Festival & seasonal event in Kyoto
40th Anniversary 'Circle of En' — A Courtyard Installation Celebrating Connections at The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike
A festive Christmas courtyard installation celebrating the hotel's 40th anniversary. A symbolic Christmas tree and illuminations decorate the circular courtyard designed by architect Togo Murano.
- Dates
- Nov 25 (Wed) – Dec 25 (Fri)
- Hours
- 17:00 – 23:00
- Venue
- The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike
- Nearest station
- Kokusaikaikan
- Admission
- Free viewing
About this event
A circular hotel designed by architect Togo Murano becomes the setting for a Christmas installation made with materials from the Kyoto region. Created to celebrate the hotel's 40th anniversary, Circle of En plays on two Japanese ideas: en, meaning a human connection, and en, meaning a circle. Pruned timber, bamboo from forest maintenance and kimono fabric supplied by the traditional doll maker Ando Ningyoten are transformed into decorations. Light, ornaments and music surround the courtyard's symbolic tree. Rather than simply covering the grounds in lights, this installation connects Kyoto craftsmanship, modern architecture and the reuse of resources.
Highlights
- Christmas lights framed by Togo Murano's circular architecture
- Decorations made from reused timber and bamboo
- Kimono fabric ornaments supplied by Ando Ningyoten
- Seasonal lighting around the courtyard's symbolic tree
- Good for
- Architecture and design enthusiasts, and families seeking a peaceful Christmas atmosphere.
Good to know before you go
- The illumination may be canceled because of weather or other conditions.
- Exit 4-2 at Kokusaikaikan subway station is available until 10:30 PM; use Exit 3 afterwards.
Pochikichi's story cornerWhy is this hotel shaped like a circle?
The defining feature of The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike is its circular structure surrounding an inner courtyard. It was designed by Togo Murano, a leading figure in modern Japanese architecture. The hotel opened on October 9, 1986.
Murano first visited Takaragaike in late 1983. He returned repeatedly, sketching ideas for a building that would harmonize with the landscape. He died the following year before construction was complete, and his students carried his architectural vision forward.
Curving lines appear not only in the main building but also in the lobby and guest rooms. The Japanese garden contains a traditional sukiya-style teahouse, bringing together modern hotel architecture and the aesthetics of classical Japanese building traditions.
The 40th-anniversary illumination transforms the architectural circle into a symbol of human connections. So when viewing the Christmas lights, look beyond the decorations to the graceful curves of the building surrounding the courtyard.
Sources: Togo Murano and 40 Years of The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike (Japanese), 40th Anniversary Information (Japanese)
Long ago, around hereWhat kind of place was Takaragaike before the hotel?
Takaragaike lies in northern Kyoto, surrounded by the natural scenery of Rakuhoku. The hotel stands beside the Kyoto International Conference Center, giving the area a role in international meetings and cultural exchange.
In 1983, architect Togo Murano visited the site and began planning a hotel that would blend with its natural setting. Completed in 1986, the building is distinguished by its circular plan and gently flowing curves. Over the years, it has welcomed conference participants, scholars and visitors from Japan and abroad.
Together, the hotel, conference center and surrounding landscape create a side of northern Kyoto quite different from the city's historic temple districts. So when walking around Takaragaike, look for the contrast between the forest greenery and the curves of the hotel.
Sources: The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike: 40th Anniversary Architecture Feature (Japanese), The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike Official Website (Japanese)
FAQ
- What is 40th Anniversary 'Circle of En' — A Courtyard Installation Celebrating Connections at The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike?
- A circular hotel designed by architect Togo Murano becomes the setting for a Christmas installation made with materials from the Kyoto region. Created to celebrate the hotel's 40th anniversary, Circle of En plays on two Japanese ideas: en, meaning a human connection, and en, meaning a circle. Pruned timber, bamboo from forest maintenance and kimono fabric supplied by the traditional doll maker Ando Ningyoten are transformed into decorations. Light, ornaments and music surround the courtyard's symbolic tree. Rather than simply covering the grounds in lights, this installation connects Kyoto craftsmanship, modern architecture and the reuse of resources.
- When is 40th Anniversary 'Circle of En' — A Courtyard Installation Celebrating Connections at The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike?
- From Nov 25 (Wed) to Dec 25 (Fri), 2026.
- What are the opening hours?
- 17:00 – 23:00
- How much does it cost?
- Free viewing
- Where is it and what is the nearest station?
- The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike. The nearest station is Kokusaikaikan.
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