Iga Ueno: Castle Town of Lights

About this event

A magical event connecting the night of the Iga Ueno castle town with gentle illumination. For about two hours from dusk on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 2026, the alleys and facilities of the castle town will be adorned with light from paper lanterns and other sources. At the lighting ceremony, following the illumination by guests of honor, an award ceremony for the photo contest will take place. This year, the lighting of a gas lantern by Ueno Gas Co., Ltd., which celebrates its 100th anniversary next year, and the unveiling of the Iga☆Gulio statue are also planned. At Machiya Garden Iga, visitors can enjoy a jazz performance by the Happy Friends Orchestra as the opening ceremony. At Ueno Tenjingu Shrine, the tower gate and approach will be illuminated by fantastical bamboo lanterns, decorated with bamboo light art created by Yuichi Imajuku. In the worship hall of Sugawara Shrine, an ensemble by members of the Osaka Symphony Orchestra and a special concert by the IGA Orchestra Ensemble BUNTO will be held, creating a romantic night where light and sound blend together. In addition, an exhibition of works by Eiichi Ihara will be held at the Akai Family Residence, and an exhibition by Yasuaki Kuzumoto will be held at the Historic Site Old Sukodo, with extended evening hours on select days. A collaboration of traditional Iga culture featuring Iga braided cords (kumihimo) and Iga ware pottery lights will also take place at the NIPPONIA HOTEL NAIKI building. At the Nakamachi Festival, open musical accompaniment performances and entertaining hospitality will be offered. Furthermore, the Iga Ueno Castle Town Bar event will be held concurrently, allowing visitors to enjoy eating and drinking around the area using tickets. A photo contest is also being held, accepting submissions of photographs capturing the castle town adorned with lights.

Venue

Iga Ueno Castle Town

Ueno, Iga, Mie 518-0869