A spectacular projection mapping event will illuminate Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture from December 13, 2025 to February 15, 2026. The "National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Keep Projection Mapping 2025-2026" transforms one of Japan's most historic castles into a canvas of light and digital art.
Produced by HITOHATA, Inc. in collaboration with Epson Sales Japan Corporation and Seiko Epson Corporation, this winter spectacle continues the tradition that drew over 170,000 visitors during the previous season, establishing itself as a beloved winter tradition in Matsumoto.
Three Themed Periods
The event features three distinct thematic periods throughout the season:
Period 1: Castle Beyond Time - Story of Light (December 13, 2025 to January 7, 2026)
Period 2: Memories of Light - Highlight Digest (January 8 to January 28, 2026)
Period 3: Light Blooming Keep - Dawn of Spring (January 29 to February 15, 2026)
Stunning Visual Displays
The projection mapping showcases a variety of captivating imagery on the castle keep and stone walls. Highlights include ukiyo-e woodblock prints depicting the merchant town of Matsumoto from the collection of the Matsumoto City Museum, gorgeous folding screen paintings, and motifs of local traditional crafts such as Matsumoto temari (decorative thread balls) and paper lanterns.
The displays also feature cherry blossoms blooming in spring and flowers from the Northern Alps, creating dynamic and fantastical projection mapping visuals.
Interactive Light Art Experiences
Beyond the main projection mapping on the castle keep, visitors can enjoy various light art experiences throughout Matsumoto Castle Park:
- Interactive content along the park pathways
- Projection mapping on the castle gates
- Illuminated landscapes throughout the park grounds
About Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's five remaining castle keeps designated as National Treasures. Its five-story, six-floor keep is the oldest surviving structure of its kind in Japan.
Event Details
Name: National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Keep Projection Mapping 2025-2026 (Part of "Light and Ice Castle Town Festival Matsumoto City Illumination 2025-2026")
Dates: December 13, 2025 to February 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Matsumoto Castle Park (4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture)
Admission: Free (No advance registration required)
For more details, please visit: https://www.hitohata.jp/event/p7PLG0cq
Format: Approximately 9-minute projection mapping content with 3-minute intermissions between shows
Access Information
By Train:
- Approximately 20-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station
By Bus:
- From JR Matsumoto Station, take the Utsukushigahara Onsen Line, Asama Line, Okada Line, or Alps Park Line
- Get off at "Matsumoto Castle/City Hall" stop
By Car:
- Approximately 20 minutes from Matsumoto IC on the Nagano Expressway
- Parking: Matsumoto City Municipal Matsumoto Castle Otemon Parking Lot (multilevel), open 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM, ¥150 per 30 minutes for regular cars, approximately 8-minute walk to the castle
