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This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

Himeji Otemae Street ・ Announcement Regarding the Himeji Castle Illumination Event

Event Dates
Lighting Period ： November 20, Reiwa 8 （ Friday ） through January 11, Reiwa 9 （ Monday ・ (holiday) ）

Lighting Hours ： 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. （ (scheduled) ）

Venue In front of Himeji Station, Otemae Street, and Himeyama Park （ The area around Himeji Castle ） and Himeji Castle Sannomaru Plaza

* The Himeji Castle Sannomaru Plaza event is organized by the Himeji Tourism and Convention Bureau, a public interest incorporated association

Program Details
Theme “Atara Yoru （ Yo ）”
“Atara Yoru （ Yo ）” is a phrase that describes a night so beautiful it’s a shame to see it end, and With the World Cultural Heritage site ・ and National Treasure Himeji Castle as the centerpiece of the landscape, this event—supervised by world-renowned lighting designer Mikiko Ishii—showcases a special winter night woven from the castle’s fantastical light-up display and illuminations.



Approximately 510,000 LED bulbs
By expanding the area and collaborating with the Himeji Castle Sannomaru Plaza Light-Up Event, we have scaled up the display by adding 260,000 bulbs （ ） to 260,000 bulbs, significantly expanding the scale of the event. Through a grand light display that harmonizes with the Himeji Castle Saiun Light-Up, the entire city will be transformed into a magical scene.

Creating a light corridor stretching approximately 2.5 kilometers in length
Starting from the popular photo spot in front of the station—inspired by the white heron—we will create a light corridor stretching approximately 2. 5 kilometers, centered on Himeyama Park. By making the most of Himeji’s unique local resources—such as the “Sea of Clouds” light-up at Sakuramon Bridge, the lighting show at Himeyama Park, and the water reflection at Sannomaru Plaza—we create a fantastical space that allows visitors to escape their daily lives and lose track of time.

Collaboration with the Himeji Castle Light-Up Event
At Himeji Castle’s Sannomaru Plaza, a nighttime performance titled “A New Night’s Dream Mirror” will be held as part of the Himeji Castle Light-Up Event.

Building on the popular “Water Mirror” concept from previous years, this performance projects images and light onto the water’s surface to create a fantastical scene that shifts and shimmers over time. By making use of the changing light reflected on the water’s surface, the performance evokes a sense of tranquility and space. Through a synergistic effect with the dazzling mirror ball display in the center, we aim to create a nighttime experience that harmonizes with the history of Himeji Castle—one that makes visitors want to pause and take their time to appreciate it.

Additionally, white LEDs will be installed on the large ginkgo tree located on the south side of Sannomaru Plaza to create a fantastical tree display evoking the image of a white heron with outstretched wings. This presentation allows visitors to enjoy the plaza at night while making the most of the scenery characteristic of Himeji Castle. （ Organizer ： （ Himeji Tourism and Convention Bureau ） ）



Related Events
November 20 （ Friday ） ： Lighting Ceremony （ In front of the station ） a>
November 20 （ Friday ） through December 28 （ Monday ） ： Himeji Station North Nigiwai Exchange Plaza Illuminations

Sunday, November 22 （ ） ： “Good Couples’ Day” Event （ Venue ： Himeyama Park （ Scheduled ） ）

December 18 （ Friday ） through December 25 （ Friday ） * Excluding Monday, December 21 （ ） （ Scheduled ） ： Christmas Market （ Otemae Park ・ Station North Transportation Square and other locations ）

Saturday, December 19 （ ）, December 20 （ Sunday ） ： Otemae Street Pedestrian Zone （ From north of National Route 2 to the Jonan Line section ）
a> GCF （ Government Crowdfunding ） Implementation
Implementation Overview
Project Name ： Himeji Illumination 2026 “Project to Light Up Himeji’s Winter Together”

Fundraising Goal ： 2 million yen

Fundraising Period ： August 20, Reiwa 8 6a> Thursday ） through November 20 （ Friday ）

Use of Donations ： To be used for the Himeji Otemae-dori ・ to fund the Himeji Castle Illumination

To ensure the continued implementation of the illumination project and enhance its appeal, we are widely soliciting donations through GCF （ Government Crowdfunding ）.

With the support of many people, we will further enhance the appeal of this event as a winter tradition in Himeji, while fostering a sense of pride and attachment to the community through this initiative to “light up Himeji’s winter” together.

Benefits for Donors
We are planning night guided tours around Himeji Castle. From the World Cultural Heritage site ・ and National Treasure Himeji Castle to the history and culture thriving in the surrounding area, our castle specialists will introduce these attractions from a professional perspective, allowing you to rediscover their charm. This will be an opportunity to deepen your understanding of and attachment to Himeji not only by enjoying the illuminations but also through an experience that allows you to explore the origins of the city and the depth of its history.

Benefits （ and tokens of appreciation ） are not considered “gifts in return,” so even residents of Himeji City are eligible to make donations.

Call for Corporate Advertising on Station-Front Art Installations
Overview of the Call
Selection Method ： Competitive Bidding

Number of Businesses Sought ： 1 business

Amount Sought ： Desired price of 3 million yen or more

Application Period August 10, Reiwa 8 （ Monday ） through September 7 （ Monday ）

Advertisement Size ： 0.5 m × 0.5 m, 2 locations

The art installations in front of Himeji Station are iconic landmarks situated at the station’s main entrance, and and is a highly visible spot that catches the eye of many visitors during the illumination period. This initiative aims to further enhance the appeal of the illuminations in collaboration with private-sector partners, while also fostering a vibrant local atmosphere and promoting the city.