A magical space of light and sound at night in Kyoto ～「LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO」 an immersive art experience at the botanical garden

▲Image source: Kyoto Botanical Gardens

　The 「Kyoto Botanical Gardens」, one of the largest in Japan, is hosting the fantastical, immersive art event 「LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO」 in its observation greenhouse, combining seasonal illuminations with music. The event runs until the end of March 2026. The evening event allows visitors to enjoy the nighttime views of plants, often only seen at night, along with a light and sound production. It's a recommended evening event to visit after a day of historical and cultural experiences or shopping in Kyoto.

　The event is based on the theme of 「illuminating nature throughout the seasons,」 and is divided into three viewpoints and four zones. Each zone displays different types of plants, making it well worth seeing.
■Three Viewpoints
　①Connect with Nature・・・In the botanical garden enveloped by light and sound at night, nature's form is revealed in a new way, allowing you to encounter beauty unlike anything you've seen before.
　②Discovering Nature in New Light・・・Cutting-edge lighting and gentle soundscapes bring out the hidden charm of nature within the viewing greenhouse.
　③Feeling Each Moment・・・Carefully woven light and sound visualize the 「voices」 of plants, delivering a special time to connect with nature through all five senses.

Now, let's peek into the four zones!
■ZONE１「LIGHT WILL　FIND YOU」：A single ray of light piercing the darkness

　A zone inspired by the ancient Japanese sensibility of 「komorebi.」 A single ray of light piercing the darkness gently guides visitors, while the ever-shifting light beckons them into a new world.

　This zone's unique feature is that it illuminates the nocturnal forms of plants—forms rarely seen otherwise—revealing a world where plants glow with vibrant life. Through this experience, you'll not only discover the allure of illuminated nighttime plants but also rediscover the charm of plants in daylight.

■ZONE２「MEMORY OF WATER」

　From the tiny droplets falling in the rainforest to the waves flowing into the vast ocean, the world of water is all interconnected. The flow of water, woven by light, invites you into this mysterious realm. Surrender to the rhythm of water and enjoy a peaceful moment to let your thoughts wander!

■ZONE3「INVISIBLE」

　As your senses become accustomed to the darkness, a mysterious sense will gradually awaken. When your eyes begin to follow the light, what kind of illusions and fantasies will emerge? Nocturnal animals may even make an appearance. Like them, try to walk around without missing the faint light that shines through the darkness.

　Additionally, while learning 「what kinds of plants are here」 is important at the botanical garden, the true appeal of this event lies in experiencing how plants resonate with light and sound, taking on a vibrant life force. Each zone features distinct presentations, allowing each plant to reveal a completely different character.

　This zone features a popular photo spot. Enjoy mystical effects: the rapidly shifting light patterns create a sensation of being underwater, while cacti illuminated by changing colors appear to come alive.

■ZONE4「FOREST FREUENCIES」 is an entertainment-filled space.

　Plants play their own unique "music" within the ecosystem, creating a vibrant harmony brimming with vitality. Within the long flow of time and countless cycles, a new “song” quietly woven over time softly resonates in this zone. Pause for a moment and listen to the secret rhythms inherent in nature!

　Taking advantage of the high dome-shaped ceiling, the lights move rhythmically up and down in sync with the music. It offers an immersive experience akin to watching an entertainment show, creating such an alluring space that you'll find yourself swaying as you walk.

■Plant displays extending beyond the viewing greenhouse, Autumn, a forest dyed in light

　Approximately 200 Japanese maples surrounding Nakaragi Forest and its surrounding ponds display vivid colors, creating a fantastical world with their “upside-down autumn leaves” reflected on the water's surface. At Nakaragi Shrine, which has thrived on this land for over a thousand years, an installation where prayer, light, and plants resonate together creates a mystical space through layers of light and sound. *Light-up event runs until December 27.

■Shopping at the special pop-up store is another pleasure.
The special shop within the botanical garden carries unique items that are only available here.
・Recommended Item: “Kakitsubata Ōmori Bunko Long-Sleeve T-Shirt”　4,950-yen （tax included）

This T-shirt features beautiful botanical illustrations, carefully selected from the Ōmori Bunko collection of approximately 3,000 valuable books on plants and gardening. The T-shirt is designed to be an art piece that you can carry with you in your daily life.It comes in four sizes, from S to XL, and is a simple white color.

■Message for Visitors to Japan

The Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden is Japan's oldest public botanical garden. It houses approximately 12,000 species and 120,000 plants.The sound and lighting effects were created by Moment Factory, a Canadian company renowned for its work at the Singapore Zoo and other venues. Through light and sound displays, visitors can observe the nocturnal behavior of plants up close—a phenomenon that is only visible at night.

Immerse yourself in Kyoto's history and nature by enjoying experiences that are unique to this area.

▲ Image source: Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden

▲ Image source: Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden

■ Facility Location

Sakyo Ward, Shimogamo Hanagi-cho, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

For more information, please see the address below.

　　　　　https://lightcycles-experience...