Kyoto Botanical Gardens 100th Anniversary
Good for all ages
Average experience duration: up to 45 min
4 thematic zones

Organized by : Kyoto Prefecture/Kyoto Botanical Gardens Art Night Walk Executive Committee

Co-organized by
With the support of
With the cooperation of

Honoring a century of nature’s beauty through light and music

Discover the hidden life of plants as they illuminate the Kyoto night. At the century-old Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Japan's oldest public plant sanctuary, cutting-edge light, sound, and projections reveal nature's secrets. Step into the Conservatory, a lush sanctuary where melodies float through the air and vibrant plant life glows with energy. Four unique installations invite you to connect with plants in ways you never imagined. Tune your senses to the subtle rhythms and whispers of botanical life, experiencing their unseen communications. This is an invitation to activate your senses and discover the universal voice of nature like never before. Get ready to see, hear, and explore the botanical diversity on display.

Event period

Friday, October 18 -
Thursday, December 26, 2024

Closed on Mondays　　
Open Monday, December 23

Opening hours
18:00 to 21:30
(Last admission 20:30)
Location
Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Shimogamo-Hangicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
Access

By Train or Bus

For Kitayama Gate: Take Kyoto City Subway to "Kitayama Station", Exit 3 (right outside) For Main Gate: From "Kitaoji Station", Exit 3, walk east for about 10 minutes From Keihan "Demachiyanagi Station": Take City Bus Route 1 or Kyoto Bus bound for "Shizuhara" or "Ichihara". Get off at "Shokubutsuen-mae" stop, then walk about 5 minutes

By Bicycle or Motorcycle

Parking available at Main Gate, Kitayama Gate, and Kamogawa Gate No motorcycle parking at Hokusen Gate. As parking is very limited, we strongly recommend using public transportation. Parking fees are 1,000 yen for standard-sized cars and 3,000 yen for tourist buses. We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, theft, or other incidents that may occur in the parking area.

Adults: High school and above
Advance¥2,000
Same-day¥2,500

Student discount: ¥1,500 admission with student ID for same-day tickets after 19:00 on weekdays only.

Children: Elementary and junior high school

※Free for preschool children

Advance¥1,000
Same-day¥1,200
Reduced Rate for People with Disabilities
Advance¥1,000
Same-day¥1,200

Persons with disability certificates and up to one accompanying person are eligible for a discount. Each person must have their own ticket to enter. Disability certificates will be checked at the entrance gate, so please enter together. If a child has a disability certificate, up to one accompanying person can purchase a disability discount ticket.

Important Information

  • - Tickets are date and time-specific. Same-day tickets may not be available depending on advance ticket sales.
  • - Advance tickets purchased through the official ticket site (Webket) can be rescheduled up to 3 times, subject to availability on the desired date/time. Same-day rescheduling is not permitted. Rescheduling is not possible after the original entry time has passed.
  • - Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be canceled. Check with your ticket provider for details.
  • - Reselling tickets for profit is prohibited.
  • - You may need to wait until your designated entry time to enter.
  • - Entry may be refused outside of your scheduled time slot.
  • - The experience typically lasts up to 45 minutes. It is designed for unhurried enjoyment. Take your time to absorb the sights and sounds. The longer you linger, the more details you'll discover. No strict time limit applies.
  • - Walking time to greenhouse (main venue): 10 min from Kitayama Gate, 3 min from Main Gate. Outdoor waiting may be required during peak hours. Dress for weather and allow extra time.
  • - Do not enter restricted areas.
  • - Re-entry is not permitted. No refunds after entry.
  • - The greenhouse features flashing lights and loud sound effects.
  • - Please refrain from wearing items that may disturb other visitors' experience.
  • - Event may be canceled or suspended due to weather warnings (typhoon, strong winds, heavy rain, thunder) or earthquake evacuation orders. Updates will be posted on our official X account. No refunds for weather-related cancellations, but tickets can be used on another date.
  • - Media coverage and filming may occur on-site. Please notify staff if you don't wish to be photographed.
  • - Regular Botanical Gardens tickets are not valid for this event. Garden closes at 17:00 - all visitors must exit (including parking lot).
  • We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, theft, or other incidents that may occur in the parking area.

