Easy Winter Trip Add-ons! Top 13 Illuminations in Japan to Love

Huis Ten Bosch is a theme park located in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, known for its recreation of European cityscapes, particularly Dutch towns. Visitors here are greeted with the delight of plenty to try and see around the park. The illumination event held at Huis Ten Bosch is called the "Kingdom of Light" and can be enjoyed 365 days a year, unlike many other events. It is known as one of the largest scale illuminations in the world, using 13 million light bulbs. The volume of lights, the vast area over which the event is held, and the numerous top-level productions are just some of the reasons so many love to visit here. Swing on by and prepare to lose yourself in the sheer stunning beauty that awaits.

Ashikaga Flower Park, located in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a flower theme park, as its name suggests. It is famous for its seasonal flowers and a wisteria tree that is over 160 years old. Visitors can experience a world of flowers in full bloom, with new discoveries to be made with each visit.
The park's main illumination event, The garden of illuminated flowers, is a major draw, blending the best of flowers and lights, including spots that recreate the four seasons of Japan using lights. The event highlights the Japanese aesthetic of fleeting beauty, with productions that simulate the life cycle of the park's symbolic wisteria tree and the changing of the seasons. This event offers a chance to experience Japanese culture through the medium of illumination.

The Sapporo White Illumination is one event held over multiple spots across the city of Sapporo in Hokkaido. The dazzling world of shimmering lights set against the snowy backdrop creates a truly fantastical atmosphere, making visitors feel as if they have stepped into another world. Being able to enjoy the illuminations amidst the snow-covered city adds to the event’s winter charm, making it a quintessential winter experience. The event is held in areas packed with tourist attractions, making it easy to incorporate into travel plans.

The SENDAI Pageant of Light was created in 1986 with the hopes of "brightening up Sendai in winter" and "transforming the City of Trees into a City of Light." The zelkova trees on the Jozenji-dori Avenue, the main street that represents the City of Trees, is the main drag for this illumination. Both locals and savvy travelers know there is so much to love at this wintertime tradition as a new world of fantasy and light take over Sendai.
The event is held from the beginning of December to the end of the year, with a different theme each year, and creates a spectacular world of light by using approximately 470,000 LED lights on 125 zelkova trees.

The TOKYO MEGA ILLUMINATION, a winter-exclusive illumination event, takes place at the Ooi Racecourse in Shinagawa on non-racing days. Its popularity is evident as it has ranked first for three consecutive years in the Walker Plus "Must-See Illuminations in Japan" and also clinched the top spot for the first time in the "Illuminations in Japan Worth Visiting" rankings.
The major attractions of TOKYO MEGA ILLUMINATION include:
・The grand illumination that takes advantage of the vastness and openness unique to the racecourse.
・The daily horse events.
These features create a unique combination of "Illumination × Horses" that utilizes the characteristics of the racecourse. We highly recommend experiencing this unique spectacle that can only be witnessed here.

Yomiuriland, straddling the areas of Inagi City in Tokyo and Kawasaki City in Kanagawa, is a historic amusement park representing both Tokyo and Kanagawa. With just about 30 minutes of travel from Shinjuku by train, the park is also very accessible. Held within Yomiuriland, the “Jewellumination” is among the most popular illumination events in the Kanto region. Using the world’s first jewel-colored LED lights, the park sparkles brilliantly, transforming into a dream-like space during the event. Unique to amusement park illumination events, visitors can enjoy the lights while riding on attractions. From the Ferris wheel, not only can you get a panoramic view of the park, illuminated and sparkling, but also see other lit-up landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree.

Held at Tokinosumika, "Hikari no Sumika" is an illumination event that lights up the area with captivating displays. Tokinosumika, located in Gotemba City in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a comprehensive leisure facility known for its unique accommodations, hot springs, and various recreational spots. It’s a place where you can fully enjoy everything from fun activities to relaxing experiences. In 2023, "Hikari no Sumika" was revamped, now featuring various productions themed around the power and blessings of Mount Fuji. The event’s highlights include colorful lights and highly theatrical presentations. Additionally, there are areas where visitors can enjoy the illuminations for free, which is definitely a plus.

"Aze no Kirameki " is a unique illumination event held at Shiroyone Senmaida, a terraced rice field in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Shiroyone Senmaida is not only a beautiful natural scenic spot designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty, but it’s also a popular tourist destination. What makes this illumination event so special is the way it utilizes the unique terrain of the terraced rice fields. Bulbs are placed along the ridges of the fields, creating a path of light that spreads out like a road. This three-dimensional effect, achieved by using the slopes of the terraced fields, results in a one-of-a-kind illumination experience that can only be witnessed at Shiroyone Senmaida. Another appealing aspect of this event is its tranquil setting, allowing visitors to enjoy the lights at their own pace, away from large crowds.

Osaka Castle, located in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, is a popular tourist destination with a rich history. It was constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a warlord who unified Japan, and has since been designated as a Special Historic Site and a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. The illumination event held at this historic location is known as "Osaka Castle Illuminage."

Set against the backdrop of Osaka Castle’s iconic main tower, visitors can enjoy unique illuminations that are quintessentially Osaka. This event allows attendees to experience the history and culture of Osaka through light, making it a highly recommended addition to any Osaka travel itinerary.

Tottori hanakairo-Flower park, located in Nambu Town in Saihaku District, Tottori Prefecture, is one of the largest flower parks in Japan. It hosts an illumination event known as the "Winter Flower Illumination." With a display featuring a million light bulbs, it’s one of the largest illumination events in the Chugoku region, where Tottori Prefecture is located.

The event showcases a variety of performances that take full advantage of the flower park's unique features, creating an atmosphere that is both fantastical and elegant. One of the highlights of the event is the firework display under the clear winter night sky.

Huis Ten Bosch's "Kingdom of Lights," selected as one of Japan's three major illumination displays, offers a year-round illumination experience, along with seasonal events tailored to enhance the visitor's enjoyment. One such event is "Christmas in the City of Lights," held during the winter season.

A highlight of the event is the Christmas Town, where a Christmas market opens with plenty of uniquely local and festive vibes. At the heart of this town is a square illuminated by Japan's first three-story merry-go-round, creating a fantastical ambiance. Here, visitors can enjoy stage shows, indulge in Christmas-themed gourmet food, and shop for holiday merchandise, all while soaking up the Christmas spirit.

If you're looking to create memorable moments during the Christmas season, especially for a romantic date, this is the place to be.

The "Winter Fantasy" illumination event takes place in the "Sanuki Mannou National Government Park," a national park located in Mannou Town, Nakatado District, Kagawa Prefecture. The park's 350-hectare property showcases a variety of enchanting illuminations, creating a stunning visual experience for visitors.

One of the event's highlights is the way it seamlessly integrates the illuminations with the surrounding natural environment, providing a unique opportunity to enjoy both nature and the dazzling light displays. This combination of natural beauty and man-made illumination is a rare find, even in Japan.

Located in Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture, the "Southeast Botanical Gardens" is a place where visitors can admire over 1,300 different species of plants, including some rare tropical species.

Held in this lush environment is the "Okinawa Tropical Illumination" event, a stunning display of lights intermingled with the many plants. The collaboration between the various plants and the lighting effects is a sight to behold, with highlights including displays inspired by the garden's unique hibiscus and lotus flowers.

While the illuminations create a fantastical atmosphere, the ambiance of the botanical garden itself adds an extra layer, resulting in a unique and enchanting experience.

Please note that the winter-exclusive illumination of Shirakawa-go is held only six times a year.