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NEW: Wander Around This Illuminating Forest On Your Next Trip To Kyoto

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Cheng Sim •  Jul 17, 2019

Reimagining digital art has always been the pursuit of Japan's art collective, teamLab. If you enjoyed your visit to the MORI Building Digital Art Museum in Tokyo (the digital project that catapulted teamLab to fame), you know their efforts in art, science, technology and design are astounding. This year, they upped the ante with another digital art project in Japan! ?

Make your way to the Digitized Forest at the World Heritage Site of Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, Japan! Happening from 17 August - 2 September 2019, teamLab's newest Digitized Nature art project uses non-material digital technology to create zero physical impact on its surroundings ?

[P.S. For an authentic Japanese experience, check out our Muslim-friendly guide to experiencing Kyoto like a local!]

Credit: teamLab on Facebook

The pathway begins at Kawai Shrine, so follow the trail that'll beamed with stunning light displays and glowing ovoids to welcome its visitors. In this exhibition, there are four main highlights to explore! ?

Credit: teamLab on Facebook

The Highlights

1. Walk, Walk, Walk - Tadasu Forest at Shimogamo Shrine

Credit: teamLab on Facebook

Step into the Tadasu Forest and walk along the Izumigawa River to meet various digital characters. Inspired by the Zen expression "Hoho kore dojo" (meaning 'every step is a place to learn'), you can choose to follow or interact with them. With the use of a computer program that renders in real-time, anyone who interacts with these digital artworks will provide continuous change to it. Hence, no two experiences are the same for every visitor ?

2. Floating, Resonating Spheres at Shimogamo Shrine

Credit: teamLab on Facebook

Enter the Sakura Gate of Shimogamo Shrine, and be greeted by floating spheres of lights that glow and fade, as if they're softly breathing. The moment you touch a floating sphere, it changes colour and emits a musical tone that complements the hue you'll see ?

[P.S. Feeling hungry after sightseeing? You should never leave Kyoto without trying their halal kaiseki!]

3. Resonating Forest and Autonomous Resonating Life at Tadasu Forest of Shimogamo Shrine

Credit: teamLab on Facebook

Spot more glowing ovoids that are scattered around the Tadasu Forest of the Shimogamo Shrine. Similar to the Floating, Resonating Spheres, it projects different colours and musical sounds when someone touches or interacts with these ovoids. If you're bringing the kids, this will be a magical forest adventure for them! ?

4. Autonomous Resonating Life on the Water at Mitarashi Pond of Shimogamo Shrine

Credit: teamLab on Facebook

As stunning as the other sights around Shimogamo Shrine, the Mitarashi Pond will stop you in your tracks with the autonomous glowing ovoids. Sit back and watch the colours beautifully transform when these ovoids are tilted by the wind or pushed gently by the visitors ?

#HHWT Tip: Since the exhibition will be held at The World Heritage Site of Shimogamo Shrine, admission will be granted based on crowd size. We advise that you purchase your tickets in advance.

Credit: Giphy

If you're adding this digital nature exhibition to your itinerary, make the most of your time in Kyoto with our awesome travel guides, halal food recommendations and easy-to-follow itineraries! Looks like you've got your next getaway all planned out, after all ?

Digitized Forest At The World Heritage Site Of Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto Art by teamLab

Date: 17 August - 2 Sep 2019

Opening hours: Daily, 6.30 PM-10 PM

Venue: Shimogamo Shrine (Kamomioya Shrine), Shimogamo Izumikawa Cho 59, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0807 (visitors are encouraged to enter from Kawai Shrine side)

Admission fee: ¥1,300 per person (weekday admission), ¥1,500 per person (weekend admission)

Where to buy: Admission tickets are available at any Lawson Japan convenience store or you can purchase an online ticket here

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