Kyoto is more than just temples. It may come as a surprise that Japan’s ancient capital is also home to the country’s oldest public botanical garden. Fresh off its 100th anniversary last year, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is now opening its doors after dark for a one-of-a-kind multimedia experience.
When Light Cycles Kyoto debuted last year, it was a hit despite being held for just two months. Building on that success, the night event is now operating year-round, running until March 31 2026. The best part? The entire event takes place inside the botanical garden’s covered conservatory, making it enjoyable regardless of the weather.
Produced by the Montreal-based multimedia studio Moment Factory, Light Cycles Kyoto is an immersive sensory experience that uses light and sound not only to reveal the relationships plants have with nature, but also to create a new way for us to appreciate them.
The experience is designed as a journey through four zones. You start with ‘Light Will Find You’, inspired by komorebi, that peaceful, magical moment when sunlight filters through tree canopies. Here, the same phenomenon is recreated using artificial light to cast dappled patterns that break up the darkness of night.
The second zone, ‘Memory of Water’, pays tribute to the vital element. Moment Factory uses light waves and the sounds of thunder and rain to emphasise the importance of water to nature and life. ‘Invisible’, the third zone, is playful, as it involves light frequencies that create patterns and rhythms. The last zone, ‘Forest Frequencies’, highlights nature’s orchestra, where a symphony of natural sounds evokes calm and harmony.
Complementing the experience is a gift shop offering items inspired by ‘plants’ and ‘light’, including exclusive goods celebrating the garden’s history and biodiversity. There is also a food and drink area showcasing vendors from the local neighbourhood.
Light Cycles Kyoto is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 7pm to 9.30 pm (last entry 8.30 pm) until August, and from 6pm to 9.30pm (last entry 8.30pm) from September through March. Tickets are ¥2,500 for adults and ¥1,200 for elementary and middle school children. Purchase your tickets online in advance for a ¥100–¥200 discount.
For more information, check the event website.
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