{"id":5496,"date":"2022-11-15T16:00:06","date_gmt":"2022-11-15T15:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=5496"},"modified":"2025-11-14T14:38:20","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T13:38:20","slug":"winter-illuminations-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/winter-illuminations-japan","title":{"rendered":"Best Winter Illuminations in Japan in 2025-2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Light festivals <\/strong>over the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/christmas-in-japan\">Christmas period<\/a> have become huge events in Japan. Every year the spectacular displays become even more <strong>extravagant and breathtaking<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>They typically take place in <strong>November and December<\/strong>. However, some start as early as October and others go on until February or even later in the spring. Here is a guide to some of the very<strong> best illuminations<\/strong> you can see in Japan this winter.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>If you want to catch <strong>numerous light festivals<\/strong>, you can use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/\">JR Pass<\/a> to quickly travel between cities by bullet train.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Marunouchi_Illumination_Tokyo\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Marunouchi Illumination (Tokyo)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Shinjuku_Winter_Illumination_Tokyo\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Shinjuku Winter Illumination (Tokyo)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Yomiuri_Land_Jewellumination_Tokyo\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Yomiuri Land Jewellumination (Tokyo)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Country_Farm_Tokyo_German_Village_near_Tokyo\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Country Farm Tokyo German Village (near Tokyo)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Tokyo_Dome_City_Winter_Illumination\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Tokyo_Midtown_Christmas_Illumination\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">6<\/span> Tokyo Midtown Christmas Illumination<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Midosuji_Illumination_Osaka\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">7<\/span> Midosuji Illumination (Osaka)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Osaka8217s_Hikari_Renaissance\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">8<\/span> Osaka&#8217;s Hikari Renaissance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Nabana_No_Sato_Nagoya\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">9<\/span> Nabana No Sato (Nagoya)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Kobe_Luminarie\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">10<\/span> Kobe Luminarie<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Sagamiko_Illumillion_Kanagawa\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">11<\/span> Sagamiko Illumillion (Kanagawa)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Ashikaga_Flower_Fantasy_Tochigi\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">12<\/span> Ashikaga Flower Fantasy (Tochigi)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Sapporo_White_Illumination\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">13<\/span> Sapporo White Illumination<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Shirakawa-go_Winter_Light-Up\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">14<\/span> Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Marunouchi_Illumination_Tokyo\">Marunouchi Illumination (Tokyo)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5498\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/maronouchi-winter-illumiination-tokyo.jpg\" alt=\"Maronouchi Winter Illumination, Tokyo\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/maronouchi-winter-illumiination-tokyo.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/maronouchi-winter-illumiination-tokyo-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This entire neighborhood, a prominent business district, lights up for the winter season. <strong>Nakadori Street is the focal point<\/strong> for displays, and this year around 360 trees will be lit up with around 1.2 million champagne-color LED bulbs.<\/p>\n<p>Several buildings in the district will also be illuminated. These include <strong>Marunouchi<\/strong> House, which has a fully lit-up 7th-floor terrace complete with seating and outdoor heating. The nearby Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station will be illuminated as well.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Runs from<\/strong>: November 13, 2025 to February 15, 2026<\/li>\n<li><strong>Illumination times<\/strong>: 4:00 p.m. to 11 p.m. (until midnight in December)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: Near Tokyo Station (Marunouchi Exit)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: Free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Shinjuku_Winter_Illumination_Tokyo\">Shinjuku Winter Illumination (Tokyo)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5501\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/shinjuku-southern-terrace-winter-illumination-tokyo.jpg\" alt=\"Shinjuku's Southern Terrace Winter Illumination, Tokyo\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/shinjuku-southern-terrace-winter-illumination-tokyo.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/shinjuku-southern-terrace-winter-illumination-tokyo-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The stunning event features various kinds of illuminations as well as sumptuously decorated Christmas trees. It\u2019s estimated that <strong>around 170,000 LED bulbs will be used<\/strong> to bring all the lights to life.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Runs from<\/strong>: November\u00a0 to February<\/li>\n<li><strong>Illumination times<\/strong>: 5 p.m. to midnight (from 4:30 p.m. in December)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: Near <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shinjuku-station\">Shinjuku Station<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: Free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Yomiuri_Land_Jewellumination_Tokyo\">Yomiuri Land Jewellumination (Tokyo)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-18344 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/yomiuri-land-jewellumination-tokyo-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Yomiuri Land Jewellumination (Tokyo)\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/yomiuri-land-jewellumination-tokyo-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/yomiuri-land-jewellumination-tokyo-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/yomiuri-land-jewellumination-tokyo-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/yomiuri-land-jewellumination-tokyo.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll find <strong>one of the largest light displays in Japan\u2019s capital<\/strong> at the Yomiuri Land theme park just outside the city center. All the attractions are coated in LED lights to resemble sparkling jewels, and the effect is dazzling.