Kyoto's "ZEN NIGHT Tofuku-ji" Extends Run Through July 20 Due to Popular Demand

VIE Inc. (Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, CEO: Yasuhiko Imamura, hereinafter "VIE"), in collaboration with The Nikkei (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Takeshi Hasebe, hereinafter "Nikkei"), has decided to extend the operating period of the special night viewing event "ZEN NIGHT Tofuku-ji" held at Tofuku-ji Temple in Kyoto until July 20, 2026, due to overwhelming positive feedback from many visitors.

The extended period in Kyoto coincides with the Gion Festival, one of Japan's three major festivals. Tofuku-ji Temple, just about a 4-minute train ride from the central Shijo area, offers a refreshing night viewing experience surrounded by lush green maple leaves and a sea of clouds.

(Event Official Website: https://zen.vie.style/)

◆What is "ZEN NIGHT Tofuku-ji"?

"ZEN NIGHT Tofuku-ji" is a premium night viewing event that offers a new sound and night art experience through sound, light, silence, and nature, set within a historic Zen temple.

Previous events in 2024 at Kennin-ji Temple in Kyoto and in 2025 at Kencho-ji Temple in Kamakura attracted a cumulative total of approximately 50,000 visitors. These experiential events have grown significantly, achieving high satisfaction ratings of 94.3% and a re-visit intention of 96.4%, drawing many visitors from both Japan and abroad. Notably, about 30% of visitors to the Kennin-ji event were from overseas, indicating strong support from international tourists.

This Tofuku-ji event has already welcomed approximately 10,000 visitors since its opening, with feedback such as "The scenery of the sea of clouds and green maple leaves was magical" and "I was able to spend a special, calming time." Due to numerous requests for continued operation from domestic and international travelers and tourism businesses, the event has now been extended until July 20.

Additionally, a new content, "Neuro-Music Zazen," has been introduced. This zazen experience, conducted while wearing an EEG brainwave measurement device, allows participants to visualize their brain state in real-time, offering a new immersive experience that fuses Zen and technology.

*Neuro-music is "music designed to enhance or attenuate certain brainwave bands," and its scientifically proven effects on brainwaves are achieved through listening. It is composed with the aim of influencing the human mind and body, offering benefits such as "concentration" and "relaxation."

◆Visitor Testimonials

Many visitors have shared positive feedback during the event's run.

"The wonderful production made the two hours fly by. I fully enjoyed both the lighting and the zazen experience. You really should go."

"The light and sound production was superb, and the fusion with technology was impressive."

"The atmosphere was very calming and deeply moving. I definitely want to go again."

"It was a special event that's hard to experience elsewhere. The sight of light and shadow illuminating the vibrant green maple leaves was exceptional, offering a different, mystical charm than Tofuku-ji during the day."

"I highly recommend the 'Neuro-Music Zazen' experience in the Zen hall. For about 15 minutes, your zazen/meditation state is analyzed by AI, and for me, this was the most memorable part of the experience."

◆A "Sea of Clouds" Cooling Spot Appears in Kyoto's Summer

Kyoto summers have recently been marked by consecutive days of extreme heat, increasing demand for nighttime tourist experiences.

"ZEN NIGHT Tofuku-ji" features a magical sea of clouds effect over the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which overlooks over 1,000 green maple trees, and the Hojo Garden, allowing visitors to enjoy a cool time while feeling the presence of wind and water. The spectacular view of the green maple leaves and the sea of clouds seen from Tsutenkyo Bridge has become a popular photo spot on social media. (Official SNS: https://www.instagram.com/zennight_vie/)

This event, which offers an escape from the daytime heat and a chance to savor the tranquility of a Zen temple with the night breeze, is gaining attention as Kyoto's new "cooling night spot."

Furthermore, the extended period coincides with the Gion Festival, one of Japan's three major festivals.

If the Gion Festival, with its famous Yamaboko processions and Yoiyama festivities, represents the "dynamic" aspect of Kyoto, then "ZEN NIGHT Tofuku-ji" embodies the "static" aspect.

After enjoying the excitement of the festival, spending time in introspection at Tofuku-ji allows visitors to experience the dual nature of Kyoto within a single trip.

◆Overview of Kyoto "Tofuku-ji" Premium Night Viewing "ZEN NIGHT Tofuku-ji"

Event Period

May 29, 2026 (Fri) – July 20, 2026 (Mon, Holiday)

*Sales are not available for some dates.

Event Hours

19:00-21:30 (Last admission 21:00)

Ticket Prices (Tax Included)

Advance Tickets

・Weekdays: Adult ¥2,800 / Child ¥1,400

・Weekends/Holidays: Adult ¥3,300 / Child ¥1,650

Same-Day Tickets

・Weekdays: Adult ¥3,300 / Child ¥1,650

・Weekends/Holidays: Adult ¥3,800 / Child ¥1,900

Ticket Sales

https://zen.vie.style/

Location

Tofuku-ji Temple, Kyoto (Map)

Organizers

VIE, Nikkei Inc.

Special Cooperation

Tofuku-ji School of Rinzai Zen, Head Temple Tofuku-ji

Sponsorship

Kyoto City Tourism Association

Cooperation

JTB, JR Central, and others

About VIE Inc.

VIE Inc., with its mission "To live a life full of depth ~Live Connected, Feel the Life.~," aims to realize a society rich in sensibility by fusing the power of neurotechnology and entertainment.

Through collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, university research institutions, and corporations, VIE has been promoting the development of services utilizing wearable EEG devices and neurotechnology. In particular, they have achieved technology that allows for simple EEG measurement in daily life, developing products and technologies that support the visualization of sensibility. They also offer "VIE Streamer," a desktop EEG analysis application that provides access to real-time brainwave data, widely used in R&D departments, university research institutions, and hospitals.

In March 2024, the company raised ¥305 million in a Series A1 funding round from pharmaceutical and business companies, further advancing its research and business development. VIE will continue to promote the widespread adoption of neurotechnology and contribute to the fields of well-being and healthcare.

Company Name: VIE Inc.

CEO: Yasuhiko Imamura

Location: 1-9-22 Omachi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture

URL: https://viestyle.co.jp

Contact for Inquiries

E-mail: info@vie.style