Let’s enjoy an autumn night in Kyoto! “NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS: Higashi Hongan-ji Temple and Shosei-en Garden”

When it comes to popular autumn tourist destinations in Japan, Kyoto is the first place that comes to mind. It’s a popular season for enjoying the beautiful interplay between temples, shrines, and autumn foliage.
In this article, we’ll introduce “NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS: Higashi Hongan-ji and Shosei-en,” a nighttime event that lets you enjoy Kyoto’s fall sights well into the evening. Be sure to check out this new tourist attraction where you can immerse yourself in a fantastical world.

NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS: Higashi Hongan-ji Temple and Shosei-en Garden

The fall nighttime event “NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS Higashi Hongan-ji & Shosei-en” will be held from Saturday, October 31, 2026, through Sunday, December 6, 2026, at Higashi Hongan-ji (head temple of the Shinshu Otani-ha branch of Jodo Shinshu) and Shosei-en (Kikoku-tei) in Kyoto. The event is organized by the Japanese creative company NAKED, Inc. The company has produced a variety of events that make full use of projection mapping and 3D digital art, such as the World Heritage art experience “NAKED meets Nijo Castle” and the interactive art exhibition “NAKED meets Gaudí.”
Taking advantage of its location within walking distance of Kyoto Station, this upcoming night event is drawing attention as a new nighttime sightseeing experience in Kyoto—one that visitors can easily drop by after sightseeing or before or after a meal.

Shosei-en, built as an enclave within the grounds of Higashi Hongan-ji, is a Japanese garden that has served not only as a retirement residence for successive heads of the temple but also as a venue for entertaining distinguished guests. After touring the grounds of Higashi Hongan-ji, head to Shosei-en. Stroll through the garden on an autumn evening while savoring drinks paired to complement each scenic view. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available. With a drink of your choice in hand, you can leisurely enjoy the scenery and atmosphere of the garden at night.

Featured Site: Higashi Hongan-ji, head temple Area

Mikage-do: LIGHT IN BLOOM

Rows upon rows of small lights come together to create the sight of a giant lotus blossom blooming in the darkness. Please enjoy the night view unique to Higashi Hongan-ji within the temple grounds, which take on a serene atmosphere quite different from that of the daytime.

[EX Travel Destination Reservation-Exclusive] From the Upper floor of the Mieido Gate: CELESTIAL GAZE

From the upper floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Amida Hall and the Mieido Hall, as well as the night view of Kyoto stretching out beyond them. The view of the halls—which you wouldn’t normally be able to see—and the figures of celestial maidens dancing across the ceiling add a unique touch to the evening that is exclusive to this location.
Admission to this area is limited to holders of EX Travel Destination Reservation tickets only.

Featured Attraction: Shosei-en Area

Ingetsu-chi Pond: FIRST SCENE | GARDEN OF THE MOON

A large moon rises over Ingetsu-chi Pond, and the autumn scenery is reflected one after another on the water’s surface. As you gaze at the ever-changing scenery, You can enjoy a peaceful evening unique to Shosei-en.

Shinsetsu-kyo Bridge, Tanpukei: FOURTH SCENE | LIGHT ACROSS TIME

The Shinsetsu-kyo Bridge and autumn foliage, with the cityscape of Kyoto spreading out beyond. You can take in a panoramic view of both the historic garden and modern Kyoto. The lights of the water lilies floating on the water’s surface gently connect these two scenes.

Rinchitei Reception Hall: FIFTH SCENE | SONG OF THE STREAM

The reflection of Rinchitei on the water’s surface and the gentle murmur of the stream. As you listen intently and slowly take in the scenery, you can experience the tranquility and comfort inherent in the garden during this evening moment.

Value Pack Tickets

NIWA Ticket Package

NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS: This set ticket includes admission to Higashi Hongan-ji Temple and Shosei-en Garden, as well as matcha tea and two types of ohagi at “NIWA” in the Kyoto Station Building.
Price: 2,900 yen (adults only)
*The two types of ohagi will be provided at random from the following flavors: sweet red bean paste, kinako, and matcha.

