At Kyoto University of the Arts in Kitashirakawa, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, a 36-meter-wide illumination display adorns the grand staircase along Shirakawa-dori Street, and is lit up every night. This traditional event is planned by students, and this year's design was circus-themed. 13,000 light bulbs create images of elephants performing ball-balancing feats.
Now in its 18th year, the display began preparations in the fall with 46 first- to third-year students. A ball-shaped object spins and glows, depicting an elephant performing acrobatics in the center.
A red and white tent-like fabric hangs from the top. The tangled light bulbs glow softly through the fabric. The lighting ceremony was held on December 9th, with students counting down and cheers erupting as the lights were turned on all at once.
A first-year female student (19 years old) said, "We revised the design many times to make it more spectacular," while a second-year female student (19 years old) expressed her hope that "it will warm the hearts of passersby."
Open daily from 5pm to 8pm until December 25th. Free viewing.
