#Japan #Tokyo #Bunkyo #Higo Hosokawa #Autumn Lights

Bunkyo's Autumn Illumination Event: The Higo Akari Festival

Starting from November 22 through 30, 2025, Bunkyo's Higo Hosokawa Garden is set to mesmerize visitors with its annual autumn illumination event known as 'Higo Akari.' This stunning showcase will light up the garden at night, immersing attendees in a breathtaking experience marked by vibrant fall foliage and enchanting bamboo lantern displays. The event will last for nine days and promises to be a feast for the senses, blending colors and lights in a captivating landscape.

Event Overview

The Higo Hosokawa Garden is a historical site that once served as a retreat for the Hosokawa family during the Edo period. This year marks the return of a cherished event that has occurred annually since 2016. Under the management of Hibiya Kadan, a well-known floral company, the garden will offer a spectacular nighttime experience featuring unique lighting strategies that emphasize the garden's varied topography. Guests can expect to see fall leaves illuminated in three-dimensional displays that create a remarkable visual contrast against the tranquil water features.

The garden's entrance, Matsuseikaku, will be adorned with artistic floral decorations that set a festive tone for visitors as they enter. Additionally, an artistic touch will be provided by CHIKAKEN, a bamboo lantern production group renowned for their ability to connect people with nature through art. Their installations will enhance the already magical atmosphere of the garden.

Special Collaborations and Activities

This year's event also celebrates the 15th anniversary of Kumamon, Kumamoto's iconic mascot. Various activities will be organized in cooperation with the Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamoto City, and Yamaga City. This collaboration will include a Kumamon booth showcasing tourism initiatives, a display celebrating the history and culture of the Hosokawa clan, and special exhibitions about Yamaga's traditional lantern dance. Attendees can also enjoy local products and delicious chestnut sweets available for purchase at the event.

Moreover, the event will feature guided tours conducted by volunteers who will share insights about the garden's rich history and unique features. Workshops for children to create their bamboo lanterns will also be held, allowing participants to engage directly with the artistry and craft behind this traditional form of light decoration. Light refreshments will be available, including special tea service featuring beautifully crafted confections inspired by Kumamoto's iconic Higo-Rokkaku flower.

Practical Information

Event Details:

• - Name: Bunkyo's Higo Hosokawa Garden Autumn Illumination 'Higo Akari'
• - Location: Higo Hosokawa Garden, 1-1-22 Mejirodai, Bunkyo, Tokyo
• - Date: November 22 - 30, 2025
• - Nighttime Opening Hours: 17:30 - 20:00 (Last entry at 19:30)
• - Admission Fee: 300 yen (Free for preschool children)
• - Main Organizer: Higo Hosokawa Garden Hospitality Project
• - Collaborators: Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamoto City, Yamaga City, Eisei Bunko, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

Important Information:

• - This special nighttime event is open only during the illumination period.
• - Parking is not available; visitors are encouraged to take public transportation.
• - The garden may limit entry on days when visitor numbers are high to ensure comfort and safety.
• - Guests should be aware of some uneven paths within the garden.

This enchanting celebration of nature, light, and culture is set to captivate anyone who walks through the Higo Hosokawa Garden during the autumn season. Wear comfy shoes and come prepared to enjoy a spectacular evening under illuminated trees and whimsical lighting designs that celebrate the beauty of this historic garden.

For more details, please visit: Higo Hosokawa Garden Official Site