ASAKUSA CULTURE & LIGHTS 2026

“ASAKUSA CULTURE & LIGHTS 2026,” produced by HITOHATA, INC., will be held at Senso-ji (Taito-ku, Tokyo) from Friday, October 30 to Tuesday, November 3, 2026. (Organizer: ASAKUSA CULTURE & LIGHTS Executive Committee)

Projection mapping images inspired by the 1,400-year history and culture of Senso-ji, featuring the temple’s celebrated large votive paintings (ema), the illustrated engi scroll “Kanbun Engi,” and ukiyo-e prints associated with Senso-ji, will be projected onto the Main Hall and the Hozo-mon Gate.

Viewing of the projection mapping is free of charge, and no reservation is required.

Alongside the projection mapping, the “Special Viewing of Senso-ji Denboin Garden and Ema Hall” will also be held, offering a five-day-only opportunity to visit the normally closed Denboin Garden within the Senso-ji precincts and the Ema Hall, which houses approximately 50 large votive paintings by historic artists such as Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Hasegawa Settan, and Henmi (Kano) Kazunobu.

Special Viewing tickets are valid for both daytime and nighttime and allow re-entry. Throughout the day and evening, a “sea of clouds” staging brings the cultural value and stories of Denboin Garden vividly to life, while the nighttime-only program “Kinryu Yakai (Golden Dragon Night)” bathes the garden in enchanting light and presents an original dance performance inspired by “Kinryu no Mai (Golden Dragon Dance),” a ceremonial dance of Senso-ji. (The Ema Hall is open for special viewing during the daytime only.)

A limited number of Special Viewing Tickets with the Ema Catalog “The Ema of Senso-ji,” a catalog explaining the principal votive paintings of Senso-ji, will also be available.

Advance tickets, available at a discounted price, are on sale from Tuesday, September 1 to Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Please enjoy this special experience of the 1,400-year history, culture, and precious cultural properties of Senso-ji, together with two magnificent light shows: the first projection mapping ever held on the Main Hall of Senso-ji, and the projection mapping on the Hozo-mon Gate, which drew more than 150,000 visitors when it debuted last year.

*This project is carried out using the “Subsidy Program for the Promotion of Projection Mapping” of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau.

*Sales start dates vary depending on the ticket type and point of sale. Please see the details below.

[Official Website: ASAKUSA CULTURE & LIGHTS 2026]
https://www.asakusaculturelights.com/en/

Event Overview

[Date & Time] Friday, October 30 - Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 18:00-21:30

*Two different projection mapping programs, each approximately 6 minutes long, are projected alternately onto the Main Hall (south side) and the Hozo-mon Gate (south side) of Senso-ji.

*The same programs are repeated throughout the evening, so you can enjoy both at any time during the event hours. Heavy congestion is expected immediately after the start time, so visiting at a later hour is recommended.

*Projection mapping will be held even in rainy weather, but may be suspended or canceled in the event of severe weather.

[Venue] Senso-ji Main Hall / Hozo-mon Gate (2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)

(Access)

Approx. 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree Line

Approx. 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line

Approx. 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express

Approx. 5-minute walk from Exit A4 of Asakusa Station on the Toei Asakusa Line

Toei Bus, Keisei Town Bus, Taito-ku Circulation Bus “Megurin”

*There is no parking at Senso-ji. Please use nearby parking facilities.

[Content] Projection mapping images inspired by the 1,400-year history and culture of Senso-ji, featuring the temple’s celebrated large votive paintings (ema), the illustrated engi scroll “Kanbun Engi,” and ukiyo-e prints associated with Senso-ji, will be projected onto the Main Hall and the Hozo-mon Gate.

[Admission] Free of charge / No reservation required

Related Events

“Special Viewing of Senso-ji Denboin Garden and Ema Hall”

[Date & Time] Friday, October 30 - Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 9:00-21:00

*Please note that the special viewing of the Ema Hall is open from 9:00 to 16:00.

*Last entry: Ema Hall 15:30 / Denboin Garden 20:30

[Venue] Senso-ji Denboin Garden / Ema Hall (2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)

*The special viewing reception and entrance are on the north side of Denboin Garden, near the Okuyama-mon Gate.

[Content]

A five-day-only special viewing of the normally closed Denboin Garden within the Senso-ji precincts and the Ema Hall, which houses approximately 50 large votive paintings by historic artists such as Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Hasegawa Settan, and Henmi (Kano) Kazunobu.

