One of Kyoto’s most popular temples, Heian Shrine was established in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto’s founding as the capital of Japan. At that time, Kyoto was known as Heian, which is where the shrine got its name. This December, as part of its 130th anniversary celebration, the historical shrine is hosting a special light festival after dark.
One unique feature of Heian Shrine is its sprawling grounds, home to beautiful landscape gardens and a series of elegant buildings modelled after the former Imperial Palace from the Heian period, albeit on a smaller scale. For this special night opening, you can explore these heritage buildings and traditional gardens in a whole new light, as NAKED, one of Japan’s leading digital art experts, transforms them with mesmerising light art and illuminations.
NAKED Yorumairi: 130th Anniversary of Heian Shrine runs for roughly a month from December 19 to January 18, with a short break over the New Year holidays (December 31 to January 5). During this period, the shrine, which normally closes around sunset, will open from 5.30pm to 9.30pm for special nighttime visits celebrating this milestone.
The shrine’s iconic Otenmon Gate and the striking red Daigokuden Hall – both designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan – will be illuminated in vibrant colours. This event also marks the reopening of Daigokuden (from Tuesday December 23), which has been closed for 18 months for repainting and earthquake-proofing works. To celebrate, the hall will feature an interactive element activated via the Naked Distance Lantern (¥500 rental, but free until December 22), allowing you to engage with the site in an immersive way.
Elsewhere on the grounds, Nakashinen (Middle Garden) will glow with light and sound effects, especially around Garyu Bridge, where a ‘blue dragon’ appears to rise from the water. This is a nod to the bridge’s name, which means ‘Hidden Dragon Bridge’.
In Higashishinen (East Garden), the Heian Shrine Guest Hall, Shobikan, serves as the backdrop for a dynamic projection-mapping display. The nearby Taiheikaku, the Pavilion of Peace that’s topped with a graceful phoenix, will also be illuminated, creating a breathtaking scene with its reflection mirrored on the still pond.
Tickets for NAKED Yorumairi: 130th Anniversary of Heian Shrine are now available online. With multiple pricing tiers, it can be a little confusing, so we’ve summarised them for you below.
Early-bird prices until December 18
- Monday–Thursday: ¥1,600 for junior high school students and older including adults, ¥1,000 for elementary school students
- Fridays, weekends and holidays: ¥2,000 for junior high school students and older including adults, ¥1,400 for elementary school students
From December 19 onward
- Monday–Thursday: ¥2,000 for junior high school students and older including adults, ¥1,200 for elementary school students
- Fridays, weekends and holidays: ¥2,400 for junior high school students and older including adults, ¥1,600 for elementary school students
For more information, visit the event website.
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