“NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS Higashi Honganji and Shōsei-en Garden” will be held at Higashi Honganji, the head temple of the Shinshū Ōtani-ha, and Shōsei-en Garden (Kikoku-tei) in Kyoto from October 31 (Saturday) to December 6 (Sunday), 2026.

A New Evening Tourism Program Within Walking Distance of Kyoto Station

The event offers autumn visitors an opportunity to enjoy Kyoto’s scenery and culture after a day of sightseeing through a new evening tourism program that is easy to visit.

Shōsei-en Garden was created as a detached precinct of Higashi Honganji. The Japanese garden served as a retirement residence for successive heads of the temple and as a place to receive distinguished guests. After exploring the grounds of Higashi Honganji, visitors can continue to Shōsei-en Garden and walk through it at night with a welcome drink. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are available. Visitors can take their time enjoying the sights and atmosphere of the garden at night with a drink of their choice.

The event runs from October 31 to December 6, 2026.

Goeidō: LIGHT IN BLOOM

Works at Higashi Honganji’s Main Temple Grounds

On the grounds of Higashi Honganji, visitors can see “Goeidō: LIGHT IN BLOOM,” a light artwork illuminating the Founder’s Hall. Layers of small lights form the image of a large lotus in the darkness.

Exclusive to EX Travel Reservation: Upper Level of the Founder’s Hall Gate: CELESTIAL GAZE

Works at Shōsei-en Garden

After walking through Higashi Honganji, visitors can continue to Shōsei-en Garden, a short walk away. Based on the concept of pairing the scenery of a Japanese garden at night with a drink, the event offers special drinks inspired by the landscape. Visitors can explore the garden on an autumn evening with an alcoholic or nonalcoholic drink in hand.

At Ingetsu-chi Pond, “Ingetsu-chi: FIRST SCENE | GARDEN OF THE MOON” uses the water as its stage. A large moon appears to float in the pond, while the autumn scenery reflected on the water changes as time passes.

Ingetsu-chi: FIRST SCENE | GARDEN OF THE MOON

At “Shinsetsu Bridge and Tanfukei: FOURTH SCENE | LIGHT ACROSS TIME,” visitors can take in the historic garden, autumn leaves and the modern Kyoto cityscape. Lights resembling water lilies on the pond gently connect the two views.

Shinsetsu Bridge and Tanfukei: FOURTH SCENE | LIGHT ACROSS TIME

At “Rinchitei: FIFTH SCENE | SONG OF THE STREAM,” visitors can hear flowing water and view Rinchitei reflected on the pond. The work offers a chance to experience the garden’s tranquility and comfort, and a restorative moment away from the pressures of business.

Rinchitei: FIFTH SCENE | SONG OF THE STREAM

More to Enjoy Alongside the Evening Visit: Matcha, Special Access and a Kyoto Tower Package

Options mentioned in the article include a package with matcha and two kinds of ohagi at “NIWA” in the Kyoto Station Building, an EX-exclusive ticket with special access to the upper level of the Founder’s Hall Gate, and a Kyoto Tower package ticket.

NIWA package ticket

NAKED GARDEN NIGHTS Higashi Honganji and Shōsei-en Garden: Event Details

Venue: Higashi Honganji, Shinshū Ōtani-ha, and Shōsei-en Garden (Kikoku-tei)
Karasuma-dori, north of Shichijo, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto 600-8505

Dates: October 31 (Saturday) to December 6 (Sunday), 2026
On November 6–8 and 25, admission is available only to Shōsei-en Garden.
The event is scheduled to run daily, including in rain, but may be canceled in severe weather.
Details may change without notice.

Hours: 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Higashi Honganji: Last admission at 9:00 p.m.; viewing ends at 9:20 p.m.
Shōsei-en Garden: Viewing ends at 10:00 p.m.

Website: https://event.naked.works/higashihonganji/autumn/ja/