Actor and Singer Miori Takimoto and Pianist Ryota Kikuchi to Perform at 'Sakura Otoyo' in Kyoto on Friday, April 3rd: 'Please Enjoy This Once-in-a-Lifetime Session'

The 'Heian Jingu Sakura Otoyo,' which began in 1989 and is beloved as an event that colors the spring in Kyoto (organized by the Sakura Otoyo Executive Committee, including the Kyoto Shimbun), will be held for five days from April 1st to 5th, 2026, at Heian Jingu Shrine in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto.

During this period, the Otenmon Gate, Daigokuden Hall, and the South and East Gardens will be specially illuminated at night, with the magnificent shrine buildings and weeping cherry trees coloring the Kyoto spring nights. Visitors can stroll through the gardens while listening to live performances by artists on the banks of the Saho-ike Pond in the East Garden.

The performers on the 3rd will be actor and singer Miori Takimoto and pianist Ryota Kikuchi. We asked them about their enthusiasm for the event.

Miori Takimoto: A Story That Can Only Be Experienced Once

For actor Miori Takimoto, Kyoto is a place she visits for filming at studios like Shochiku and Toei, and she calls it 'a place I love, with staff I love.'

This time, she will visit Kyoto as a singer. 'I am very honored to be given this special opportunity. The fusion of the beauty of Japan's four seasons and music is exciting just to imagine,' she says.

For Sakura Otoyo, she hopes to create a stage that is both in harmony with the atmosphere and full of surprises. 'I want to weave a single story through the concert, while enjoying the chemistry with Ryota Kikuchi,' she says.

'The magic hour from evening to night, the cherry blossoms reflecting on the pond—I think the atmosphere changes depending on the weather and the time of day. I would be happy if you could join us for a special, once-in-a-lifetime moment in this fantastical world.'

Ryota Kikuchi: A Beautiful and Immersive Stage

This will be pianist Ryota Kikuchi's fourth consecutive year performing at Sakura Otoyo.

'I feel a sense of discipline knowing I will stand on this sacred stage again this year,' he says, expressing his joy. 'I hope you will enjoy a beautiful and immersive space filled with a Japanese atmosphere, created by songs and piano alongside the beautiful cherry blossoms.'

Regarding his performance on the same day as actor and singer Miori Takimoto, he says, 'I am looking forward to performing many masterpieces along with Miori Takimoto's wonderful singing voice. I hope you will enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime session.'

Although he is currently focusing on composition for his own album, he regularly posts performance videos on YouTube. 'I am working hard to reach 1 million subscribers, so please subscribe to my channel.'

'Sakura Otoyo' Held for 5 Days Starting April 1st