Festival & seasonal event in Kyoto
Agnes Illumination at Heian Jogakuin University
The 22nd annual illumination display created by students and faculty, themed around 'Love.' The lights switch on at 6:05 PM on the opening day. Power supplied by next-generation vehicles is planned for December 10–12.
- Dates
- Nov 20 (Fri) – Dec 25 (Fri)
- Hours
- 16:30 – 21:00
- Venue
- Heian Jogakuin University, Kyoto Campus
- Nearest station
- Marutamachi
- Admission
- Free admission
About this event
Students and faculty create their own illuminated installation on a Kyoto university campus. Agnes Illumination began in the 2005 academic year and celebrates its 22nd edition in 2026. This year's theme is Love, expressing a wish for peace. Students develop the concept and work with faculty on the decorations before opening the display to the public. From December 10 to 12, the lights will be powered by next-generation vehicles. An activity for children is also planned for December 12, connecting student creativity with environmental awareness.
Highlights
- An annual event dating back to 2005, now in its 22nd edition
- The theme Love expresses a wish for peace
- Designed and created by students and faculty
- Next-generation vehicles supply power December 10–12
- A children's event is planned for December 12
- Good for
- For families and visitors interested in winter lights, student creativity and sustainability.
Good to know before you go
- The first day's lighting begins at 18:05 following the opening ceremony.
- A special period uses power supplied by next-generation vehicles.
- The children's event is currently listed as planned.
Pochikichi's story cornerWhy are students expressing love through light?
Agnes Illumination is a student-led lighting event at Heian Jogakuin University's Kyoto Campus. It began in the 2005 academic year and reaches its 22nd edition in 2026. Students choose the theme and work with faculty to create the decorations.
The theme for 2026 is Love. The university explains that it reflects the hope that love can help bring about peace. The lights carry a message developed by the students themselves.
This edition also includes a period when electricity supplied by next-generation vehicles powers the lights. It brings together creative expression and interest in how energy is used.
By opening the campus to visitors, the university shares students' ideas with the community. That is why you should look beyond the shapes of the lights and consider the wish for peace behind the installation.
Sources: Heian Jogakuin University: Agnes Illumination 2026 (Japanese)
FAQ
- What is Agnes Illumination at Heian Jogakuin University?
- Students and faculty create their own illuminated installation on a Kyoto university campus. Agnes Illumination began in the 2005 academic year and celebrates its 22nd edition in 2026. This year's theme is Love, expressing a wish for peace. Students develop the concept and work with faculty on the decorations before opening the display to the public. From December 10 to 12, the lights will be powered by next-generation vehicles. An activity for children is also planned for December 12, connecting student creativity with environmental awareness.
- When is Agnes Illumination at Heian Jogakuin University?
- From Nov 20 (Fri) to Dec 25 (Fri), 2026.
- What are the opening hours?
- 16:30 – 21:00
- How much does it cost?
- Free admission
- Where is it and what is the nearest station?
- Heian Jogakuin University, Kyoto Campus. The nearest station is Marutamachi.