10 Winter Illuminations in Japan You Can still Enjoy after New Year

Naho_B_M
Update: Nov 16, 2019 / Post: Dec 14, 2017

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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-run illuminations that can be enjoyed for another few months. Today, I’m sharing 10 best winter illumination spots in Japan which are available in 2020.

1. Sapporo White Illumination 2019–2020

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 780,000 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.

Map: https://goo.gl/HfKkD3

Access: short walk from Odori Station

Date: 22 Nov 2019 to 15 March 2020 (partially close on earlier dates)

Hours: 16:30～22:00 (partially till 24:00)

2. Marunouchi Illumination 2019–2020

Marunouchi Illumination (丸の内イルミネーション), the long-running winter illumination held in front of Tokyo Station is having its 17th year this winter and it just gets better every year. The 1.2 km long promenade is lined with over 200 trees decorated by about 1 million LED lights in champagne gold.

Map: https://goo.gl/b73SFH

Access: short walk from Tokyo Station Marunouchi Exit

Date: Date: 7 November 2019~16 February 2020

Hours: 17:30～23:00 (17:00～24:00 in December)

More info: Marunouchi Illumination 2019–2020

3. Shinjuku Winter Illumination 2019–2020

Shinjuku Winter Illumination (Shinjuku Minami Lumi (新宿ミナミルミ) and Shinjuku Terrace City Illumination (新宿テラスシティイルミネーション)) is an illumination event held around the West and South gates of Shinjuku Station including Southern Terrace, Takashimaya Time’s Square, Shinjuku MAYNDS Tower, and more. The great spot to spot by along with shopping or dining in the area.

Map: https://goo.gl/Xwav7e

Access: short walk from JR Shinjuku Station

Date: 12 November 2019–16 February 2020

Hours: 17:00～24:00 (16:30~ in December)

More info: Shinjuku Winter Illumination 2019–2020

4. Caretta Shiodome

This year, Caretta Shiodome (カレッタ汐留)’s illumination is themed with two popular Disney movies, “Frozen” and “Tangled” . Two types of illumination will be displayed weekly. The light show with over 250,000 LED lights and the music from the movies will collaborate to make a magical show.

Map: https://goo.gl/ZxAvPq

Access: short walk from Shiodome Station OR 5 mins walk from Shimbashi Station

Date: 14 November 2019 to 14 February 2020 (Closed on 1 and 2 January)

Hours:17: 00～23:00 (~31 December 2018)/ 18:00~23:00 (3 January 2019~)

More info: Caretta Shiodome Winter Illumination 2019–2020

5. 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.

Map: https://goo.gl/sZaLJT

Access: Bus from Sagamiko station (JR Chuo line) or Direct bus service is available from Shinjuku bus terminal “BUSTA”

Date: 2 November 2019 to 5 April 2020

Hours: 10:00~21:30 (illumination starts from 16:00)

Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays between 8 January to 12 March 2020

Admission: 1,000 JPY

More info: SAGAMIKO ILLUMILLION 2019–2020: the Biggest Winter Illumination near Tokyo!

6. Country Farm Tokyo German Village

Chiba Prefecture

Country Farm Tokyo German Village (東京ドイツ村) is a nature theme park located in Sodegaura, Chiba Prefecture. Their 14th illumination event is held from 1 Nov with 3 million LED lights, creating a colourful fairy tale world. The 70 m long tunnel of lights is the best highlight of the event.

Map: https://goo.gl/f3s6rN

Access: bus from Sodegaura Station then walk for 15 mins

Date: 1 November 2019 to 5 April 2020

Hours: 9:30～20:00 (illumination starts from sunset)

Fee: 800 yen

Website: http://t-doitsumura.co.jp/special_event/ (Japanese only)

7. Ashikaga Flower Park

Tochigi Prefecture

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.

Map: https://goo.gl/zEqaXc

Access: 13 mins walk from Tomita Station

Date: 26 October 2019 to 6 February 2020

Hours:16:30～21:00 (~21:30 on Sat, Sun and holidays)

Closed: 31 December

Fee: 1,000 yen

Website: https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/flowerfantasy_special2019/en/index.html

8. Toki no Sumika

Shizuoka Prefecture

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.

Map: https://goo.gl/dgKtMS

Access: Free shuttle bus available from Gotenba, Mishima and Susono Stations

Date: 26 October 2019 to 15 March 2020

Hours:16:30～22:00

Fee: Free (some areas charge a fee)

Website: http://gotembakogenresort.com/

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.

Map: https://goo.gl/ang6vt

Access: Bus from Kintetsu Nagashima Station (10 mins)

Date: 19 October 2019 to 6 May 2020

Hours: 9:00~21:00 (the illumination start from sunset)

Fee: 2,300 yen (includes 1,000 yen coupon which can be used in the park)

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.

<< Click HERE to book e-tickets to Huis Ten Bosch >>

Map: https://goo.gl/pqvRst

Access: Huis Ten Bosch Station

Date: 5 October 2019 to 6 May 2020

Hours: 9:00～22:00 (the illumination start from sunset)

Please check ticket prices via the link → http://english.huistenbosch.co.jp/about/?mode=about&Type=2

Visiting Japan in 2019-2020 Winter? Then please check out more info about exciting upcoming events in the country!