[EX Exclusive] Ticket Including Special Access to the Upper floor of the Mieido Gate: EX-Exclusive Upper floor Special Access Plan

[Mon–Thu] Middle school students and older: 2,300 yen; Elementary school students: 1,700 yen
[Fri, Sat, Sun, and holidays] Middle school students and older: 2,500 yen; Elementary school students: 1,900 yen

Kyoto Tower Ticket Set

NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS: This is a combo ticket that includes admission to Higashi Hongan-ji Temple and Shosei-en Garden, as well as admission to the Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck.
Price: 2,800 yen (adults only)

Let’s enjoy a fall night in Kyoto

“NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS: Higashi Hongan-ji & Shosei-en,” presented by NAKED, offers a new kind of art tourism experience. Conveniently located within walking distance of Kyoto Station, this event lets you fully enjoy Kyoto by night. While the daytime collaboration between temples, shrines, and autumn foliage is a must-see, the nighttime foliage—enhanced by art and technology—offers a completely different atmosphere.

If you want to enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto well into the evening, be sure to check out the night event at Higashi Hongan-ji and Shosei-en.

Official Website URL: https://event.naked.works/higashihonganji/autumn/en/

Event Overview

Event Name: NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS at Higashi Hongan-ji and Shosei-en
Venue: Higashi Hongan-ji (Otani School of Jodo Shinshu) and Shosei-en (Kikoku-tei)
Address: 600-8505 Kyoto City, Shimogyo Ward, Karasuma-dori, Shichijo-agaru
Dates: Saturday, October 31, 2026 – Sunday, December 6, 2026
*From November 6–8 and November 25, admission is limited to Shosei-en Garden only.
*Open daily during the event period (held rain or shine; may be canceled in case of severe weather)
*The program is subject to change without notice.

Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Higashi Hongan-ji: Last admission at 9:00 PM; viewing ends at 9:20 PM
Shosei-en: Viewing ends at 10:00 PM

Ticket Prices (tax included):
【Early Bird Tickets】
[Mon–Thu] Junior high school students and older: 1,900 yen; Elementary school students: 1,300 yen
[Fri, Sat, Sun, and holidays] Junior high school students and older: 2,100 yen; Elementary school students: 1,500 yen

【Regular Tickets】
[Mon–Thu] Junior high school students and older: 2,100 yen; Elementary school students: 1,500 yen
[Fri, Sat, Sun, and Holidays] Junior high school students and older: 2,300 yen; Elementary school students: 1,700 yen

【Early Bird Tickets for Specific Dates (*Valid only at Shosei-en Garden*)】 *November 6–8, 25
[Mon–Thu] Junior high school students and older: 1,400 yen; Elementary school students: 800 yen
[Fri, Sat, Sun, and Holidays] Junior high school students and older: 1,600 yen; Elementary school students: 1,200 yen

【Standard Tickets for Specific Dates (*Valid only at Shosei-en Garden)】 *November 6–8 and 25
[Mon–Thu] Junior high school students and older: 1,600 yen; Elementary school students: 1,000 yen
[Fri, Sat, Sun, and Holidays] Junior high school students and older: 1,800 yen; Elementary school students: 1,200 yen

【EX Travel Destination Reservation-Exclusive Tickets】
[Mon–Thu] Junior high school students and older: 1,600 yen; Elementary school students: 1,000 yen
[Fri, Sat, Sun, and holidays] Junior high school students and older: 1,800 yen; Elementary school students: 1,200 yen

【EX Travel Destination Reservation-Exclusive Tickets for Specific Dates (*Valid only at Shosei-en Garden)】 *November 6–8 and 25
[Mon–Thu] Junior high school students and older: 1,100 yen; Elementary school students: 500 yen
[Fri, Sat, Sun, and holidays] Junior high school students and older: 1,300 yen; Elementary school students: 700 yen

*Preschoolers are admitted free of charge.
*Early-bird tickets will be on sale from 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 1, through 11:59 PM on Friday, October 30.
*Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged, except in the event of a suspension or cancellation by the organizer.
*Admission may be restricted depending on crowd levels.
*Last admission for this event is at 9:00 PM. Depending on the length of the waiting line, ticket sales may close before 9:00 PM. Please note that even if you have a ticket, you will not be admitted in such cases.
*Please refrain from using monopods or tripods inside the venue.
*Pets are not allowed.
*There are additional paid attractions inside the venue.