Vocal Group REAL TRAUM to Perform at 'Sakura Otoyo' in Kyoto on April 5th: 'We Want to Carefully Weave a Special Time Where Sound and Light Merge'

The 'Heian Shrine Sakura Otoyo' (Sakura Otoyo Executive Committee, composed of Kyoto Shimbun and others), an event that began in 1989 and has graced Kyoto's spring, will be held for five days from April 1st to 5th, 2026, at Heian Shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City.

During the period, the Otenmon Gate, Daikokuden Hall, and the South and East Gardens will be specially illuminated at night, with the magnificent shrine buildings and weeping cherry blossoms coloring the spring night in Kyoto. Visitors can stroll through the shrine gardens while listening to live music performed by artists by the Seiho Pond in the East Garden.

The performers on the 5th will be the vocal group REAL TRAUM. We asked the four members about their aspirations.

Kenichiro Takashima to Sing New Repertoire

REAL TRAUM is a vocal unit formed by four male vocalists from Tokyo University of the Arts. Tenor Kenichiro Takashima said, "I have a special feeling about singing in a place where I can feel Japan's history. It's also a good opportunity to re-examine the significance of performing Western classical music as a Japanese person."

Takashima, who studied abroad in Vienna and has performed leading roles in theaters across the country, sees a commonality with Kyoto. "Perhaps the shared points are the special charm of its history as an ancient capital, the atmosphere of the city, and the season of spring."

At Sakura Otoyo, they plan to sing new repertoire different from last year. "I am personally looking forward to seeing how our audience will experience the music performed in such a special place, different from regular concert halls or live houses," he said.

Keisuke Sugiura to Convey Exhilaration and Melancholy

For tenor Keisuke Sugiura, who was born in April, spring has always been a special season.

"Cherry blossoms symbolize encounters, farewells, and new beginnings. I hope to convey the exhilaration and slight melancholy unique to spring through our music," he said, expressing his enthusiasm.

He considers Heian Shrine a special place. "It is a luxurious time for me as a singer to deliver music in a historic space amidst the gentle spring air. I want to enjoy performing while being encouraged by the power of the place itself."

Kyoto, which he visits often, is a city where just walking around calms his mind, and he loves it very much.

"A spring night enveloped in cherry blossoms and music. I look forward to sharing the same time with all of you. Please come and enjoy yourselves with a relaxed heart."

Yuma Sakai: A Place That Makes You Feel Special

Baritone Yuma Sakai was surprised by the view from the venue during his first performance at Sakura Otoyo last year.

"The beauty of looking out at the audience was a moving experience unlike any I had before. I am very happy to be able to sing in such a place again this year," he said.

He feels Kyoto has a different impression compared to other cities. While there are many reasons, such as the grid-like streets and historic buildings, he describes its charm as, "Above all, I feel the love that the people living in Kyoto have for their city."

REAL TRAUM is currently on their first tour, and they are scheduled to visit Kyoto again in May.

"I believe Kyoto and Heian Shrine are places that make one feel special. At Sakura Otoyo, I want to sing with all my heart to deliver that 'specialness' through our performance."

Takumi Torio: Where Tradition and Novelty Resonate

"It is a great happiness as a singer to be able to deliver music in a space where the serene precincts are fantastically illuminated by lights. I want to carefully weave a special time where sound and light merge," says tenor Takumi Torio, describing Sakura Otoyo.

While various music will be performed daily for five days at Sakura Otoyo, he states, "A program that fuses Japanese and Western music is a world that only we, REAL TRAUM, as a crossover group, can express. We want to make it a unique time where tradition and novelty resonate."

To their existing and new fans, he sends a message: "We would be delighted if you could join us in enjoying a night where the charm of the special space of Heian Shrine meets our music."

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

[Event Dates]

April 1st (Wed), 2nd (Thu), 3rd (Fri), 4th (Sat), 5th (Sun), 2026 (Reiwa 8)

[Venue]

Heian Shrine (Okazaki Nishitenno-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)

[Performance Times]

Light-up: 6:15 PM - 9:00 PM (Last entry 8:30 PM. Event proceeds in case of rain.)

Performances:

Part 1 Performance Time: 6:40 PM - 7:10 PM (Entry reception: 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM)

Part 2 Performance Time: 7:55 PM - 8:25 PM (Entry reception: 7:35 PM - 8:30 PM)

*Part 1 and Part 2 have separate admissions. There are no seats.

[Tickets]

① Admission Ticket: Allows viewing of the Daikokuden Hall and South Garden (cherry blossom light-up area).

Advance: ¥1,500 / Same-day: ¥2,000 (Tax included)

*Entry to the East Garden is not permitted. Free for children under elementary school age. No refunds.

② Admission Ticket with Concert: Allows viewing of Daikokuden Hall, South Garden (cherry blossom light-up area), and East Garden (concert area).

Advance: ¥3,000 / Same-day: ¥4,000 (Tax included)

*Free for children under elementary school age. Entry time is designated. Sales end when the planned number of tickets is reached. Please select Part 1 or Part 2 at the time of purchase. No refunds.

[Advance Ticket Sales]

eplus (FamilyMart): https://eplus.jp/sakuraotoyo26/

Ticket Pia (Seven-Eleven): https://w.pia.jp/t/otoyo-2026/

Lawson Ticket (Lawson, Ministop): https://l-tike.com/kyoto-benishidare/

Kyoto Shimbun Culture Center (On sale)

[Organizer]

Sakura Otoyo Executive Committee

[Special Sponsorship]

JR Central

[Sponsorship]

Iyemon (Kyoto Fukujuen)

[Cooperation]

Kyoto Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.

[Support]

Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kyoto Prefecture Tourism Federation, Kyoto City Tourism Association, Japan Hotel Association Kansai-Shikoku Branch, Kyoto Ryokan Association, Heian Shrine, Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau, KBS Kyoto, FM Kyoto

[Inquiries]

'Heian Shrine Sakura Otoyo' Secretariat (Kyoto Shimbun COM)

075(241)6171

Weekdays / 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

For ticket inquiries, please click here:

https://www.liveexsam.co.jp/contact/

*Please refrain from contacting the Heian Shrine office.

[Official Website for 'Heian Shrine Sakura Otoyo 2026']

https://pr.kyoto-np.jp/event/benishidare/