10 Winter Illuminations in Japan You Can still Enjoy after New Year 2023
Best Long-Running Winter Illuminations in Japan
- +1 1
-
-
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.
Today, I’m sharing 10 best winter illumination spots in Japan which are available in 2023.
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 Nov 2022 to 14 March 2023 (partially ends 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 is celebrating its 20th anniversary this winter and it just gets better every year. The 1.2 km long promenade is lined with over 300 trees decorated by about 1 million LED lights in champagne gold.
Access: short walk from Tokyo Station Marunouchi Exit
Date: 110 November 2022 to 19 February 2023
Hours: 15:00～23:00
More info: Marunouchi Illumination
3. Caretta Shiodome <Cancelled>
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.
Latest Update: The winter illumination of Caretta Shiodome won’t be held in 2022-2023 winter.
Access: short walk from Shiodome Station OR 5 mins walk from Shimbashi Station
Date: –
Hours:-
More info: Caretta Shiodome Winter Illumination
4. 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 2022 to 28 February 2023
Hours: 9:00~20:00
Fee: 200 JPY (+300 JPY for observation tower)
More info: Enoshima Winter Illumination: the Jewel of Shonan
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.
Access: Bus from Sagamiko station (JR Chuo line)
Date: 12 November 2022 to 2 April 2023
Hours: 10:00~21:00 (illumination starts from 16:00)
Admission: –
More info: SAGAMIKO ILLUMILLION
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 annual illumination event is held for approx 5 months 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.
Access: bus from Sodegaura Station then walk for 15 mins
Date: 28 October 2022 to 19 March 2023
Hours: 9:30～20:00 (illumination starts from sunset)
Fee: 500 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.
Access: 13 mins walk from Tomita Station
Date: 15 October 2022 to 14 February 2023
Hours:16:30～20:30 (~21:00 on Sat, Sun and holidays)
Closed: 31 December
Fee: 1,100 yen
More info: Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination
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.
Access: Free shuttle bus available from Gotenba, Mishima and Susono Stations
Date: 8 October 2022 to 12 March 2022
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.
Access: Bus from Kintetsu Nagashima Station (10 mins)
Date: 22 October 2022 to 31 May 2023
Hours: 10:00~21:00 (the illumination start from sunset)
Fee: 2,300 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.
<< Click HERE to book e-tickets to Huis Ten Bosch >>
Access: Huis Ten Bosch Station
Hours: 10:00～21:00 (the illumination start from sunset)
More info: Huis Ten Bosch Kingdom of Light
Visiting Japan in Winter? Then please check out more info about exciting upcoming events in the country!
▽Related Articles ▽
▼Editor’s Picks▼
- +1 1
-
-