Light Cycles Kyoto is an immersive experience celebrating Kyoto Botanical Gardens’ centennial anniversary. Moment Factory, in collaboration with local partners, created this multimedia activation that pays homage to nature’s beauty through light and music.
The experience unfolds across four multi-sensory zones in the garden’s conservatory, revealing the hidden world and voices of plantsThe first zone, Light Will Find You, draws inspiration from the Japanese concept of komorebi, where sunlight filters through tree leaves. Laser lights and colorful mist create a dreamlike atmosphere, while music highlights nature’s beauty after dark.
A wave of blue laser light cuts through the trees, symbolizing the link between rainforests and rising sea levels, and inviting visitors to celebrate the flow of life in Memory of Water. Invisible reveals hidden wonders through lighting illusions, building up to a moment of deep immersion. Forest Frequencies features a swirling vortex of LED lights and dynamic sound effects, representing the search for a frequency.
By seamlessly blending botanical diversity with cutting-edge projection mapping, light effects, and sound, Light Cycles Kyoto becomes a natural highlight for the centennial celebration of Kyoto Botanical Gardens. In 2024, Light Cycles in Kyoto drew a crowd of 80,000 visitors, boosting daytime traffic at the site
The partnership with Kyoto Prefecture and Mitsui Fudosan Co. represents a significant milestone in Moment Factory’s growing presence in Japan. With its Tokyo office established for over seven years, the studio has spearheaded the development of numerous successful projects including The Colour Bath at Tokyo Shinjuku Station, Kamuy Lumina on the shores of Lake Akan, and Island Lumina on Iojima.
Moment Factory’s global expertise and local understanding enabled the creation of an immersive experience that resonates with local audiences and tourists alike. The project was supported by an international creation and production team with members from Canada, Japan, and Australia, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and expertise.
Light Cycles Kyoto is part of a global series, having debuted in Adelaide Botanic Garden, Australia and visited New Zeland, Italy, the UK and US. This site-specific installation aims to inspire a new appreciation for plant life and foster a deep connection with nature for future generations.
