Hello, everyone! Miyanaga from GP here. 

This spring marks the launch of the “NIWA Project,” a fusion of tradition, food, and art. Kyoto Station Building’s East Plaza is transforming into a “garden” where visitors can fully experience the essence of Kyoto!

NAKED’s “NIWA Project” begins—an immersive Kyoto experience

NAKED is known for blending the physical and virtual to create immersive experiences across a variety of fields: art, entertainment, culture, tradition, education, music, urban spaces, food, sports, and more.

Now, they’ve taken on the renovation of the East Plaza at Kyoto Station Building, through the newly launched “NIWA Project.”

As the first phase of the renovation project for the East Plaza on the 7th floor of Kyoto Station Building, NAKED has opened the restaurant “NIWA,” which features an experiential light-based tea room called “KIWA,” which opened on Monday, March 10!

A new “garden” is born in a hidden spot of the Kyoto Station Building

Kyoto Station Building is a large complex directly connected to the JR Kyoto Station, with 16 floors above ground and 3 below. Due to its location on the 7th floor, the East Plaza had previously received relatively little foot traffic. To address this, the NIWA Project was launched.

The project’s aim is to revitalize the space as a new cultural hub in Kyoto. Major collaborators include the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Japan Tourism Agency, Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, and leading figures in traditional culture. In partnership with local organizations and businesses, as well as Kyoto’s traditional craftsmen and producers, the project aspires to create a “garden” that welcomes both local residents, and visitors from around the world.

What are the highlights of the NIWA Project?

Having opened in March 2025, the restaurant NIWA and the light-based tea room KIWA are now available. As a crossroads of culture, this space offers NAKED’s signature projection mapping, and both the restaurant NIWA and its interior light tea room KIWA are must-sees.

KIWA: A one-of-a-kind tea room that reflects the seasons

KIWA is a light-based tea room located inside the restaurant NIWA. Centered around a hanging scroll bearing the name “KIWA,” passed down from Sen Sōshitsu, the Grand Master of Urasenke, the space is a fusion of tradition and innovation.

With “the East,” one of the cardinal directions in Kyoto’s geomantic philosophy, as its theme, the room features a graceful bamboo installation by Akane Teshigahara, head of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana; a garden designed by Katsunori Ogawa, the twelfth-generation successor of Ueji, inheriting over 250 years of Japanese landscape gardening tradition; and immersive art technology by NAKED.

The serene space evokes the flow of the Kamo River and Kyoto’s natural beauty. It’s worth a visit, and since the tea room is also available for private rental, it may be an ideal setting for your next event.

Restaurant NIWA: A new terrace lounge showcasing Kyoto’s ingredients

At the heart of the NIWA Project is the restaurant NIWA, which offers a menu featuring carefully selected Kyoto-grown ingredients and local brands. From Kyoto-produced matcha and coffee to Japanese tea, sake, and craft beer, a diverse drink menu allows visitors to discover a new side of Kyoto with every visit. It’s also a perfect spot to keep up with the latest food trends.

Unique snack sets using Kyoto ingredients are also available, such as the “Gold” set paired with beer, the “Silver” set paired with sake, and the vegan-friendly “Zen” set, each offering a different way to enjoy Kyoto’s culinary charm.

Conclusion

A beautiful new “garden” has been born from the fusion of Kyoto’s tradition and dignity with NAKED’s technological art. In this article, we introduced the NIWA Project, a must-visit spot when stopping by Kyoto Station. Now then, see you again soon!