Venue: Nijo Castle

When: Jul 25th - Aug 24th 2025

This summer, Kyoto’s Nijo Castle will be transformed into a multisensory nighttime art experience with “NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2025: A Summer Flow of Light.” From July 25th until August 24th, the historic grounds will come alive with immersive installations inspired by Japan’s traditional nouryo culture, which focuses on an appreciation for “coolness” during the hot summer months.

Produced by renowned creative company NAKED, INC., the event invites visitors to explore a dreamlike version of Kyoto’s summer nights. Highlights include interactive lantern art, glowing bamboo boats, riverside seating, and food stalls offering shaved ice and sake. The newly unveiled “Kawato no NIWA” area will feature nostalgic elements that blend Edo-period aesthetics with modern art, while projections and illuminations bring the Ninomaru Garden and Palace to life.

Each area tells a seasonal story through light and sound. Visitors can walk through the Firefly Path in Seiryuen, experience the romantic glow of Twilight Bloom by the moat, and admire the ethereal Glow Reverie at the National Treasure Ninomaru Palace.

Additionally, in a special collaboration with the Kyoto Kimono Passport initiative, visitors wearing yukata or kimono can enjoy free rental of a NAKED Distance Lantern® to enhance the ambience of their evening stroll.

The event runs nightly from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (last entry at 9:20 p.m.), rain or shine. Discounted advance tickets go on sale starting July 1 via ticketing agencies. Regular tickets range from 1,800 JPY to 2,200 JPY for adults, with discounts for children and people with disabilities.

For full details, visit the official website or follow updates on X (formerly Twitter).

Getting there

Nijo Castle is located a short walk from Nijojo-mae Station, which is served by the Tozai Subway Line.

Paid on-site parking is available (details can be found here), but utilizing public transport where possible is advised.

More info

Find out more about Nijo Castle.

Notice

Structural reinforcement and restoration will be carried out on all historic structures within Nijo-jo Castle. The various renovations are planned as follows: Honmaru-goten Palace (2017-2023), Tamarigura (2024-2027), Ninomaru-goten Palace (2024-2036), and Tonan Sumi-yagura (2028-2036). Read more.

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