What is NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS Higashi Honganji Temple & Shosei-en Garden?
NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS Higashi Honganji Temple & Shosei-en Garden is a nighttime light art event created by the creative company NAKED. The event takes place at Higashi Honganji Temple, located about a 7-minute walk from Kyoto Station, and its detached garden, Shosei-en Garden (Kikoku-tei), a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty. With the theme of 'stroll, taste, and linger,' the event connects the temple's Goei-do Hall, Omote-mon Gate, and the garden's ponds, bridges, and teahouses into a nighttime walking trail. This allows visitors to experience the Kyoto night in a way different from the daytime, amidst illuminated temple buildings and gardens across five scenic spots.
What can you see at NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS Higashi Honganji Temple & Shosei-en Garden?
At Higashi Honganji Temple, the first thing that catches your eye is the illuminated flowing water at the chozuya (water pavilion), followed by layers of small lights in front of the Goei-do Hall that form a giant lotus pattern in the darkness. The space between the Goei-do Hall and Amida-do Hall is connected by light and fog that shift slowly as you walk. Follow the lanterns along the Omote-mon Gate path to Shosei-en Garden, where you can pick up a welcome drink (included in some packages) before entering the garden. A giant moon reflection appears on Wolji Pond, with autumn scenery reflected on the water's surface. From the Shinsetsu-kyo Bridge and Tanpu-kei Valley area, you can see the garden, the Kyoto cityscape, and lotus-shaped lights on the water simultaneously (autumn foliage depends on the season and current conditions). Finally, listen to the gentle sound of water at the Rinchi-tei Teahouse and quietly admire the reflection of the pavilion in the water. A dining area is available in the guest hall, where you can enjoy Kyoto-style home-cooked dishes (requires separate payment).
Which ticket package should I choose for NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS Higashi Honganji Temple & Shosei-en Garden?
Tickets are divided into Monday-Thursday packages and Friday-Sunday/Japanese National Holiday packages based on the date of your visit. The content is the same for both, so simply choose the package that matches the day of your visit. The early bird ticket is a pre-purchase option with the same content and must be purchased by October 30, 2026. November 6th to 8th and November 25th, 2026, are special dates; only Shosei-en Garden is open on these days, and the Higashi Honganji Temple area is closed. You must purchase the special date package to enter. For visitors who want to enjoy the night view from above, you can choose a bundle package that includes an admission ticket to the Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck. The observation deck is about a 2-minute walk from Kyoto Station, but it does not feature the NAKED light show, and the bundle package does not include a welcome drink.