This dreamlike experience blends the traditional beauty of Japanese gardens with cutting-edge digital art, revealing a completely different atmosphere than during the day and inviting visitors into a world of fantasy.

Contents of this article
・A Dreamlike Space Where Digital Art Meets Traditional Japanese Garden
・Exclusive Digital Performances You Can Only Experience Here 
・Highlights of “SORA”
・What Makes “SORA” So Fascinating? Insights from the Night Content Director
・Detail

A Dreamlike Space Where Digital Art Meets Traditional Japanese Garden

The stage for this event is the Ohori Park Japanese Garden, tucked away in one corner of Ohori Park. The park’s origins date back to the 1927 East Asia Industrial Exposition, and it has since become a beloved relaxation spot for Fukuoka’s residents. It’s also home to the Fukuoka Art Museum, making it a cultural hub where art and tradition meet. 

The “SORA” event transforms the familiar scenery of the garden into something completely new by night, creating an immersive experience that fuses traditional Japanese aesthetics with digital innovation.

Exclusive Digital Performances You Can Only Experience Here 

“SORA” offers a wide range of digital shows: projection mapping, laser lights, artificial mist creating a “sea of clouds,” and large-scale projections using four powerful projectors. 

One standout feature is a holographic shrine maiden (or "miko") performance, recorded by a professional ballet dancer. This captivating performance, paired with the garden’s ethereal setting, creates a mystical space.

Highlights of “SORA”

Within the area, there are eight themed content zones to explore in order. At the entrance leading to the Japanese garden, visitors are greeted by a woman dressed as a shrine maiden, who rings a bell in her hand, inviting everyone into a surreal space.

This time, we’d like to highlight some of the most notable features from the eight areas:

Shoryu

Traditional karesansui (dry landscape gardens) express the flow of rivers with rocks, but in “SORA,” this is represented with light. Lights flow like rivers and waterfalls, eventually transforming into ripples that are absorbed by stones, blending the essence of a Japanese garden with new life.

Kaichu

A large moon object floating on the surface of the pond is a signature feature of “SORA.” The striking scene of the moon on the water captivates many visitors and is a popular photo spot.

Kyomei

In some areas, there are interactive installations that respond to visitors’ actions, such as lights that change color when you clap. These surprises allow you not just to watch, but to actively change the scenery with your own actions.

What Makes “SORA” So Fascinating?

We spoke with Mr. Shimoda, CEO of Runhansha Co., Ltd. and Night Content Director, who produced “SORA” for this event, to hear his thoughts on the project.

“In Fukuoka, there are many places to visit during the day, but I’ve felt that there is a lack of nighttime entertainment. As a Night Content Director, I want to help create a night culture in regional cities and encourage people to experience a different side of the city after dark.” ーMr. Shimoda

“You’ll experience a completely different atmosphere in the garden at night compared to the daytime. While incorporating digital technology, we focused on expressing the natural elements and traditions of the Japanese garden. Please enjoy a unique nighttime experience immersed in an extraordinary art space.” ーMr. Shimoda

Event Details

[Location]
1-6 Ohori Park, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
[Parking]
Use D-Parking Gokoku Shrine / Ohori Park South (5-minute walk to venue)
※Note: The Fukuoka Art Museum parking lot closes at 9:00 PM

[Event Schedule]
Aug 11 (Mon, National Holiday) – Sept 5 (Fri): 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Last entry at 9:30 PM)
Sept 6 (Sat) – Sept 30 (Tue): 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last entry at 9:30 PM)

[Admission Fees]
Advance Tickets:
Adults: ¥1,800 / Middle & High School: ¥1,300 / Elementary: ¥900 / Preschool: Free

Same-Day Tickets:
Adults: ¥2,300 / Middle & High School: ¥1,800 / Elementary: ¥1,400 / Preschool: Free

[Notes]
Even in case of rain, the event will be held. However, performances may be canceled in case of extreme weather (e.g., rainfall over 10mm/hr or wind over 10m/s).

For the latest updates, check the official Instagram

[Access to Ohori Park Japanese Garden]
The nearest station to Ohori Park Japanese Garden (Ohori Park Station) is about 15 minutes from “Fukuoka Airport Station,” about 10 minutes from “Hakata Station,” and about 5 minutes from “Tenjin Station.”

・10 mins from Exit 3 or 6 of Fukuoka City Subway Kuko Line “Ohori Park Station”
・10 mins from Exit 2 of Fukuoka City Subway Nanakuma Line “Ropponmatsu Station”
・3 mins from Nishitetsu Bus “Fukuoka Art Museum East Entrance”
・5 mins from Nishitetsu Bus “Akasaka 3-chome”
・3 mins from Nishitetsu Bus “Fukuoka Castle/NHK Broadcast Center Entrance”

>>Official Website
>>Instagram
 

 

For more information
>>Art Breathing Light into Fukuoka at Night – SORA [Ohori Park Japanese Garden]