#Japan #Kyoto #NAKED #Nijo Castle #Kyoto Culture

Get ready for the upcoming event 'NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2025 – Moon Viewing,' which will take place at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Nijo Castle in Kyoto from October 31 to December 7, 2025. This event is not just a feast for the eyes but also an intricate introduction to the rich traditions and artistry of Kyoto, emphasizing local collaboration.

The innovative team at NAKED, INC. is spearheading this event. They aim to weave together the essence of Kyoto's heritage with contemporary artistic expression. Attendees can expect an immersive experience that highlights the connections between the people of Kyoto and their cultural history. Throughout the event, visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of activities that celebrate the heritage of the region.

A Fusion of Youthful Creativity and Heian Elegance

One of the most alluring segments of the event is the 'Waka Interactive,' designed in collaboration with students from the Sagano High School’s Kyoto and Heian Culture Lab. The students have carefully chosen 26 classical poetry pieces centered around themes of 'moon' and 'autumn.' This selection predominantly features works associated with Emperor Kōkaku and is expertly curated by Junko Yamamoto, a respected literary scholar from the Kyoto University of Advanced Science. Attendees will find themselves engulfed in an environment rich with light and sound, offering a chance to relish the soothing vibes of Heian-era poetry resonating with modern artistic creations.

Indulging in the Moonlight with 'Kangetsu Tea' Experience

Adding to the sensory delight, NAKED has partnered with the historic tea shop Fukujyu-en, which has been in operation for over two centuries. They will introduce the 'Kangetsu Tea' experience, an innovative twist on the traditional moon-viewing rituals. Participants can select their preferred scent based on the lunar phases—new moon, half moon, or full moon. Each scent corresponds with specially crafted tea blends that incorporate dried fruits and spices, allowing attendees to craft their own 'moon tea.' This experience aims to forge a connection between the tea culture of Kyoto and the mystical ambiance of moonlit evenings, creating a memorable backdrop for enjoying the flavors and fragrances of the season.

An Evening of Kyoto's Flavors with Local Collaborations

Moreover, within the castle grounds, the Kyoto Product Exhibition Association will present an array of local delicacies, allowing attendees to explore the diverse flavors of Kyoto. The exhibition will feature exclusive menus designed to complement the Kangetsu Tea, alongside a collaboration with the Storied Museum, enhancing visitor engagement during the moonlit evenings. Visual elements, such as projections of the moon and autumn foliage, will create a visually stunning atmosphere, fusing culinary delights with captivating light displays.

Featured Installations: A Feast for the Senses

Among the special installations at the event will be:

• - Important Cultural Property Karamon Gate: Invitation to Moon Viewing – An immersive visual experience that serves as a gateway to the moon viewing festivities.
• - National Treasure Ninomaru Palace Meakizuki's path – A space bathed in moonlight that offers attendees a uniquely special moment reflective of the charm of autumn.
• - National Treasure Ninomaru Palace Main Hall: Scene of Moonlight Waiting – A re-enactment of Edo-era moon viewing celebrations captured through elaborate visual media.
• - Special Scenic Ninomaru Garden Light-Up – An enchanting showcase linking moonlight with the soft sounds of water and the chirping of autumn insects.

Additional installations will enhance the experience: the Shinryuen Garden, where fragrances of autumn resonate, and Mizukagami's Jusan-yayku, offering an interactive poetry session where visitors can inscribe their thoughts and watch them morph into Waka poetry.

Combined with a projection of Noh theatre performances, this event will present diverse artistic experiences centered around the theme of the moon. All while visitors are invited to experience the myriad emotions that a night of moon viewing evokes.

Event Details

Event Name: NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2025: Moon Viewing
Venue: Nijo Castle, Kyoto (541 Nijojo-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto)
Event Dates: October 31 - December 7, 2025 (Open daily)
Event Hours: 18:00 - 22:00 (Last admission at 21:00; Main Palace area closes by 21:15)
Ticket Pricing (Including Tax):

• - Early-Bird Tickets:

- Monday to Thursday: Adults 1,600 yen, Children 1,000 yen;
- Friday to Sunday: Adults 2,000 yen, Children 1,400 yen;

• - Regular Tickets:

- Monday to Thursday: Adults 2,000 yen, Children 1,200 yen;
- Friday to Sunday: Adults 2,400 yen, Children 1,600 yen.

This enchanting event heavily promotes Kyoto's landscape of tradition, culture, and innovation, all intertwined under the serene glow of moonlight. For more information, please visit the official website at NAKED meets Nijo Castle and immerse yourself in a world where history bridges creation and community.