Kyoto Botanical Gardens Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary: LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO

Have a unique experience at Kyoto Botanical Gardens

LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO
The Kyoto Botanical Gardens (京都府立植物園)  is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a spectacular limited-time event, “LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO.” This fantastic experience has taken social media by storm, captivating visitors with stunning displays of light and sound that transform the gardens into a magical nighttime wonderland.

Running until the end of 2024, this event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see the gardens in a new and dazzling way. If you’re planning to visit Kyoto this winter, be sure to visit Kyoto Botanical Gardens, “LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO” event is an unmissable event that promises to leave you spellbound.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.


About the Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Established on January 1, 1924, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is Japan’s first public botanical garden. Spanning 24 hectares, it houses over 12,000 species and 120,000 plants. The grounds are divided into roughly 20 areas, each showcasing seasonal flora all year round.

A standout feature of the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is the Observation Greenhouse, one of the largest in Japan. Its exterior design reflects the tranquil beauty of Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion) mirrored in a pond, alongside the grandeur of the northern triple peaks, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and uniquely Kyoto.

Inside, visitors can explore eight distinct climate zones, showcasing tropical plants from around the globe in a fully accessible, step-free layout.

LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO: 100th Anniversary Event Highlights

For this special celebration, the gardens offer an extraordinary nighttime experience, combining light displays, music, and projections to create a magical, otherworldly atmosphere. Divided into four thematic zones, the event promises unique and unforgettable sights in each:

LIGHT WILL FIND YOU

Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Inspired by sunlight filtering through tree canopies, this area creates a dreamlike interplay of light beams and shadows.

MEMORY OF WATER

Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Representing the water cycle, this zone merges visuals and sounds, depicting the journey from ocean to vapor and back to rain.

INVISIBLE

Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Illuminating the unseen, this area highlights the interplay of darkness and light, with plant silhouettes casting dramatic shadows.

FOREST FREQUENCIES

Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Showcasing the communication signals between plants, this zone features vibrant, flowing lights that symbolize the life force of nature.

Kyoto Botanical Gardens Event Details

Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Event Name: “LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO”

  • Period: October 18, 2024 (Fri) – December 26, 2024 (Thu)
  • Closed Days: Mondays (*Note: Open on December 23)
  • Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Last entry at 8:30 PM)

Price

  • Adults (high school and older): Advance ¥2,000 / Same day ¥2,500
  • Children (elementary and junior high): Advance ¥1,000 / Same day ¥1,200
  • Guests with Disabilities: Advance ¥1,000 / Same day ¥1,200

Admission to the 100th Anniversary Event “LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO” requires the above-mentioned fee. We recommend purchasing advance tickets, which are available at a discounted price. Tickets can be purchased via the link below:

Buy Tickets Here at a Discounted Price!

Upon purchase, a QR code will be issued, which can be presented at the ticket counter on-site for entry.

The above information pertains to the 100th Anniversary Event, “LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO.” Please note that this is an evening-only event. During the daytime, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens operates as usual. The standard opening hours are as follows:


Don’t miss the chance to experience this magical blend of nature and art, celebrating a century of Kyoto Botanical Gardens’ legacy. LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO awaits!

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Hi, I'm delighted to get to meet you through my sharing. I am a freelance writer who loves traveling, reading, and food. I'm also the mother of a two-year-old child. Living in Japan for eight years has been both long and short—long enough for me to know Tokyo, where I reside, like the back of my hand, and short because there are still so many aspects waiting for me to explore. Here, I will share the fantastic culture and my thoughts about this beautiful country, hoping you will fall in love with Japan just as I have.