Japanese Cities Launch Summer Attractions at Fukuoka Tower and Matsuyama Castle

Fukuoka Tower in Fukuoka has begun a summer‑season illumination called the “Sunflower Illumination,” running from July 14 to August 23, 2026. The display features a giant sunflower spanning roughly 28 m high and 20 m wide, lit from 19:30 to 23:00 each night, with a 10‑minute light cycle that shifts from a static blue‑sky scene to a dynamic rainbow‑to‑golden‑color animation. Visitors who purchase a viewing ticket after 19:00 can receive a limited‑edition postcard commemorating the tower’s Guinness World Record for pixel‑animation lighting. Additional summer‑time events, photo spots and an Instagram contest are also offered.

In Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, two historic turrets of Matsuyama Castle – the “Nobara Turret” and the “Inmon Continuation Turret” – are being opened to the public for a special exhibition as part of the “Light Hospitality in Matsuyama Castle 2026” program. Volunteer groups and students cleaned the interiors on July 15, preparing for the limited evening openings on August 8 and August 14, from 18:00 to 20:00. The turrets, designated Important Cultural Properties and over 400 years old, are rarely accessible, and the event aims to let visitors experience these heritage structures up close.