Hiroshima Castle Winter Wander 2026

"Hiroshima Castle Winter Wander 2026," produced by HITOHATA, INC., will be held at Hiroshima Castle (Hiroshima City, Hiroshima) from Friday, December 18, 2026 to Monday, January 11, 2027 (National Holiday). (Organizer: City of Hiroshima; Co-organizer: The Chugoku Shimbun)

This event will feature the first-ever projection mapping on the main keep of Hiroshima Castle (also known as Rijo, or "Carp Castle"), a symbol of Hiroshima City and one of Japan's Top 100 Castles. In addition to the main keep, the Omote-gomon Gate and the stone walls throughout the castle grounds will be adorned with spectacular projection mapping, including digital animations featuring the rivers flowing through Hiroshima, the "City of Water," and motifs associated with "Carp Castle," such as nishikigoi (ornamental carp) and koinobori (carp streamers), as well as ukiyo-e depicting Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Light-up effects on the Gomon Bridge and the Honmaru (inner citadel) will also cast a magical glow over various spots throughout the castle grounds at night.

Viewing is free of charge, and no advance registration is required.

Please come and enjoy the projection mapping that brilliantly adorns Hiroshima Castle, a symbol of Hiroshima City, and various spots throughout its grounds with cutting-edge digital art.

Click here for the official website

• Event Overview

[Name] Hiroshima Castle Winter Wander 2026

[Date & Time] Friday, December 18, 2026 - Monday, January 11, 2027 (National Holiday), 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Closed: Thursday, December 31, 2026 - Sunday, January 3, 2027

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

*The same digital art program can be enjoyed at any time during the event hours.

[Venue] Hiroshima Castle (21-1 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City)

(Access)

Approx. 10 minutes by streetcar (Routes 1, 2, or 6) from the South Exit of JR Hiroshima Station; get off at Kamiya-cho-higashi, then approx. 12-minute walk via the underground passage

Approx. 13 minutes by streetcar (Routes 2 or 6) from the South Exit of JR Hiroshima Station; get off at Kamiya-cho-nishi, then approx. 10-minute walk via the underground passage

Approx. 7 minutes by bus (via Godo Chosha-mae) from Bus Stop 7 at the South Exit of JR Hiroshima Station; get off at Godo Chosha-mae, then approx. 8-minute walk

(Buses via Hatchobori do not stop at Godo Chosha-mae)

Approx. 8-minute walk from Kencho-mae Station on the Astram Line

Approx. 10-minute walk from Johoku Station on the Astram Line

Approx. 15-minute walk from Shin-Hakushima Station (JR / Astram Line)

Approx. 8-minute walk from Hiroshima Bus Center

By car: Approx. 20 minutes from Hiroshima IC on the Sanyo Expressway; approx. 10 minutes from JR Hiroshima Station

*If you are coming by car, please use nearby parking facilities. Information on available parking is provided on the official website.

[Content] This event will feature the first-ever*1 projection mapping on the main keep of Hiroshima Castle (also known as Rijo, or "Carp Castle"), a symbol of Hiroshima City and one of Japan's Top 100 Castles. In addition to the main keep, the Omote-gomon Gate and the stone walls throughout the castle grounds will be adorned with spectacular projection mapping, including digital animations featuring the rivers flowing through Hiroshima, the "City of Water," and motifs associated with "Carp Castle," such as nishikigoi (ornamental carp) and koinobori (carp streamers), as well as ukiyo-e depicting Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Light-up effects on the Gomon Bridge and the Honmaru (inner citadel) will also cast a magical glow over various spots throughout the castle grounds at night.

*1 The first projection mapping on the main keep of Hiroshima Castle (according to research by the City of Hiroshima, as of October 2026).

[Admission] Free; no advance registration required

[Requests to Visitors]

- Please watch your step, as the event takes place at night.

- When taking photos or videos, please refrain from using flash, flying drones, or using a tripod in the front row for extended periods when crowded. Continuous shutter sounds may disturb those around you, so please refrain from burst shooting when crowded or use a silent shooting function. As the images move quickly, we recommend recording video when using a smartphone.

- When using a tripod, the camera must be positioned no higher than the photographer's head, regardless of viewing location (except for official recording staff). Please also refrain from shooting from stepladders or any other equipment that lifts your feet off the ground.

- Due to the stairs in front of the main keep, visitors using wheelchairs or similar mobility aids cannot access that area. A separate "Omoiyari Zone" (accessible viewing area) will be provided, so please use that area.

[Organizer]  City of Hiroshima

[Co-organizer] The Chugoku Shimbun

[Production] HITOHATA, INC.

[Inquiries] Hiroshima Castle Winter Wander 2026 Secretariat (RCC Broadcasting Co., Ltd.)

Click here for the official website