Sendai's Pageant of Starlight 2025: Lights and Ice

The Pageant of Starlight is currently happening along Jozenji Street in Sendai. Looking at the lights as they decorate the trees is free as always. My kid and I were both surprised to see a total of no food or drink booths on the way to the street down the main arcade, save for one single sweet potato roasting vehicle parked on an off street.

The lights were pretty as they always are and there or a few spots with raised platforms where one could get a really good selfie with the trees in the background.

In addition, there was a heart-shaped mirror photo op space that came complete with a very long line. We walked down the street and saw that the park at the far end of the street that had sported decorations along its resident vintage train engine was this year in darkness. 

There were however some lights at the other end of Jozenji Street.

Not only was there one single beverage booth but also heated indoor space with a very large tree, a differentiated indoor space with a small craft market of Christmas goods and a small outdoor skating rink. 

Because we were early in the month, we had the chance to skate for the low price of 1,500 Yen.

Each visitors now will pay 300 Yen more for skate rental and ice time. 

We found the experience to be exhilarating and fun. In the center of the rink is an excellent photo opportunity where a small raised platform sports a large well-lit heart in the middle. Perfect for couples on a date or people who are not as afraid of smashing their phone by falling down on it as I was. 

The event runs until Sunday December 28th. More details available on the event website here.