06/10/2026
Manpuku-ji Temple
Night Special Viewing & Light Art Installation
“An Artistic Illumination of Manpuku-ji ‒ Where Zen Meets the Dragon of Light”
A Crimson Dragon Emerging from the Darkness — Illuminating National Treasures
Overview
Founded in 1661 by the Chinese Zen monk Ingen Ryūki, Manpuku-ji is the head temple of the Ōbaku school of Zen Buddhism.
From its overall temple layout to its architectural details, Manpuku-ji retains a strong influence of Ming-dynasty China, making it one of Japan’s rare and exceptional Zen temples with such a distinct Chinese character.
The temple grounds are home to three National Treasure buildings and twenty Important Cultural Properties, creating a remarkable historical and architectural setting.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural nighttime special viewing and light art installation, Manpuku-ji will once again open its grounds after dark this year, with an even more ambitious artistic illumination.
The acclaim received last year was not simply the result of creating a visually striking “light-up” experience. Rather, the lighting design was carefully conceived to avoid excessive use of colored light, allowing the architecture, Buddhist sculptures, textures of the wood, and subtle interplay of light and shadow to emerge with clarity.
The light does not decorate the cultural heritage; it quietly reveals its essence.
This year’s installation carries forward that philosophy while taking it a step further, creating a new encounter between Zen, architecture, light, and contemporary art.
Admission
• Adults: ¥1,000
• Junior High & High School Students: ¥500
• Elementary School Students and younger: Free
• Multilingual Audio Guide App: ¥1,000