzan Park), Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture
Access
- By Train: Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Tsuyama Station.
- By Car: About a 15-minute drive from Tsuyama IC or Innosho IC on the Chugoku Expressway.
- Parking: Available at the Tsuyama Tourism Center and nearby parking facilities.
Admission Fees (2025 Fees Not Yet Announced)
Examples from past events:
- 2022 Night Fantasia: Adults – 500 yen / Elementary & Middle School Students – 300 yen
- 2024 Night Illumination: Adults – 1,000 yen / High School Students – 500 yen / Free for Middle School Students & Younger
Event Highlights

“Summer Cherry Blossoms” Illumination – Recreating Spring’s Beauty in Summer
Tsuyama Castle is renowned as one of Japan’s best cherry blossom viewing spots. This event allows visitors to enjoy that same beauty during summer nights. The soft pink glow of the “Summer Cherry Blossoms” creates a magical scene, making it feel as if you’ve stepped into a dream world.
Projection Mapping – A Fantasy World on Castle Walls
Using the stone walls and fortifications of Tsuyama Castle as a canvas, dynamic projection mapping brings history and fantasy to life. The combination of historical scenery with mesmerizing visuals offers visitors a fairy tale-like experience.
Bamboo Lanterns – Tradition Meets Fantasy
Delicate bamboo lanterns, hollowed out and illuminated from within, add a warm, inviting glow to the venue. The intricate light patterns create an elegant, tranquil atmosphere, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern artistic sensibilities.
Synchronization of Light and Music
The enchanting light displays are accompanied by immersive music, elevating the sensory experience. The synchronization of light and sound creates a cinematic ambiance, making visitors feel like they have stepped into an epic tale.
2024 Theme: “Cherry Blossoms × Forest”

In 2024, the theme was “The Cherry Blossom God and the Forest God,” presenting a mystical world through artistic lighting. The 2025 theme has not been announced yet, but past performances suggest another year of creative and captivating displays.
Tsuyama Castle Night Illumination in Autumn
Tsuyama Castle also hosts another seasonal light-up event in autumn: “Tsuyama Castle Night Illumination.”
2024 Event Information (For Reference)
- Event Period: October 25 – November 10
- Highlights: Enjoy the enchanting fusion of autumn foliage and illumination, providing a completely different ambiance from the summer event.
Nearby Accommodations and Tourist Spots

Tsuyama City offers convenient accommodations and sightseeing attractions to complement your visit.
Recommended Accommodations
- Hotel Route-Inn Tsuyama Inter
- Tsuyama Central Hotel
- Ryokan Tsutaya
Popular Tourist Attractions
- Tsuyama Western Studies Museum: Exhibits on Tsuyama Domain’s contributions to medicine and Dutch studies
- Sakushu Folk Art Museum: Showcasing local traditional crafts
- Shurakuen Garden: A beautifully preserved Edo-period strolling garden
Conclusion
“Tsuyama Castle Night Fantasia” is a unique event where the historic Tsuyama Castle is transformed into a magical spectacle of light. Experience an extraordinary night as the castle reveals its dreamlike beauty, distinct from its daytime appearance.
Witness the breathtaking glow of Tsuyama Castle against the summer night sky and immerse yourself in its enchanting world!