For a limited time from July 4 (Friday) to September 23 (Tuesday, national holiday), 2025, "Hotel Gajoen Tokyo" in Meguro, Tokyo will hold a special exhibition "Japanese Akari× Hyakudan Kaidan 2025 ~Hyakki Koran~" at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government-designated tangible cultural property "Hyakki Ryōran".
The "Hyakudan Kaidan" of cultural properties are transformed into a beautiful and bewitching space with the art of "Japanese light" and "demons". Seven rooms connected by a 99-step staircase corridor feature Aomori Nebuta, which will be exhibited for the first time in six years, as well as lighting, Japan painting, ceramics, traditional crafts, and contemporary art. Why don't you experience the world of "Hyakki Ryōran" created by the various sensibilities and expressions of 38 artists?
Notable points of "Japanese Akari× Hyakudan Kaidan 2025 ~Hyakki Ryōran~"
1. Immersive Experiences at Cultural Properties
The exhibition hall is the cultural property "Hyakudan Kaidan", which was built in 1935 and is the only surviving wooden building in Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. Against the backdrop of a beautiful space created by some of the most famous painters of the time, the "Japanese lights" and "demons" that hide a sense of delicacy and dynamism invite you to a special experience.
2. The world of "Hundred Demon Disturbances" that unfolds with each step
The "demon" that has been passed down in various forms since ancient times is exhibited by 38 artists who express their individuality. The story begins with an entrance illuminated by "Japanese lights," and a variety of scenes appear in each of the seven rooms connected by a staircase corridor.
3. Original music and production that enhances the sense of realism
The original music by Takeshi Yoda created for this exhibition creates a fantastic and dynamic world. Along with the music that resonates deeply in the heart, the changes in shadows due to lighting, the scent of aromas, and the fluctuations of the wind leave a deep lingering feeling as if speaking to the inner senses of each person.
Profile of Takeshi Yoda
A musician who controls a theremin, a mysterious electronic instrument that is played without touching it. Manipulating a unique tone that is said to be the singing voice of a goddess, she creates a fantastic world. In addition to playing musical instruments, he is also involved in music such as video works in Japan and abroad as a sound creator.
Comment by Takeshi Yoda
"There may be many demons in a single person: anger, sadness, loneliness, jealousy, anxiety, love. But I think all of them are our emotions and the echoes of our lives."
Save on the "Online Limited Admission Ticket" where you can get original goods
Admission ticket with "Demon Encyclopedia of Japan" (3,600 yen)
Along with about 160 historical materials drawn after the Muromachi period, the origin and genealogy of representative demons are explained in an easy-to-understand manner. In this book, you will learn everything about Japan demons.
- "Demon Encyclopedia of Japan" (published by Seigensha / supervised by Toru Yagi / B5 size, 176 pages)
Admission ticket with yokai zukushi and human face grass paper washcloth (2,000 yen)
While they are feared as creepy beings, they have been deeply rooted in people's lives and accepted as familiar beings. It has a unique atmosphere drawn by the late Edo writer Saito Gesshin, but it is a gem that has a somewhat unique appearance as a washcloth. It is a yokai washcloth with a soft touch of double gauze.
- Material: 100% cotton
- Size: 890mm×320mm
- Production: Japan
In addition, we offer a variety of tickets, such as a "Special Admission Ticket (¥3,200)" that allows a limited number of people to visit after the general tour time, which is recommended for those who want to enjoy the tour and photography slowly.
* Some excerpts, limited quantity, all tax included
There is a "demon benefit" where you can get a gift by bringing a demon motif
Those who come to the event with a demon motif will receive a postcard. Tell the receptionist that you want to use the demon benefits.
* Display of images on mobile devices is not applicable.
* Limited quantity (will end as soon as it runs out)
【Event Summary】Japanese Light × Hyakudan Kaidan 2025 ~Hyakki Ryōran~
- Period: Friday, July 4, 2025 ~ Tuesday, September 23, 2025
- Hours: 11:00~18:00 (Last admission 17:30) *Until 17:00 on Saturday, August 16 (Last admission 16:30)
- Venue: Hotel Gajoen Tokyo Tokyo Metropolitan Government Designated Tangible Cultural Property "Hyakudan Kaidan" (1-8-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo)
- Closed: No holidays
- Price (same-day ticket):
- Adults: 1,800 yen
- University and high school students: 1,200 yen
- Elementary and junior high school students: 1,000 yen
- Preschoolers: Free of charge
- Price (Special Advance Ticket):
- Adults: 1,400 yen
- University and high school students: 1,000 yen
- Elementary and junior high school students: 800 yen
- Preschoolers: Free of charge
- URL：https://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/100event/wanoakari2025
*All taxes included
*Students are required to present their student ID card.