Special Viewing tickets are valid for both daytime and nighttime and allow re-entry. Throughout the day and evening, a “sea of clouds” staging brings the cultural value and stories of Denboin Garden vividly to life, while the nighttime-only program “Kinryu Yakai (Golden Dragon Night)” bathes the garden in enchanting light and presents an original dance performance inspired by “Kinryu no Mai (Golden Dragon Dance),” a ceremonial dance of Senso-ji. (The Ema Hall is open for special viewing during the daytime only.)

A limited number of Special Viewing Tickets with the Ema Catalog “The Ema of Senso-ji,” a catalog explaining the principal votive paintings of Senso-ji, will also be available.

*The “sea of clouds” staging is presented for about 10 minutes approximately every 30 minutes between 9:00 and 20:30. During “Kinryu Yakai,” Denboin Garden is illuminated from 17:00 to 21:00, and an approximately 5-minute original dance performance is held outside the Ema Hall at 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00, 19:30, and 20:00.

[Ticket Prices]

*Tickets are valid for both daytime and nighttime and are date-specified. Re-entry is permitted only on the designated date of the ticket.

Advance ticket sales period: Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 10:00 - Thursday, October 29, 23:59

Same-day ticket sales period: Friday, October 30, 2026, 00:00 - Tuesday, November 3, 20:30

*Special Viewing Tickets with the Ema Catalog are sold only through Ticket Pia, asoview!, and JTB “Experience, Activities & Leisure Ticket Reservation.” (Sales scheduled to begin Monday, September 7, 10:00)
*The number of tickets available each day is limited. Same-day tickets are sold only in the quantity remaining from advance sales for that day, and sales will end once the daily allocation is reached. Advance purchase is recommended to ensure entry.

*Preschool children are admitted free of charge; tickets are required from elementary school age.

*No refunds or changes of ticket type will be accepted after purchase due to customer circumstances.

*You may be asked to present a student ID or other proof of age at the venue.

*If you purchase a Special Viewing Ticket with the Ema Catalog, the catalog “The Ema of Senso-ji” will be handed to you upon entry on the day.

*Refunds will not be issued in the event of natural disasters or related transportation disruptions if the event is held as scheduled.

*Entry restrictions may be temporarily implemented depending on the level of congestion at the venue. Thank you for your understanding.

*Discount Special Viewing Tickets for visitors with disabilities are ¥2,100 (tax included) for adults (high school students and above) and ¥600 (tax included) for elementary and junior high school students, at the same price for advance and same-day purchase. Eligible visitors are holders of a Physical Disability Certificate, Ai-no-Techo (Certificate of Intellectual Disability), Ryoiku-Techo (Rehabilitation Certificate), Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate, or Atomic Bomb Survivor’s Health Certificate, together with one accompanying person (“Mirairo ID” is also accepted). Discount tickets are available only through JTB “Experience, Activities & Leisure Ticket Reservation” or Webket. (Sales scheduled to begin Monday, September 7, 10:00)

[Ticket Sales]

(Online Ticket Sales)

asoview!

Ticket Pia

Lawson Ticket

KKday

Trip.com

JTB “Experience, Activities & Leisure Ticket Reservation”

Webket

*System usage fees may apply.

*Online tickets can be purchased until 20:30 on the day of your visit.

(Convenience Store Ticket Sales)

7-Eleven in-store multi-copy machine (P Code: 662-266)

Lawson, Ministop in-store Loppi (L Code: 35833)

*Issuing fees may apply.

(Over-the-Counter Ticket Sales) *Sales at JTB branches are scheduled to begin Monday, September 7.
JTB Asakusa Branch (Omori Bldg. 1F, 1-4-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
JTB Ueno Marui Branch (Ueno Marui 3F, 6-15-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
JTB Kita-Senju Marui Branch (Kita-Senju Marui 6F, 3-92 Senju, Adachi-ku, Tokyo)
JTB Passaggio Nishiarai Branch (PASSAGGIO 1F, 1-17-1 Nishiarai Sakaecho, Adachi-ku, Tokyo)
JTB Kameari Ario Branch (Ario Kameari 2F, 3-49-3 Kameari, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo)

Matsuya Asakusa (1-4-1 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo) *Sales scheduled to begin in early September.

*Business hours may vary by point of sale. Please contact each store directly regarding availability at your preferred time.

