Nov 19, 2019
Winter illumination recommendations in Japan
I'm quite a fan of Japan's winter illuminations and have been to plenty of spots in Tokyo -- Marunouchi, Shinjuku, Solamachi, Odaiba, Shiodome, Tokyo Midtown, Omotesando, Yebisu Garden Place. Anything I'm missing? Or any winter illuminations further afield that might warrant a trip out of town? Particularly interested in illuminations that are romantic and moody rather than, say, those with loads of crazy colors and designs.
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on Nov 19
If you’re looking for an escape from Tokyo, I’d highly recommend the Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up. Such a lovely place at any time of the year, but particularly magical during the light-up season - January 13 and every Sunday until February 16. “The sheer amount of snow transforms Shirakawa-go village into a picturesque winter landscape. The special illumination events make the place even more special.”
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on Nov 19
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on Nov 19
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on Nov 19
One of my favorite urban illumination is Yebisu Garden Place Winter Illumination running until January 13th. The Baccarat chandelier, Christmas market and lots of places to eat and drink make it a great date spot. I only know Chiba Pref. locations. Kashiwa no Ha campus LaLaport area has a gorgeous light up. Another spectacular one, not all crazy colors and gimmicks, is Inzai City.
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on Nov 19
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on Nov 20
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on Nov 22
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on Nov 22
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on Nov 22
@TonetoEdo - Yea, Garden Place is nice. Went there last year, or a couple of years ago. It's nice having the small market there, too, so you can pick up a hot drink to warm up with / walk around with. Plus, Ebisu is just a nice area anyway. Inzai City? Didn't see that one coming. Perhaps I'll give it a look. Can't be too far from me.
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on Nov 22
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on Nov 23
Sendai's Pageant of Starlight might be right up your alley, with a whole street and park lit up in fairy lights, more atmospheric and romantic than high-tech. The light-up starts on December 6th and will end on the 31st with a few events inbetween including a parade of Santa Claus look-alikes at one point. More information is available on the Sendai Tourism Website: https://sendaihikape.jp/
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on Nov 24
For moody, this fall light up in Takeo, Saga Prefecture was crowded, but amazing: https://www.teamlab.art/e/mifuneyamarakuen I blogged about it last year: https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/helloalissa/MnaXO-living_saga_takeo_shi_saga There are probably more wintery Teamlab outdoor illuminations closer to Tokyo with a similar vibe.
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on Nov 26
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on Nov 26
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on Nov 26
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on Dec 12
Go to Chichibu's Ashigakubo Icicles in Chichibu, Saitama. They lit it up at night. They also have amazake, which is perfect for its cold atmosphere. https://travel.gaijinpot.com/icicles-of-ashigakubo/ I think there's also an illumination at Moominvalley Park in Hanno, Saitama. It's just an hour away from Ikebukuro.
16 Answers