10 Winter Illuminations in Japan You Can still Enjoy after New Year
Best Long-Run 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-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 2021.
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 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.
Access: short walk from Odori Station
Date: 20 Nov 2020 to 14 March 2021 (partially close on earlier dates)
Hours: 16:30～22:00 (partially till 24:00)
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 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.
Access: short walk from Tokyo Station Marunouchi Exit
Date: 5 November 2020 to 14 February 2021
Hours: 17:30～23:00 (17:00～24:00 in December)
More info: Marunouchi Illumination
3. Shinjuku Winter Illumination
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.
Access: short walk from JR Shinjuku Station
Date: TBA (12 November 2019–16 February 2020)
Hours: 17:00～24:00 (16:30~ in December)
More info: Shinjuku Winter Illumination
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.
Access: short walk from Shiodome Station OR 5 mins walk from Shimbashi Station
Date: TBA (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
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: 14 November 2020 to 4 April 2021
Hours: 10:00~21:30 (illumination starts from 16:00)
Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays between 18 November to 17 December 2020
Admission: 1,000 JPY
More info: SAGAMIKO ILLUMILLION: 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.
Access: bus from Sodegaura Station then walk for 15 mins
Date: 30 October 2020 to 28 March 2021
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.
Access: 13 mins walk from Tomita Station
Date: 17 October 2020 to 7 February 2021
Hours:16:30～21:00 (~21:30 on Sat, Sun and holidays)
Closed: 31 December
Fee: 1,000 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: 18 September 2020 to 21 March 2021
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: 24 October 2020 to 31 May 2021
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)
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.
<< Click HERE to book e-tickets to Huis Ten Bosch >>
Access: Huis Ten Bosch Station
Date: 1 November 2020 to 5 May 2021
Hours: 9:00～22:00 (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!
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