Kyoto: NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2025 (Evening Cool Breeze)

NAKED neets Nijo Castle 2025
Yusuzumi Summer Festival

If you are planning a trip to Kyoto in July or August, why not visit Kyoto's summer festival, the NAKED Summer Festival? Enjoy fireworks and festivals at Nijo Castle, one of Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Illuminations of historical buildings, various experience programs, Hanamikuji, and even food stalls where you can eat festival food! This is an opportunity that only those traveling in the summer can enjoy. A cup of shaved ice while watching fireworks is a great way to cool down on a hot summer day.

Kawadoko (river bed) to spend summer nights

Introducing Kawatono Niwa, a special summer evening space that will be unveiled for the first time at “NAKED meets Nijo-jo Castle Yusuzumi” in 2025. A traditional Kyoto summer landscape, “kawadoko (river floor)”, is reinterpreted as modern art, and cool streams of light and fantastical light-ups unfold in front of the Karamon gate of Nijo-jo Castle and the Ninomaru Goten entrance. A flowing river is expressed on the ground, and when you float a bamboo boat, goldfish will appear and swim along with a trajectory of light, such as experiential art that combines traditional play and cutting-edge technology!

Ninomaru Garden Light Up

Don't miss the fantastic light-up that is the signature festival of NAKED! The garden, which is a World Heritage site, is reborn as a special sight that can only be seen at night with a splendid performance of light and sound. The biggest attraction is that you can enjoy a cool art experience that can only be seen on summer nights with the Ninomaru Goten, a Japanese national treasure, and Karamon, an important cultural property, illuminated in the background.

Cool even in midsummer!

At this festival, you can enjoy a variety of Kyoto-style yatai food and summer-only desserts! The venue will be lined with yatai stalls selling everything from shaved ice, a summertime treat, to Kyoto-area sake and Japanese liquor. Enjoy sake and desserts with Nijo Castle as the backdrop on a summer night.

In addition, there are booths for shooting games and candle-throwing games, so you can experience not only food but also various games. Enjoy the summer festival atmosphere and have a great time with your family and friends!

For more information about the festival, please visit the official website. Go to the official website