Get out of Tokyo to see some of Japan’s biggest and most spectacular autumn-winter light shows, from Nagasaki to Aomori
We know Tokyo has some of the most spectacular illuminations, from the ever-popular Keyakizaka Illumination to the light sculptures created by artists and architects at Toranomon Hills. But the rest of Japan is full of similarly bright ideas worth catching the shinkansen for. Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi displays five million lights shaped like flowers, while Mie prefecture boasts one of the largest illuminations in Japan.
Read on for a list of the best illuminations in Japan.
RECOMMENDED: Prefer to stay in the city? Explore these illuminations and light displays in Tokyo
Until Feb 14
No need to wait until spring to see stunning purple wisterias. Ashikaga Flower Park is displaying five million flower-shaped lights including tulips, roses, water lilies, wisterias and more in every colour you can imagine. There are also large-scale illuminations shaped like adorable animals such as elephants, giraffes and penguins. What's more, you won't miss the gigantic white castle that sits in the middle of the rainbow field.
Until February 25
At the annual Ashigakubo Icicles event in Chichibu, Saitama prefecture, an entire forest is covered with massive icicles that are created by spraying water from a nearby stream into the cold winter air. The area is especially stunning after dark when the lights are switched on for a special illumination. The frozen formations, coupled with the colourful lights, really do create a surreal landscape and you'll feel like you’re walking through a scene from the movie ‘Frozen’.
The frozen forest is open daily from 9am to 4pm, but evening illuminations are only held on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from sunset to 8pm. More details here.
From Dec 15 to March 10
If you’re looking for a different kind of illumination, book a tour and take a journey through Oirase Gorge in Towada Hachimantai National Park this winter. The waterfalls here in Aomori prefecture freeze during the colder months, creating spectacular icicles (also known as ‘icefalls’) that look out of this world. Tickets cost ¥3,300-¥4,400 per person (children ¥1,650-¥2,200). You can book a spot on a tour here (in Japanese only).
Until February 25
The 2023 International Illumination Award-winning winter light-up at Reoma Resort in Kagawa prefecture is one of the biggest in the Chugoku-Shikoku region. The entire park is lit up with colourful lights until February 25, including its five biggest attractions: the ferris wheel, Vivace roller coaster, West Laker boat ride, 59-metre-tall spinning swing and Kindergarten Railroad train.
Don’t miss the magical evening parade happening only on weekends and holidays – except between December 23 and January 3 when it will be held daily. Plus, there’s also a spectacular six-minute rainbow fireworks show from December 23 to 30.
Enjoy the city at its most sparkly – when Tokyo switches on its festive lights and illuminations in winter
From snowy mountains to a white onsen town, there are plenty of places to make the most of the chilly season
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