At Toji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, a stunning bamboo light installation named 'Toji Tsuki Kairou' has opened to the public, drawing over 10,000 visitors within just a few days of its launch. The event features thousands of bamboo-crafted lights that create a fantastical ambiance throughout the temple grounds, particularly around the towering five-story pagoda, which is the tallest of its kind in Japan.

Among the highlights is Hyotan Pond, where numerous bamboo 'maris' hang, reflecting their glow on the water's surface in a mesmerizing display that feels almost ethereal. Additional features include crescent-shaped sculptures and a 'Light Corridor' made from bamboo, all set against the backdrop of the pagoda, captivating visitors who eagerly capture photos with their smartphones and cameras. The lighting event runs from 6 PM to 9 PM, with tickets priced at 1500 yen for adults and 500 yen for children, available at the temple's East Gate until March 11, with a scheduled closure on March 4.

According to the organizing committee of the event, the goal was to create an engaging nighttime tourist attraction during the colder months, and they are pleased with the turnout that has exceeded their expectations. The bamboo used for the exhibition has been sourced from abandoned bamboo groves in the Nishiyama area of Kyoto, and plans are in place to repurpose the bamboo into charcoal after the event concludes, blending artistry with sustainability.