(Same-Day Ticket Sales at the Venue) Friday, October 30 - Tuesday, November 3, 9:00-20:30 daily

“Special Viewing of Senso-ji Denboin Garden and Ema Hall” reception (Senso-ji precincts, north side of Denboin Garden near the Okuyama-mon Gate, 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)

“Special Prayer Ceremony Participation with a Small Wooden Talisman and Kannon Incense (Not Normally Available) with Special Viewing”

A premium special viewing ticket that includes participation in the special prayer ceremony held in the Main Hall of Senso-ji on Friday, October 30, together with a small wooden talisman and Kannon Incense (not normally available).

[Date & Time] Friday, October 30, 2026, from 13:00

[Location] Senso-ji Main Hall and Denboin Garden / Ema Hall (2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)

[Price] ¥12,000 (tax included / adults, high school students and above / advance sales only)

[Capacity] 30 persons

*Only visitors able to attend the special prayer ceremony from 13:00 on Friday, October 30 may purchase this ticket.

*Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and sales will end once capacity is reached.

*The special prayer ceremony takes approximately 20 minutes and is dedicated to the safety and well-being of the family.

*Please arrive at the prayer reception on the right side of the inner sanctuary of the Senso-ji Main Hall at least 10 minutes beforehand.

*After the special prayer ceremony, you will be given a ticket for the “Special Viewing of Senso-ji Denboin Garden and Ema Hall.”

*No refunds or changes of ticket type will be accepted after purchase, even if you become unable to attend the special prayer ceremony due to personal circumstances.

*Junior high school students and younger, including preschool children, may not participate.

*Tickets for the “Premium Special Viewing” are available only through JTB “Experience, Activities & Leisure Ticket Reservation” or Webket. (Sales scheduled to begin Monday, September 7, 10:00)

“Important Cultural Property Senso-ji Denboin Preservation & Repair Work Special Viewing Program”

A program in which visitors tour normally closed cultural properties, including the guest hall, entrance hall, and study of the Important Cultural Property Senso-ji Denboin, which has been undergoing large-scale preservation and repair work for about ten years since 2016, while a leading expert explains what makes this restoration work so compelling.

[Dates & Times] Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1, 2026, twice each day from 10:00 and from 13:00

[Location] Senso-ji Denboin (2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)

[Price] ¥5,000 (tax included / adults, high school students and above / advance sales only)

[Guide] Takumi Tamura (Construction Supervisor, Design and Supervision Office for the Guest Hall and Entrance Hall of the Important Cultural Property Senso-ji Denboin, Japanese Association for Conservation of Architectural Monuments)

[Capacity] 10 persons per session

*Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and sales will end once capacity is reached.

*The program takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

*Please arrive at the special viewing reception on the north side of Denboin Garden, near the Okuyama-mon Gate, at least 10 minutes beforehand.

*A ticket for the “Special Viewing of Senso-ji Denboin Garden and Ema Hall” is sold separately. If you wish to visit Denboin Garden and the Ema Hall, please purchase a Special Viewing Ticket separately.

*No refunds or changes of ticket type will be accepted after purchase, even if you become unable to participate due to personal circumstances.

*Junior high school students and younger, including preschool children, may not participate.

*Tickets for the “Important Cultural Property Senso-ji Denboin Preservation & Repair Work Special Viewing Program” are available only through JTB “Experience, Activities & Leisure Ticket Reservation” or Webket. (Sales scheduled to begin Monday, September 7, 10:00)

[Requests to Visitors of the “Special Viewing of Senso-ji Denboin Garden and Ema Hall”]

*Photography is permitted in Denboin Garden, but photography inside the Ema Hall is prohibited. The use of tripods, selfie sticks, and other auxiliary equipment is not allowed in Denboin Garden.

*For the special viewing of the Ema Hall, an audio guide is available on your own smartphone. Please be sure to bring earphones. Use of the speaker function is not permitted, as it may disturb other visitors.

*Wi-Fi is not available at the venue. Additional mobile data charges (at the visitor’s expense) apply for use of the audio guide.

*Audio guide devices, smartphone chargers, and similar equipment are not available for rental at the venue.

*Denboin Garden has gravel paths and stepping stones, and the Ema Hall has many stairs and steps. Please note that the facilities are not barrier-free and that no slopes are provided.

[Organizer] ASAKUSA CULTURE & LIGHTS Executive Committee

[Planning and Production] HITOHATA,INC.

[Special Cooperation] JTB Corp.

*This project is implemented with the support of the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ FY2026 (Reiwa 8) “Cultural Resource Utilization Project Subsidy (Project to Promote the Utilization of Attractive Cultural Properties Nationwide).”

[Photographs from “ASAKUSA CULTURE & LIGHTS 2025”]