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Nov 30, 2022

Winter illuminations in Japan

What / where is your favorite winter illumination event in Japan and why?

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15 Answers

  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Dec 1

    When I lived in Tokyo I loved the Jewellumination at Yomiuriland -- it had such a magical atmosphere. Definitely worth visiting if you're in the area. Funnily enough there aren't really winter illuminations (at least not that I know of) in Niigata because of the snow. A lot of illumination events out this way are held earlier, like the Apallusion event at the APA Myoko Resort. It usually runs from July until November.

    1
  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Dec 7

    So I went to the Ikutopia illumination in the weekend, had only been there previously for their summer illuminations. It was really good! Very vibrant colors and the theme was light forest so it was very nature oriented as well. There's a small illumination at Aore Nagaoka as well which was pleasant because there were zero crowds.

    1
  • Eli

    Eli

    on Jan 17

    I went to see the illumination in Ashikaga Flower Park two years ago. It was very beautiful and had a lot of Christmas elements. It was very crowded though.

    1
  • TonetoEdo

    TonetoEdo

    on Jan 24

    A little late, but I always appreciated Omotesando Illumination which ran until the end of December 2022. The slope of the street and the backdrop of interesting architecture make the champagne-colored lights spectacular. Shinjuku Minamiilumi goes until mid-February this year. There are lots of good vantage points to see the lights.

    1
  • BigfamJapan

    BigfamJapan

    on Feb 5

    The one that instantly came to mind when I read the question is the illumination in Takasaki City. I was very impressed with the display in 2021. I think there are two main reasons - one, I didn't expect it to be as magical as it is. And two, I have a soft spot for Takasaki because that's where my Japan journey began more than 20 yeas ago! Seibuen's is always impressive, but this year it costs 4400 yen - there was no way I was paying that for illumination! Keyaki Hiroba in Saitama Shintoshin always has a nice display too.

    1
  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Nov 19

    A good reminder for anyone looking for events in their area, to search for イルミネーション on sites like PR Times. They have a ton of press releases for upcoming events, so you can often find event info that isn't publicized on other websites yet.

    0
  • JapanRamen

    JapanRamen

    on Jan 15

    My fav is Roppongi, but the crowd is not easy to navigate... Going there later is better than earlier!

    0
  • Ekimsaido

    Ekimsaido

    on Jun 1

    This is another event that I would want to see and experience this year. I am looking forward to my first ever Christmas here in Japan this December.

    0
  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Sep 21

    @Ekimsaido If I remember you're based in Chiba, right? https://t-doitsumura.co.jp/illumination/ The event at Tokyo German Village looks great and it starts on November 1st for this year!

    1
  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Sep 21

    @Ekimsaido Also, this site (in Japanese) has some other suggestions in Chiba that might interest you: https://illumi.walkerplus.com/ranking/ar0312/

    1
  • Ekimsaido

    Ekimsaido

    on Sep 21

    I appreciate your recommendations. I will take note of that. This will be my first winter in Japan so wish me luck. :)

    0
  • Ekimsaido

    Ekimsaido

    on Sep 21

    @genkidesu The Makuhari Illumination 23/24 Towards a New Future looks really cool and interesting. :)

    0
  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Sep 21

    @Ekimsaido Yes it looks like there are lots of good ones out your way! I hope you can enjoy a few of them!

    0
  • Ekimsaido

    Ekimsaido

    on Sep 23

    @genkidesu Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. I will definitely share my experience to all of you. :)

    0
  • genkidesu

    genkidesu

    on Dec 23

    For the video game lovers out there I definitely recommend the Marunouchi Bright Holiday event at Marucube! Easy to reach from Tokyo Station if you live or work in the city or you're just passing through for the holiday. It's Super Mario themed!

    0

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