Best Winter Illuminations near Tokyo 2023-2024
Best spots for winter illumination day trip from Tokyo
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Japanese winter is all about illuminations! There are numbers of illumination spots in Tokyo, which brighten up the city romantically during the season. But if you want to see bigger scale of winter illuminations, you should definitely take a short trip to outside of Tokyo as numbers of illumination events are held with vast fields and more LED lights.
Today, I’m introducing some of the most spectacular illumination events in 2023-2024 winter which are held outside of Tokyo but still very accessible to visit for a day trip. Let’s check them out and make a plan 🙂
1. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
Yokohama Minato Mirai area is simply the best place to be around Christmas. The traditional German style Christmas Market is held annually at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (横浜赤レンガ倉庫) with romantic light-up decorations, food vendors and the ice skate link. Lots of Christmas illuminations can be spotted around the area and also spectacular night view of skyscrapers can be viewed daily.
Access: 6 mins walk from Bashamichi OR Nihon Odori Stations
Date: 24 November to 25 December 2023
Hours: 11:00～22:00 (light-up from 16:00)
Fee: Free
Website: https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/en/
More illuminations in Yokohama area: Best Winter Illuminations in Yokohama
2. SAGAMIKO ILLUMILLION
One of Japan’s biggest winter illumination events, Sagamiko Illumillion is held annually at Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest (さがみ湖リゾート プレジャーフォレスト). Over 6 million colourful LED lights covers the vast park in various themes and shapes. In 2023-2024, the event features the special illumination area collaborating with one of the most beloved Japanese characters of all time, Doraemon and his friends. There are will be several light installations with the theme of “Doraemon: Nobita’s Earth Symphony”, an upcoming movie in 2024. This long-run illumination is available till spring next year when cherry blossoms can be seen with light-ups.
Access: Bus from Sagamiko station (JR Chuo line)
Date: 3 November 2023 to 12 May 2024
Hours: 16:00~21:00
Fee: From 1,800 to 4,500 yen
Website: https://www.sagamiko-resort.jp/illumillion/doraeiga/
3. Enoshima Winter Illumination: the Jewel of Shonan
The Jewel of Shonan is a popular illumination event held annually at Enoshima Island (江の島) 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 2023 to 29 February 2024
Hours: 9:00~20:00
Fee: 500 JPY (+500 JPY for observation tower)
Website: https://enoshima-seacandle.com/event/shonannohoseki/
4. Ashikaga Flower Park Light Flower Garden
Ashikaga Flower Park (足利フラワーパーク) is best known the gorgeous wisteria festival held in spring, but also attracts visitors in winter by one of largest winter illumination 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 2023 to 14 February 2024
Hours:16:30～21:00 (~21:30 pm on weekends and holidays)
Closed: 31 December
Fee: 1,300 yen
Official Website: https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/flowerfantasy_special2022/jp/
5. 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: 6 October 2023 to 10 March 2024
Hours: 16:30～22:00
Fee: Free (some areas charge a fee)
Website: http://gotembakogenresort.com/
6. Shuzenji Niji no Sato Thanks Illumi
Shuzenji Niji no Sato (修善寺 虹の郷) is a theme park in Izu City, Shizuoka, which visitors can enjoy nature and seasonal flowers with the Western and Japanese style villages and a miniature railway. The park holds an illumination event, Thanks Illumi during winter, featuring a variety of colourful light up in park-wide including the Romney railway and laser mapping show.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HzsqsGveQbCNwaXQ7
Access: Take a bus from Shuzenji Station South Exit then get off at Niji no Sato stop
Date: 20 October 2023 to 31 March 2024
Hours: 17:00～21:00
Fee: 1,600 yen
Website: https://www.nijinosato.com/
7. Terrace Mall Shonan Night Walk Shonan
Terrace Mall Shonan, the large shopping complex in Shonan area, Kanagawa Prefecture, will host a Christmas illumination “Night Walk Shonan ~gift from 12 Santa Clauses~”, featuring approx 200,000 LED lights inspired by the blue ocean and sky of Shonan area. The immersive illumination includes some effects and stagings with the theme of 12 Santa Clauses with distinctive characters, allowing visitors to immerse into the story of Santa Claus. In addition, a water and light fountain show will be held four times an hour.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BpM7kEiPYRq8oZhv8
Access: short walk from JR Tsujido Station
Date: 3 November to 25 December 2023
Website: https://shonan.terracemall.com/
8. Country Farm Tokyo German Village Winter Illumination
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 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: 27 October 2023 to 7 April 2024
Hours: 9:30～20:00 (illumination starts from sunset)
Fee: 800 yen~
Website: http://t-doitsumura.co.jp/special_event/ (Japanese only)
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