NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO 2026: A Collaborative Vision for Kyoto's Future
In an exciting development for Kyoto's cultural landscape, NAKED, INC., led by Ryotaro Muramatsu, is launching the 'NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO 2026' project on March 3, 2026. This project represents a collaboration involving local authorities, including the Kyoto Prefectural Government and the cities of Kyoto, Uji, and Otsu in Shiga Prefecture, alongside various cultural establishments and guardians of Kyoto's traditions.
This initiative aims to address issues related to overtourism by developing nighttime content, thereby enhancing the city's appeal while solving pressing problems. As the fifth year of the project begins, exciting events are set to take place in key locations including Kyoto Station, Arashiyama, the World Heritage Site Daigo-ji Temple, and the Yamashina area.
Aiming for Sustainable Urban Life Through Collaboration
NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO adopts a garden metaphor to symbolize the fusion of individual participant creativity into a cohesive vision, fostering collaborative solutions to the challenges faced by the community. Starting from its inception in 2022, the project has dynamically adapted its focus to include initiatives driving tourism in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing advancements in technology such as the metaverse.
Looking ahead to the 2026 edition, the project aligns with Kyoto's New Urban Strategy, focusing on sustainability and enhancing the quality of urban life while promoting the inheritance and dissemination of local culture. By crafting opportunities for experiences rather than mere consumption, NAKED seeks to create well-being and value in every visit, emphasizing evening activities to encourage dispersion and exploration in harmony with the residents’ everyday life.
Spring: Manifesting Kyoto’s Urban Aspirations
This spring, the events characterized by the themes of 'open, perfect, and connect' will manifest throughout Kyoto, ensuring cultural experiences that resonate with the spirit of the location.
Kyoto Station's NIWA: Opening Doors to Cultural Experience
At the heart of Kyoto, the NIWA art terrace lounge at Kyoto Station will host regular workshops on making matcha and wagashi (Japanese sweets). These sessions will be easily accessible for both new arrivals and travelers in transit, providing immediate avenues to engage with Kyoto's rich cultural tapestry.
Daigo-ji Temple: Deepening Experience with Night Sakura
Aligned with the local revitalization initiative 'meetus Yamashina-Daigo,' the temporary event 'Let's Go to Kyoto! Presents NAKED meets Daigo-ji Temple - Daigo Hanami' will spotlight the grandeur of the World Heritage-listed Daigo-ji Temple. Here, visitors will indulge in an immersive artistic experience while marveling at nighttime cherry blossoms, enhancing appreciation for this historic site.
Arashiyama: Cultivating Regional Experiences
Addressing challenges posed by mass tourism, the 'meets Arashiyama' project aims to create a fluid event around the region, diversifying visitor paths and storytelling. This endeavor will cultivate a space where residents and visitors can intertwine, enriching shared narratives about the area.
Yamashina Waterway Park: Connecting Through Night Adventures
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Yamashina, the event 'NAKED Night Walk - Kyoto Yamashina' will facilitate nighttime art experiences among cherry blossoms. This initiative will encourage deeper connections between locals and visitors, fostering ongoing relationships and an understanding of regional culture and natural beauty.
Overview of the Spring Season Events
- - Location: Kyoto Station NIWA
Workshop: Matcha & Wagashi Making Workshops
Dates: Every Tuesday and Thursday in March, 14:00 - 15:00
Official Website: niwa.naked.works
Project: meets Arashiyama
Dates: March 13 (Fri) - March 29 (Sun), 2026
- - Location: Daigo-ji Temple
Event: Let's Go to Kyoto! Presents NAKED meets Daigo-ji Temple - Daigo Hanami
Dates: March 27 (Fri) - April 12 (Sun), 2026
Official Website: event.naked.works
Event: Yamashina 50th Anniversary NAKED Night Walk - Kyoto Yamashina
Dates: April 3 (Fri) - April 5 (Sun), 2026
Conclusion
The NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO 2026 initiative symbolizes a dynamic collaboration between public and private sectors, aiming to create a vibrant, sustainable, and culturally rich environment for both locals and visitors. This project highlights the importance of community involvement, creativity, and adaptability in shaping the future of Kyoto.
Explore more about NAKED, INC. and their visionary projects through their official channels:
Website: naked.co.jp
Instagram: @naked_inc
Facebook: NAKEDINC.official
Twitter: @naked_staff
YouTube: NAKEDINC