<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s more, there\u2019s an <strong>180-meter-long Love Tunnel<\/strong> where the word \u2018love\u2019 is spelled out in rainbow colors in different languages. The park also puts on a daily light fountain show where sprays of illuminated water dance along to music.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Runs from<\/strong>: October 23, 2025 to April 5, 2026 (closed on select days)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Illumination times<\/strong>: 4 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: Keio Yomiuri Land Station<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: 1800 yen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Country_Farm_Tokyo_German_Village_near_Tokyo\">Country Farm Tokyo German Village (near Tokyo)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5507\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/country-farm-tokyo-german-village-winter-illumination.jpg\" alt=\"Country Farm Tokyo German Village winter illuminations\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/country-farm-tokyo-german-village-winter-illumination.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/country-farm-tokyo-german-village-winter-illumination-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>nature-themed park<\/strong> creates an enchanting fairytale world which features 3 million LED lights. The 70m long tunnel of lights is magnificent.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s also an area where children can play with a giant electrical socket that triggers a series of glowing steps. Guests can also <strong>enjoy light and sound shows and the park\u2019s first-ever Christmas market<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Runs from<\/strong>: November to April 6<\/li>\n<li><strong>Illumination times<\/strong>: Sunset &#8211; 8 p.m. (last admission 19:30)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: 15 min walk from Sodegaura Bus Station<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: 3.000 yen\/car, public transportation: 500 yen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Tokyo_Dome_City_Winter_Illumination\">Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5510\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/tokyo-dome-winter-illumination.jpg\" alt=\"Tokyo Dome winter illumination\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/tokyo-dome-winter-illumination.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/tokyo-dome-winter-illumination-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The amazing winter illumination is spread over many areas around the Dome and the adjoining amusement park. It often uses <strong>over 2 million LED lights<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Runs from<\/strong>: November to February<\/li>\n<li><strong>Illumination times<\/strong>: 5 p.m. to midnight<\/li>\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: Near Suid\u014dbashi Station<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: Free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Tokyo_Midtown_Christmas_Illumination\">Tokyo Midtown Christmas Illumination<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5513\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5513\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5513 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/tokyo-starlight-garden-winter-illumination.jpg\" alt=\"Tokyo Starlight Garden winter illumination\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/tokyo-starlight-garden-winter-illumination.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/tokyo-starlight-garden-winter-illumination-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5513\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tokyo Starlight Garden Winter Illumination &#8211; Photo by Kakidai under (<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" rel=\"nofollow\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Midtown illumination offers various light displays, including the renowned <strong>Starlight Garden<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The illumination is <strong>particularly popular on December 24th<\/strong>. It has become a tradition for couples to bring and share a bottle of champagne under the lights on this date. If you\u2019re feeling brave, also consider going for a skate on the ice rink next door.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Runs<\/strong> <strong>from<\/strong>: November 13 to December 25<\/li>\n<li><strong>Illumination<\/strong> <strong>times<\/strong>: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: Near Roppongi Station<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: Free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Midosuji_Illumination_Osaka\">Midosuji Illumination (Osaka)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5517\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/midosuji-winter-illumination-osaka.jpg\" alt=\"Midosuji Winter Illumination, Osaka\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/midosuji-winter-illumination-osaka.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/midosuji-winter-illumination-osaka-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This wonderful light show stretches for up to 4 kilometers through central Osaka between Umeda and Namba, <strong>all the way along Midosuji Street<\/strong>. It\u2019s one of the world\u2019s longest illuminated streets, and set a world record in 2015.<\/p>\n<p>The hundreds of ginkgo trees all along the route are draped in multicolored lights, and several historic buildings and storefronts are illuminated as well. This year will also feature the debut of various<strong> laser displays and projection mapping shows<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Runs from<\/strong>: November 3 to December 31, 2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>Illumination times<\/strong>: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: Near Yodoyabashi and Shinsaibashi stations<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: Free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Osaka8217s_Hikari_Renaissance\">Osaka&#8217;s Hikari Renaissance<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5520\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5520\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5520\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/osaka-hikari-renaissance.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka Hikari Renaissance\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/osaka-hikari-renaissance.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/osaka-hikari-renaissance-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5520\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Osaka Hikari Renaissance &#8211; Photo by Oilstreet under (<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/deed.en\" rel=\"nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This illumination event is <strong>held on Osaka\u2019s Nakanoshima Island<\/strong>, which is sandwiched between the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers\u200b. The vast amount of light used spectacularly illuminates the surrounding water, helped by the many colorful boats that drift on the surface.