Hello everyone! This is Miyanaga from GP.

I heard amazing things about the exhibition, “Wa no Akari × Hyakudan Kaidan 2024 ~ Enchanting Fairy Tales ~,” held at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. Everyone was raving about its one-of-a-kind immersive performances in the beautiful venue, and I couldn’t help but feel intrigued!

“Wa no Akari × Hyakudan Kaidan 2024 ~ Enchanting Fairy Tales ~”

Did you know about the “Wa no Akari × Hyakudan Kaidan 2024 ~ Enchanting Fairy Tales ~”? It was an exhibition held in the Tokyo-designated tangible cultural property, the “Hyakudan Kaidan.” The intricate storytelling that drew you into the world of fairy tales was a hot topic, with over 20,000 visitors within just a month of opening. Many people visited specifically to capture some fantastical photos.

Exhibition Overview
Date: Friday, July 5, 2024 – Monday, September 23, 2024
Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:30 PM)
Venue: Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, Tokyo-designated tangible cultural property “Hyakudan Kaidan”

Introducing the fantastical performances and exhibits that resonate with the five senses

What kind of exhibits were capturing the hearts of so many people? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular displays and their respective charms!

Different areas with various stories

<1. The Carp Climbing the Waterfall ~ The Legend of the Dragon Gate ~ (So-kyu Room)>

In this space, the legend of the carp that became a dragon after passing through the fierce rapids of the Dragon Gate was expressed through papercraft, ikebana (flower arrangements), and ink painting.

Over 120 paper koi swam on the ceiling, blending with the landscape paintings on the transoms and the ceiling that was painted by Isobe So-kyu. They swam toward ikebana arrangements mimicking waterfalls and rapids, with dynamic movement and water effects.

<2. The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (Juppe Room)>

The world of “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter” unfolded in the Juppe Room, with a setting that featured a full moon, and a glowing bamboo forest made of translucent washi paper.

The breathtaking beauty that greeted you the moment you step inside instantly transported you into a fairy tale world. This area was also a popular photo spot, inspiring endless creative ideas, such as posing with your silhouette against the full moon, or pretending to hold the moon in your hands.

<3. Fairy Tales Transcribed on Scrolls / The Entrance to Fairy Tales (Entrance Hall ~ Promenade)>

In 1935, scrolls were discovered in the detached annex of the inn “Garou,” opened in Showa 10 (1935). These scrolls detailed mysterious stories that occurred in the walls of the inn’s predecessor, the Edo-era inn “Miyako.” These stories inspired the theme of the exhibition, “Enchanting Fairy Tales.”

The combination of the history of this cultural heritage building, and the fictional story of the inn stimulated your imagination, leaving you curious about what stories lay ahead.

There were plenty of other exhibits too!

In addition to the main exhibits, the exhibition also featured works from 41 artists, ranging from dynamic, photo-worthy displays to art pieces that you can spend time appreciating in-depth. Visitors have commented on the deep immersion they felt by engaging with the themes and emotions the artists have infused in their works.

<The Legend of Kuzunoha ~ The Birth of Abe no Seimei ~ (Gyosho Room)>

Famous kabuki scenes were recreated with stage props and costumes, perfectly complementing the Heian-style carvings on the transoms.

<Fairy Tale Creatures (Seisui Room)>

Lively creatures were depicted via a variety of techniques, and you could almost hear the playful sounds of their music.

<Stories of Good and Evil ~ What is Truly Terrifying? ~ (Seiko Room)>

What could be defined as true evil, and where was the boundary between good and evil? It felt like voices from the underworld were calling out to you.

<The Forbidden Flower Garden ~ The Tale of the Nightingale and the Wealthy Man ~ (Seikata Room)>

A collection of beautiful things that you would want to see, despite being told not to. 

<The Feather Robe of the Celestial Maiden ~ The Final Chapter ~ (Top Room)>

An ethereal blue-gray light represented the mysterious plants growing to greet the celestial maiden.

For over 90 years, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, a unique museum hotel adorned with 2,500 pieces of Japanese paintings and craftwork, has continued the tradition of immersive exhibitions.

This art experience made you feel as if you stepped into an ancient tale, offering an entertainment experience with maximum immersion.