Some of the highlights of these colder months are the beautiful night scenes and illuminations. You can find various winter illuminations across most large cities in Japan, and some of these are famous across the World. Each year these illuminations grow even more spectacular and extravagant.

Sometimes it’s hard to encourage yourself to go outside in the colder months, so these events are a great way to enjoy some time outside while getting festive and having fun. Make sure to wrap up warm before you leave your apartment! Most illuminations have stalls of some kind so you can expect to find food or snacks as well as souvenirs, and perhaps some hot wine!

Sagamiko Illumillion (Kanagawa)

The Sagamiko Illumination, known as the “Sagamiko illumillion” is one of Kanto’s largest illuminations, set in the magical Lake Sagami Resort Pleasure Forest in Kanagawa Prefecture.

With over 6 million lights, Sagamiko Illumination is an impressive display; the hills are covered in sparkling colors. There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained; with a chair lift, Ferris wheel, and other amusement rides, a water fountain that dances to music on top of the gorgeous light displays, an animated light show, and light tunnels.

The Sagamiko Illumination is held each year from November until April from sunset to 8 pm, although sometimes it stays open until 9:30 pm. Entry is 1000 yen. Please check out the Sagamiko Illumillion website for up-to-date information.

Tokyo Midtown Illumination (Tokyo)

If you find yourself in or near Tokyo, please check out the Tokyo Midtown Illumination. It is one of Tokyo’s best illuminations and it will have you feeling very festive. Tokyo Midtown is a large complex in the Roppongi area, including restaurants, cafes, shops, museums, offices, gardens, and residences. In the center of Tokyo Midtown, you can find the Midtown Tower, one of Tokyo’s tallest buildings at 248 meters.

It is incredibly popular in the days running up to Christmas. There are Christmas trees, illuminations, decorations, and fun musical performances. There is a giant snow globe too, as well as smoke and bubbles for a fun sensory experience. One of the highlights of the Tokyo Midtown Illumination are the Christmas Story Lights, some beautiful light displays illustrating the story of Christmas Day.

The Tokyo Midtown Illumination features the city’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink, open until February 26th. You can enjoy skating for a small cost which includes skate rental.  It is a fun activity for children and families, friends, and couples – if you haven’t tried it before, perhaps this winter is the season for it!

It runs from November 17th to December 25th and is open from 5 pm to 11 pm. You can find more information on the Tokyo Midtown Christmas website.

Nabana no Sato (Mie)

Nabana no Sato is a truly spectacular event. With millions of LED lights illuminating the flower park, Nabana no Sato is a sight to behold. Located in Nagashima, Kuwana City, in Mie Prefecture, close to Nagoya.

It is one of the largest illumination events in the area, with various attractions that appeal to people of all ages. The light tunnels make a great photo opportunity, as well as the observation deck where visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the illuminations. There is also an animated light show that will take you into a trance. Expect to see beautiful images of nature illustrated in the lights: mountains, flowers, oceans, waterfalls, the lights bring them all to life.

It tends to get cold in Nagashima, so you’ll want to wrap up warm if you are going to visit. At the height of winter, you may even get snow during your visit to Nabana no Sato. You may want to make use of the access to open-air hot spring foot baths and spas to warm up and relax. If you get hungry, there are also plenty of restaurants and shops.

Nabana no Sato is held at Nagashima Spa Land around the picturesque lake. It runs from October to May, and it’s open from 5 pm until 10 pm. Entry is between 1500 yen and 2000 yen, but it includes 1000 yen worth of vouchers to use at the restaurants and other facilities. Check out the Nagashima Onsen website for more information (link in Japanese).

Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination (Tochigi)

Flower Fantasy, the Ashikaga Flower Park illumination, is located in Tochigi Prefecture, just a few hours north of Tokyo city. The illuminations replicate the flowers at the park through all the seasons, including the park’s iconic wisteria blooms. It’s a colorful and breathtaking affair.

You can find light tunnels, projections, and audiovisual shows at the Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination. Since it is a flower park, you’ll also be able to take in all the beautiful winter blooms. It’s one of Japan’s biggest illuminations, so it’s not to be missed if you are ever nearby.

The Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination runs from November to February from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Entry is 1200 yen. For more information, check out the official Ashikaga Flower Park website.

Kobe Luminarie (Hyogo)

One of the oldest winter illuminations in Japan, Kobe Luminarie began in 1995, in the wake of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, honoring its victims and inspiring hope in recovery.

Kobe Luminarie is one of the most popular illuminations, drawing large crowds to Kobe’s city center to take in the ornate and vibrant light displays. These intricate designs were created by Italian artists, with over 200,000 hand-painted lights. The Kobe Luminarie lights are lit with electricity generated from biomass to be more eco-friendly.

It is held yearly each December, with the lights turned on each evening for about two weeks. Keep up to date with information on the Kobe Luminarie through their website.

From the botanical Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination immersed in nature, to Tokyo Midtown Illumination, right in the middle of the largest city, there are many ways to enjoy illuminations and get into the festive spirit!

As well as our recommendations, there are so many other magical illuminations around the country. There are probably some illuminations much closer to your apartment, so it’s worth checking these out too. We hope you enjoy your trips to the illuminations and all the winter festivities!