Nijo Castle in Kyoto lights up with digital art for a special summer night event
Summer in Japan can be swelteringly hot and humid, which is why it's always a good idea to head out in the late afternoon or evening instead. And come July, you'll have a good reason to.
Naked, one of Japan's renowned digital art outfits, is once again transforming Kyoto's iconic World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle, into a magical nighttime attraction. This year's theme puts a contemporary spin on the classic Japanese tradition of noryo, the art of enjoying the evening cool.
Usually closed after dark, the castle grounds will be opened at night especially for this limited-time event, running from July 25 to August 24. Here's what you can expect at the Naked meets Nijo-jo Castle 2025: A Summer Flow of Light event.
Relax at a summer festival-inspired space
This year, Naked is introducing a new section called 'Kawato no Niwa', located near the Karamon Gate and the Ninomaru Palace drop-off area. Here you'll find light displays inspired by traditional riverside dining and night-blooming flowers, along with food stalls serving shaved ice and sake.
You can also partake in classic summer activities such as a bow-and-arrow shooting game, or set off bamboo-leaf boats on the water to trigger special digital effects.
Enjoy the vibrant illuminations and digital art displays
To set the scene at the entrance, the Higashi Otemon Gate will be illuminated for the evening, complete with handmade Kojima lanterns. Naked's signature handheld lanterns will also return (additional fees required), along with a workshop where you can colour in fireworks illustrations and turn them into glowing lantern art.
In the Seiryu-en Garden, lighting effects inspired by fireflies will illuminate the greenery, while the 75-metre inner moat will be adorned with projected visuals and sound effects depicting classic summer imagery, including fireworks. The Ninomaru Palace and its courtyard garden will also be lit up as part of the installation.
General tickets are priced at ¥1,400 for Monday through Thursday, and ¥1,800 for Fridays, weekends and holidays. Early-bird tickets will be available from July 1 to July 24, offering up to ¥400 off.
For more details on 'Naked meets Nijo-jo Castle 2025: A Summer Flow of Light', and to book tickets, visit the event website.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'I tried a Too Good To Go bag from Harrods and contents left me flabbergasted'
Too Good To Go has proven a popular way to reduce food waste, but you can never be sure of what you're going to get. However, one woman insists the Harrods Too Good To Go is totally worth it The idea of shopping often in a premium store like Harrods is unrealistic for most of us, but one woman insists that you can get hands on the dreamy food items for significantly less money, thanks to her trick. Instead of paying full price, she gets heavily discounted, good quality food that would otherwise end up going to waste. She recently ordered two bags of goodies on Too Good To Go and people are only just realising that Harrods is on the app. People love getting a good deal. And as a result of this, Too Good To Go bags have become popular in recent years. The only catch? Users are not told what items they will receive inside the bundles. But young woman, Roshini, insists it is worth taking the risk when it comes to Harrods Too Good To Go bags. She warns that you have to be quick if you want to get your hands on one, but she pays £8 for a goody bag with items worth up to £26 inside. After trying the method for the first time early this month, she went back on the app again on Monday this week and managed to get hold of two Harrods goody bags. She paid £8 for a sandwich/salad bag worth £26, and £8 for a bakery bag worth £25.75. Taking to her TikTok page @therealroshini recently to share her experience, Roshini said: "It was on the app for one minute before it got sold out! Definitely worth it! Everything tastes so good." What did Roshini get in her bags? After opening her bakery bag, Roshini was delighted to find two red velvet slice cakes inside. The freshly made treats are worth £5.50 each. She rated the cake slices as 10/10. She also managed to get her hands on a pistachio slice cake, also worth £5.50, and given a 10/10 rating by Roshini. She described the cake as "soft and creamy". She was impressed after getting a whole loaf of "fluffy" Japanese milk bread, worth £6.50 in Harrods. She offered this treat a 8/10 rating. She also got a Nocellara olive stick, worth £2.75, and said this also deserves an 8/10 and "smells divine". In her sandwich and salad bag, Roshini got a teriyaki salmon salad box, worth £9. She also got a chicken caesar pasta salad box, also worth £9. Plus, she got a free rang ham, mustard and Godminster cheddar sandwich, which is worth £8 in store - and managed to bag this large sandwich plus two extra meals for the same price. People rushed to comment on Roshini's video. One said: "So good. I didn't know you could get them from Harrods." While another exclaimed:"Looks good." A third told her: "Wow, so jealous girl!" In a previous video, when Roshi first tried a Harrods Too Good To Go bag earlier this month, she managed to get hands on a funfetti vanilla cake slice and a chocolate fudge cake slice, both worth £5.50 each. She also got a Japanese milk bread loaf, worth £6.50, as well as a loaf of brioche – which was also originally priced at £6.50. She paid just £8 for this bag too, and the products would have cost her £24 in total if she bought them in store. "Ohhh those are great deals at Harrods," commented one. Another insisted: "Best Too Good To Go bag I've seen." A third chimed in: "Nothing better than sweet treats saved from going to waste!" Someone else also shared their experience and wrote: "Well done for what you got. I've done this a couple of times now... all I get are sourdough breads and flat to write home about."
Time Out
4 hours ago
- Time Out
Digital nomad visas: countries in Asia where you can live and work remotely
If you've always been enthralled by all things Japanese, then its digital nomad visa could be your ticket to living the dream. Introduced in April 2024, this visa is open to citizens of countries with tax treaties and visa waivers with Japan – think the United States, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and many in the European Union. Check out if your country is eligible here. Which city should you gun for? Obvious choices would be Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka, but don't rule out quieter (and more affordable) cities like Hiroshima, Sendai, or Onomichi. How old must I be? At least 18 years old. What is the minimum income requirement? You need an annual income of at least 10 million Japanese yen (approximately US$70,000).
Time Out
6 hours ago
- Time Out
New hotels to check out in Singapore in 2025
Orchard Road's newest hotel, The Standard, Singapore, brings a touch of Hollywood glam to Singapore's shopping district. Despite a modest footprint and no gym or spa, this stylish property surprises with its quirky mid-century modern interiors. Rooms are compact but comfortable, featuring smart TVs, Nespresso machines and retro-themed bathrooms. Dining highlights include Kaya, a Japanese izakaya serving Japanese dishes with a modern twist, and Café Standard, known for its stacked burgers and sizeable drink menu. The pool offers a relaxing spot, and you can also sign up for a free yoga session happening every alternate Friday morning.