* Special advance ticket sales period: Until July 3, 2025 (Thursday)
2025 Exhibitors
安宅漆工店（漆） / 網野 篤子（ガラス作家） / いろした工房（ガラスランプ） / 絵付けこあん（和ろうそく） / 岡半（ゆらぎ盆栽） / かざり工芸三浦（錺かんざし） / 柏木美術鋳物研究所（小田原風鈴） / 金谷 美帆（ビーズアーティスト） / かものはし（特殊造形） / キタガワアキコ（ガラス造形作家） / 北村 春一（青森ねぶた） / 倉敷光作所（希新光あかり） / ゲンマ（照明作家） / ごまん（ワイヤーアート） / 榮 -SAKAE-（かんざし作家） / 佐藤 祥太（あかり美術家） / さぶさちえ（切り絵絵本作家） / 紗龔愛裡紗（抽象画作家） / ステンドグラス工房かわもと（ステンドグラス） / 清峰堂（九谷和グラス） / 髙井 一平（枯吹金栽作家） / 髙橋 協子（陶芸） / 高山 しげこ（漉き紙の灯り） / 瀧下 和之（日本画家） / 谷 俊幸（照明作家） / タツミ（淡路瓦） / だるま商店（京都絵描きユニット） / DI Palette（紙にしきごい） / 栃木ダボ製作所（日本の神々のお面） / 白亜器（陶作家） / 林 貴俊（石巻こけし） / 廣田硝子（ガラス・江戸切子） / 村田民芸（郷土玩具） / MONOR（工芸作家） / 柳井金魚ちょうちん祭り（山口・柳井） / 米川 慶子（フラワーデザイナー） / ヨダタケシ（音楽） / 和のこと遊び（つまみ細工）
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo Event Linked Projects
Yukata Plan
It is a plan that includes a set of yukata that you can take home and a special exhibition coupon, so you can enjoy the summer to the fullest. There are about 250 types of yukata for women and about 100 types for men. Obis, clogs, and bags are also available in a variety of colors and patterns.
- Period: Friday, July 4, 2025 ~ Sunday, August 31, 2025
- Price: 18,000 yen ~ (tax and service charge included)
- Substance:
- Meals (you can choose from lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner)
- A set of yukata (yukata robe, half-width obi, geta, basket bag or drawstring bag, obi board, date fastening, 2 waist straps)
- dressing
- Original Danfan
- 50% discount coupon for special exhibitions
- Official website: http://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/archives/52142
*For the latest information, please visit the hotel's official website.
Lunch Set
This is a set of special exhibitions and lunch at the on-site restaurant.
- Period: Friday, July 4, 2025 ~ Sunday, August 31, 2025
- Shop:
- Chinese Restaurant "Shun Yuki"
- Japan cuisine "Tofutei"
- RISTORANE“CANOVIANO”
- New American Grill “KANADE TERRACE”
- CANOVIANO CAFE
- Price: 4,500 yen ~ (tax and service charge included)
- Official website: http://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/archives/105520
*For the latest information, please visit the hotel's official website.
What is the summer tradition of Meguro, Tokyo, "Japanese light × Hyakudan Kaidan"?
In the summer of 2015, the first "Hyakudan Kaidan of Japanese light" was held under the theme of "Japanese Illumination×". Since then, we have continued to carry out projects from new perspectives, such as "festivals," "colors," and "fairy tales," to convey the beauty of Japan and the traditions of Japan. In 2024, the ninth edition of the exhibition, the total number of visitors exceeded 580,000.
About the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Designated Tangible Cultural Property "Hyakudan Kaidan"
Built in 1935 (Showa 10), it is the only surviving wooden building in Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, and 7 rooms built along a slope are connected by a long staircase corridor with 99 steps. Each room is decorated by skilled craftsmen such as painters, joiners, and painters who have been in charge of the room, and the traditional aesthetic sense handed down from the Edo period and the modernism of the early Showa period are alive. In March 2009, it was designated as a tangible cultural property of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Tradition and history of "Hotel Gajoen Tokyo"
Inheriting a tradition of more than 90 years, this museum hotel is decorated with 2,500 Japan paintings and arts and crafts. The 60 tea rooms, over 80 square metre of suites, equipped with steam rooms and whirlpools, combine simplicity with the elegant beauty of Japan. It has 7 restaurants such as Japan, Chinese, and Italian cuisines that inherit the spirit of hospitality, 23 banquet facilities including a Japanese-style banquet hall with the best of Japan beauty, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's designated tangible cultural property "Hyakudan Kaidan".
*Temporarily closed from October 1, 2025
- Official website: https://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/
- Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/gajoen/
- Instagram：@hotelgajoentokyo
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