BUY TICKETS

LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO is a tribute to nature and an exploration of our relationship with it. This immersive entertainment experience, created by the acclaimed multimedia studio Moment Factory, reveals the hidden world of plants and showcases their charm in entirely new ways. Set in Kyoto Botanical Gardens, which celebrate their 100th anniversary, the event brings plant voices to life through light and sound. It offers a unique chance to nurture a deeper connection with nature for generations to come.

京都府立植物園100

Established in 1924 as Japan's oldest public botanical garden, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Located in the heart of Kyoto, a world-renowned tourist destination, it is one of Japan's leading botanical gardens, cultivating 12,000 species and approximately 120,000 plants. As it looks towards its next century, the garden aims to contribute to global biodiversity conservation from Kyoto. It preserves and displays plants, offering a peaceful retreat for locals while promoting education and botanical research through plant appreciation.

MOMENT FACTORY

Moment Factory is a multimedia studio with a full range of production expertise. Our team combines specializations in video, lighting, architecture, sound and special effects to create remarkable experiences. Headquartered in Montreal, the studio has other addresses in Tokyo, Paris, New York City and Singapore. Since its inception in 2001, Moment Factory has created more than 550 unique projects worldwide, including the Lumina Night Walk series. Productions span the globe and include such clients as Changi Airport, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Disney, Arcade Fire, Microsoft, Sony, Boston Museum of Science, Madonna, Cipriani, Universal Studios, the Toronto Zoo and the Reims Cathedral.

Moment Factory Showreel
THE EXPERIENCE
map

Your journey will take you through four multimedia installations. Designed to connect you with nature, we invite you to take your time and enjoy a series of sensory moments. Welcome to LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO.

LIGHT WILL FIND YOU

Will you find the light, or let it find you? Step into a lush haven where rays of light weave through the canopy, guiding your way. Inspired by the concept of komorebi, this shifting scenery produces a stunning display of light within darkness.

MEMORY OF WATER

Feel the vitality of water as sights and sounds flow together. Under light waves, the echoes of rain and thunder blend, plunging you into a vital stream.

INVISIBLE

Tune into your nocturnal instinct and witness an expression of invisible light frequencies. Unseen patterns and hidden rhythms emerge mysteriously just above the sands.

FOREST FREQUENCIES

Experience a symphony where nature is the orchestra. Time stands still as vibrant hues and pulsating sound waves amplify the space, bringing a sense of vital harmony.
FOOD AREA

Throughout the LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO event period, we are pleased to present a dedicated food area featuring select vendors from the Kitaoji and Kitayama shopping districts. Please refer to the PDF below for vendor schedules and offerings.

Food Vendor Directory (PDF)

