Enveloping the site in a fantastic atmosphere, a private preview of projection mapping in which images of cherry blossoms are projected on Kara-mon gate, an Important Cultural Property, was held on March 23, just prior to "Nijo-jo Sakura Matsuri 2017," or Nijo Castle cherry blossom festival 2017. The festival is being held at Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site, in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto from March 24 to April 16.

The event was planned to enhance the existing cherry blossom illumination, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary this year of the restoration of imperial rule, which took place at Nijo Castle.

CG images of cherry blossoms blooming in the places where the two cranes depicted on the gate flew away were projected on Kara-mon gate. In Koun-tei, a tea-ceremony house, a Noh dance was projected over the paper sliding doors. With Japanese-style lamps lighting one's footsteps, the approximately 300 cherry trees of 50 varieties in the garden shine out from the night's darkness. The projection mapping performance and illumination will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. An admission fee is required in addition to the normal entrance fee, which is valid until 5:00 p.m. It is free for visitors in kimono. Specialties of Kyoto will be also sold.