Famous for its powdery white snow and ultra-luxe ski chalets, Niseko is normally considered to be a wintertime destination for avid skiers and snowboarders. Rather than being a seasonal destination, however, this Hokkaido town has a lot to offer in its greener months, especially with the return of a captivating art installation by the English-Australian artist Bruce Munro. Famed for his large-scale, site-specific light installations – such as the 'Field of Light' sculptures gracing locales from Paso Robles, California to Uluru, Australia – Munro illuminates Niseko anew with his awe-inspiring creation, 'Mountain Lights'.
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Open now through October 6 2024, this installation at Hanazono Niseko Resort is on show for its third summer in Japan. Inspired by universal human experiences and the metaphorical fires kindled by close relationships, 'Mountain Lights' resonates with various indigenous communities globally, including the Ainu, the native people of Hokkaido.
Spanning an impressive 1.3km, the installation brings together 180,000 points of light, artfully crafted to mimic the region's fireflies. While you can walk along the installation, the most striking views are arguably from above. Visitors will find themselves entranced by the twinkling lights as they journey overhead in Hanazono's ten-person gondola. With changing seasons subtly transforming the exhibit, 'Mountain Lights' offers a fresh experience each time.
Online ticket purchases receive a discount, with general public prices set at ¥2,800 (¥3,500 at the venue) and children ages 6 to 12 at ¥1,280 (¥1,600 at the venue). Preschool students or younger can visit for free. The exhibition opens at sunset, the time of which varies seasonally – check the event website for details.
Step into this glowing spectacle and let the 'Mountain Lights' of Niseko redefine your summer and autumn evenings.
This article was originally published on April 6 2022 and updated on July 26 2024.
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