Best Long-Running Winter Illuminations in Japan
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Winter illuminations are the top attraction in Japan during winter, and they usually take place from November to Christmas and New Year season. Especially on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, these illumination spots get extremely crowded by couples who want to spend a romantic night. While some of illumination events in Japan end at the end of year, there are several long-running illuminations that can be enjoyed for another few months.
In this article, I’m sharing the best winter illumination spots in Japan which are available in 2025.
1. Sapporo White Illumination
Sapporo White Illumination (さっぽろホワイトイルミネーション) is a traditional illumination event held at the great northern land, Sapporo City in Hokkaido. Amazing light-ups with approx 730,000 LED lights shine brightly in the city covered in white snow. The event features several spectacular illuminations which take at various locations around Odori Street and the Park.
Access: short walk from Odori Station
Date: 22 November 2024 to 14 March 2025 (partially ends on earlier dates)
Hours: 16:30～20:00
More info: Sapporo White Illumination
2. Marunouchi Illumination
Marunouchi Illumination (丸の内イルミネーション), the long-running winter illumination held in front of Tokyo Station since 2001. The 1.2 km long promenade is lined with over 340 trees decorated by about 1 million LED lights in champagne gold.
Access: short walk from Tokyo Station Marunouchi Exit
Date: 14 November 2024 to 16 February 2025
Hours: 16:00～23:00
More info: Marunouchi Illumination
3. Enoshima Illumination: the Jewel of Shonan
The Jewel of Shonan is a winter illumination event held annually at Enoshima Island (江の島), the popular touristy island off the coast of Shonan area. The Jewel of Shonan is considered as one of the three greatest illuminations in Kanto area along with Ashikaga Flower Park and Country Farm Tokyo German Village.
Access: 20 mins walk from Enoshima Station or Katase Enoshima Station
Date: 23 November 2024 to 28 February 2025
Hours: 17:00~20:00
Fee: 500 JPY
More info: Enoshima Winter Illumination: the Jewel of Shonan
4. Sagamiko Illumillion
Sagamiko Illumillion (さがみ湖イルミリオン) is the biggest winter illumination event in Kanto region using approx 6 million of colouful LED lights. It’s held at Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest in Sagami City, Kanagwa prefecture every winter since 2008. The long-run event can be enjoyed till early April with cherry blossoms.
Access: Bus from Sagamiko station (JR Chuo line)
Date: 16 November 2024 to 11 May 2025
Hours: 10:00~21:00 (illumination starts from 16:00)
More info: SAGAMIKO ILLUMILLION
5. Yomiuriland Jewellumination
Yomiuriland Jewellumination (よみうりランドジュエルミネーション) is held annually at Yomiuriland, Tokyo’s largest amusement park. The event is produced by Motoko Ishii, a leading Japanese lighting designer, features approx 6.5 million LED lights. The entire park will be illuminated by colourful lights including their fun and thrilling rides and attractions. There will be also spectacular fountain show featuring lights and water with laser lights and flame effects.
Access: Keio Yomiuriland Station
Date: 24 October 2024 to 6 April 2025
Hours: 16:00～20:30
More info: Yomiuriland Jewellumination
6. Ashikaga Flower Park
Ashikaga Flower Park (足利フラワーパーク) is best known for its gorgeous wisteria festival held in spring, but also attracts visitors in winter by one of largest winter illuminations in the country. Over 4 million LED lights cover the vast space of 94,000㎡ and represent charming flowers colourfully.
Access: 13 mins walk from Tomita Station
Date: 18 October 2024 to 16 February 2025
Hours: 15:30～20:30 (~21:00 on Sat, Sun and holidays)
Closed: 31 December
Fee: 1,300 yen
More info: Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination
7. Toki no Sumika
Toki no Sumika (時之栖) is a leisure resort with many facilities surrounded by nature. It’s located in Gotemba City, which is at the base of Mt. Fuji and not very far from the popular Onsen town, Hakone. Over 5.5 million LED lights display at the site in various themes, such as the Tunnel of Lights and the fountains.
Access: Free shuttle bus available from Gotenba, Mishima and Susono Stations
Date: 11 October 2024 to 9 March 2025
Hours: 16:30～22:00
Fee: Free (some areas charge a fee)
Website: https://www.tokinosumika.com/
8. Izu Granpal Amusement Park: GRAN ILLUMI
Izu Granpal Amusement Park (伊豆ぐらんぱる公園) is a massive leisure park located in Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture. The park offers numbers of attractions, playground and entertainment facilities that both kids and adults can enjoy together. The park’s gorgeous winter illumination features over 6 million colourful LED lights which stretch through the 8ha vast space and can be enjoyed with their special attractions at night.
Access: Bus from Izu Kogen Station (20 mins) or Taxi (10 mins)
Date: 9 November 2024 to 31 August 2025
Hours: 17:00～21:30 (varies each month)
Fee: 1,800 yen
Website: http://granillumi.com/#top (illumination)
9. Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination
Nabana no Sato (なばなの里) is a theme park dedicated to flowers, green and hot spring bath in Mie Prefecture. The park attracts most visitors during winter by one of the biggest illumination events in Japan featuring about 8 million LED lights. Many kinds of illuminations can be enjoyed at the park including the famous “Tunnel of Lights”. This long-run event lasts till early May next year.
Access: Bus from Kintetsu Nagashima Station (10 mins)
Date: 19 October 2024 to 1 June 2025
Hours: 10:00~21:00 (the illumination start from sunset)
Fee: 2,500 yen (includes 1,000 yen coupon which can be used in the park)
More info: Nabana no Sato Illumination
10. Huis Ten Bosch Kingdom of Light
The Kingdom of Light is the world’s biggest illumination event held at Huis Ten Bosch (ハウステンボス), the Dutch town themed park in Nagasaki Prefecture. 13 millions of LED lights decorate the whole park colourfully and collaborates park’s attractions and music. The spectacular illumination is displayed through the year.
Access: Huis Ten Bosch Station
Hours: 10:00～21:00 (the illumination start from sunset)
More info: Huis Ten Bosch Kingdom of Light
For more information about popular illuminations in Japan, please check out these articles, too!
▶ Best Winter Illuminations in Japan
▶ Best Winter Illuminations in Tokyo
▶ Best Winter Illuminations in Western Japan
Visiting Japan in Winter? Then please check out more info about exciting upcoming events in the country!
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Written by
"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have spend almost a decade living and exploring countries across the world. Based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling with my readers. I hope my stories help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈
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