Korokan’s Restored East Gate Opens to the Public for the First Time

Korokan’s restored North Hall East Gate is opening to the public for the first time!? That’s the standout moment at this night festival in Maizuru Park Korokan Plaza, where the gate is lit to highlight its architecture 😮 A lantern-lined ramp leads visitors toward it, so take that gentle light-filled approach as your opening move.

Nearby, a glowing ship inspired by the envoys who crossed the sea to the continent stretches about 6 metres long. It stands at the centre of the food-stall area, turning the history of overseas exchange into the festival’s visual centrepiece 🚢 The gate lighting is also planned to continue beyond the festival, so you can take your time looking closely.

The hands-on zone brings historic Japanese and East Asian games into the glow of illuminated stalls. Try four formats: rolling a ball, shell matching, throwing arrows and flicking spinning tops. Every activity here is free, so you can give each one a go without weighing up a ticket fee 🎯

There’s also an open play area with glowing hoops, skipping ropes, kendama and blocks, plus a moon-shaped installation overhead. For a keepsake, try writing “Korokan” with a light pen while a long-exposure photograph traces the movement into a picture 📸 These play activities begin later than the festival’s general opening, so plan to arrive when the interactive area is running.

The food-stall area takes its cue from dishes served at Heian-period feasts, with game meat at the heart of the menu and sweets and drinks among the other offerings. Food and shopping are paid, even though entry to the festival is free 🍡 Wander among the stalls and choose a bite to enjoy alongside the illuminated ship.

If you’ve only got time for one thing, make it the first public look at the restored East Gate, then follow the lantern-lit ramp up to it. The plaza is reachable on foot from nearby subway and bus stops, so consider arriving by public transport and head out ready for a glowing night at Korokan 🚶