FAQ
Experience
Q: What can I expect of the experience? A: LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO is a series of four immersive multimedia installations, each inviting you to connect with the Kyoto Botanical Garden through light and music. For 100 years, this garden has celebrated the unique qualities of plants from across the globe. In this experience, each luminous zone celebrates a unique feature of the natural world. Q: Does the experience take place in an indoor or outdoor venue? A: The event takes place at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, with the main venue being the Conservatory. During opening hours, you can enter through either the main gate or the Kitayama gate. While the experience itself is held inside the Conservatory, please note that the box office and onboarding area are located outdoors. Q: When is it open? Are there any closed days? A: The event runs from October 18 (Fri) to December 26 (Thu), 2024. Closed Mondays for maintenance (except Dec 23). Open 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM, last entry at 8:30 PM. Timed entry in 30-minute slots. Q: How long does the experience take? How much walking is involved? A: The path through the Conservatory is 413 meters long. The experience typically takes up to 45 minutes, but there's no time limit. Q: Is there a smoking area? A: The entire Botanical Gardens premises is non-smoking. Q: Can I take photos or record the experience? A: Feel free to take photos and share them using the hashtag #lightcycleskyoto. Please be considerate of other guests when taking pictures. The following are prohibited: - Use of drones, monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, or other photography aids - Flash photography - Commercial photography or reporting without prior permission - Any other actions that may disturb other guests
Access and accessibility
Q: How do I get to the venue? Is there parking available? A: Please check the access information on our website. As parking is very limited, we recommend using public transportation. Parking fees are 1,000 yen for standard-sized cars and 3,000 yen for tourist buses. Q: Do I need to arrive at my booked time? What if I'm late? A: Please enter at the date and time printed on your ticket. If you're late, consult the staff at the entrance gate. We can only accommodate you in a later time slot if space is available. Please be aware that you may need to wait depending on how busy we are. Q: Is the venue wheelchair accessible? A: Yes, strollers, wheelchairs, electric scooters, and other mobility aids are allowed. Q: Are there chairs available? Can I be seated during the experience? A: Benches will be available in certain areas of the experience. Q: Are there toilets inside the venue? A: Yes, there are toilets available along the route, including accessible toilets. Q: Do you offer coat/bag check service? A: There's no cloakroom or baggage storage service. Coin lockers (small: 100 yen, large: 200 yen) are available at both the main gate and Kitayama gate. However, many may be out of order or full. As they're limited in number, please use them early if needed. Please avoid bringing large items that might interfere with the experience. Q: Can I bring animals? A: No animals are allowed except for service dogs (guide dogs, hearing dogs, and assistance dogs). Please note that the volume and visual effects may be uncomfortable for dogs. Q: Is there an age restriction? A: Families and children are welcome! Children under school age can enter for free. School-age children and above need tickets.
Venue
Q: What are the rules inside the venue? A: - No re-entry is allowed - No eating, drinking, or smoking inside the venue - Do not remove anything from the Botanical Gardens (including fallen leaves, acorns, insects, etc.) - Do not enter fenced areas or planted areas, or damage plants - No alcohol, sports equipment, toys, or pets allowed - No dangerous items (scissors, knives, etc.) or items that may disturb other guests - No running inside the conservatory - Intoxicated guests will be refused entry - Guests who severely disrupt public order or disturb others may be asked to leave - Children under 13 must be supervised by an adult at all times - Please follow staff and security instructions - We are not responsible for disputes, accidents, or theft between guests - Please take your trash with you Q: I've lost something. What should I do? A: Lost items will be kept at the venue on the day they're found. After that, they'll be taken to the nearest Shimogamo Police Station.
Tickets and admission
Q: Are tickets available on the day? A: If not sold out, you can buy tickets on our official website on the day of the event. They're also available at the venue, but may sell out. If you're planning to buy on the day, please check the entry time carefully before booking. Q: Do I need to print my ticket? A: If you have a smartphone, you can simply show the QR code on the screen. If you don't have a smartphone, please bring a printed copy of the ticket/QR code. If you have a paper ticket, please remember to bring it with you. Q: Can I change the date/time? What about refunds for cancellations? A: For tickets purchased through our official website, you can change the date/time up to 3 times. No refunds are available for cancellations. Q: When can I enter? A: Please enter during your reserved time slot. For example, if you have a ticket for 18:00-18:30, please enter between those times. Have your ticket ready for checking at entry. You may need to wait depending on how busy it is inside. Q: I should be able to change my ticket date/time 3 times, but I can't. Why? A: You can't change your entry date/time in these cases: - If you've already changed 3 times - If you're trying to change to a different ticket type - If the new date is sold out or has insufficient tickets - If you're trying to change only some tickets from a multiple ticket purchase - If you're trying to change multiple tickets to different dates - If you didn't buy your ticket through the official ticket site
CONTACT

For inquiries about this event, please first check the FAQ on this page. If your question is not resolved, please contact us using the information below.

LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO Operations Office

075-284-0161

contact@lightcycles-kyoto.com

Weekdays 9:30-17:30

Emergency night-time phone number:
090-5679-6372
Available hours:
17:00 to 21:30 on event days

※For non-emergencies, please use the landline number provided above ※No prior notification required for late arrival. Please inform gate staff upon arrival. (Last entry: 8:30 PM)

TICKETS