Kyoto’s World Heritage-listed Nijo Castle is getting a spectacular nighttime transformation this autumn, as NAKED presents an interactive art exhibition exploring the beauty, creativity, and design of Japan 400 years ago.
Running from October 23 to December 5, 2026, “NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2026” takes visitors on an immersive journey into the culture of the Kan’ei era, when Nijo Castle was the setting for the historic Kan’ei Imperial Visit.
The exhibition focuses on Tokugawa Kazuko, daughter of the second shogun Tokugawa Hidetada and later known as Tofukumonin. After witnessing the Imperial Visit at just 19, Kazuko became an influential figure in Japanese design and culture, supporting creativity in areas including kimono, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, gardens, and interior design.
NAKED reimagines her aesthetic sensibilities through interactive art, offering visitors a new way to experience Nijo Castle after dark. Japanese and English audio guides will also provide historical context, making the exhibition appealing to both art lovers and those interested in discovering more about Kyoto’s cultural heritage.
The event runs daily from 6pm to 10pm, with last entry at 9pm. Early-bird tickets start at 1,600 JPY on weekdays and 2,000 JPY on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays, while regular tickets cost 2,000 JPY and 2,400 JPY respectively.
Held rain or shine, the exhibition offers a chance to see one of Kyoto’s most historic landmarks through a distinctly modern lens, connecting the creativity of 400 years ago with the technology and art of today.
