Hakodate, a popular tourist destination in Hokkaido favoured for its ultra-fresh seafood and stately Western architecture, is also known to have one of the top three night views in Japan. This winter, that scenery is about to get even better. The city’s annual Hakodate Winter Festival has roped in the art-meets-technology experts from Naked Inc to put on new and exciting events featuring light shows with digital mapping special effects as well as fireworks (both digital and actual).
There are a few places where you can catch the Naked Kaleidoscope of Light events. We recommend that you start at the photogenic Motoizaka Slope at the foot of Mt. Hakodate, known for its charming cobblestone streets. The surrounding historical buildings will be illuminated in multi-coloured lights from 5pm to 10pm daily until March 31.
At the top of Motoizaka Slope is Motomachi park, popular for its superb view overlooking the city. The stairs at the park’s main entrance has a projection mapping special effect that resembles fireworks exploding at Niagara Falls.
Walk to the top of the stairs and you’ll find an open space where the trees and the ground are covered in psychedelic specks of light.
Venture further into the park and locate the former Hakodate branch office of the Hokkaido government. The classical European-style building is lit up with more projection mapping visuals. The festival highlight, however, takes place just below the huge stairs, where you’ll be treated to a spectacular night view of Hakodate with digital fireworks lighting up the ground.
Come early at 8pm if you want to see an actual firework show. The projection mapping show and fireworks at Motomachi Park will only happen on selected days from 6pm-8.30pm starting February 10.
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