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, several of <strong>Osaka\u2019s historic buildings are lit up<\/strong> with creative, entertaining displays and projection mapping. These include the Osaka City Hall, and the Nakanoshima Library. Various art installations and food-sellers help to create a unique, festive atmosphere.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Runs from<\/strong>: December 14 to December 25, 2025<\/li>\n<li><strong>Illumination times<\/strong>: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: Near Yodoyabashi and Naniwabashi stations<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: Free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Nabana_No_Sato_Nagoya\">Nabana No Sato (Nagoya)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5523\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/nabana-no-sato-nagoya-illuminations.jpg\" alt=\"Nabana No Sato Winter Illuminations, near Nagoya\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/nabana-no-sato-nagoya-illuminations.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/nabana-no-sato-nagoya-illuminations-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This light festival is held at a family-friendly theme park just outside of Nagoya and features <strong>more than 5.8 million LED lights<\/strong>. It takes thousands of workers 4 months to set up the magnificent display.<\/p>\n<p>Visitors can walk through a vast field that resembles a <strong>massive illuminated flower garden<\/strong>, and ascend to a viewing deck to see the outlines of figures and shapes from above. There\u2019s also a range of on-site <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-onsen-in-japan\">open-air hot springs<\/a> you can enjoy!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Runs from<\/strong>: October 18, 2025 to May 31, 2026 (closed select days)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Illumination times<\/strong>: Sunset to 21:00 (until 22:00 select days)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: Express bus from Nagoya Bus Station<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: 2500 yen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Kobe_Luminarie\">Kobe Luminarie<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5526\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5526\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5526\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/kobe-luminarie.jpg\" alt=\"Kobe Luminarie\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/kobe-luminarie.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/kobe-luminarie-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5526\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kobe Luminarie &#8211; Photo by 663highland under (<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Kobe Luminarie is one of the <strong>oldest Japanese light festivals<\/strong>, dating back to 1995. It draws millions of visitors each year and is held in memory of the victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake and to inspire hope for the future.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Runs from<\/strong>: January 30 to February 8, 2026<\/li>\n<li><strong>Illumination times<\/strong>: 5:30 p.m.to 9:30 p.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: Near Motomachi Station or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sannomiya-station-kobe\">Sannomiya Station<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: Free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Sagamiko_Illumillion_Kanagawa\">Sagamiko Illumillion (Kanagawa)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5529\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/sagamiko-illumillion-kanagawa.jpg\" alt=\"Sagamiko Illumillion, Kanagawa\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/sagamiko-illumillion-kanagawa.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/sagamiko-illumillion-kanagawa-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Set in the beautiful surroundings of<strong> Lake Sagami Resort Pleasure Forest<\/strong>, this is one of the largest light festivals in the Kanto Region. The forest\u2019s hillsides are fully decked out with around 6 million different colored LED lights.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s <strong>an incredible animated light show<\/strong> as well as an illuminated fountain that dances to music. Additional features include light tunnels, theme park rides such as a Ferris wheel, and a hillside chairlift.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Runs from<\/strong>: November 15, 2025 to May 10, 2026<\/li>\n<li><strong>Illumination times<\/strong>: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (until 8:30 p.m., 9 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. on select days)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: Short bus ride from Sagamiko Station<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: 2,000 yen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Ashikaga_Flower_Fantasy_Tochigi\">Ashikaga Flower Fantasy (Tochigi)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-18349 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ashikaga-flower-fantasy-tochigi-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Achikaga Flower Fantasy (Tochigi)\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ashikaga-flower-fantasy-tochigi-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ashikaga-flower-fantasy-tochigi-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ashikaga-flower-fantasy-tochigi-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ashikaga-flower-fantasy-tochigi.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Held in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/ashikaga-flower-park\">Ashikaga Flower Park<\/a>, Ashikaga Flower Fantasy uses<strong> over 5 million LED lights<\/strong> to simulate a full bloom in winter. Three different themes will be rotated over the season; Lights and Amethyst Sage, Christmas Fantasy, and Winter Peonies.<\/p>\n<p>The park makes up for the lack of flowers by draping colorful illuminations over its numerous cherry trees, sage bushes, and its famous great wisteria tree. The <strong>massive illumination Flower Castle<\/strong> will also make a comeback.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Runs from<\/strong>: Mid October to Mid February<\/li>\n<li><strong>Illumination times<\/strong>: 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: Near JR Ashikaga Flower Park Station<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: 1,400 yen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Sapporo_White_Illumination\">Sapporo White Illumination<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5535\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/sapporo-white-illumination.jpg\" alt=\"Sapporo White Illumination\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/sapporo-white-illumination.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/sapporo-white-illumination-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This traditional light festival dates back to 1981. It features several spectacular illuminations which take place at various locations<strong> in and around Odori park<\/strong>. Visitors can also check out a traditional German Christmas market.<\/p>\n<p>The snowy setting has a unique, festive feel. Sapporo is also a great winter destination if you are looking for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/skiing-snowboarding-japan\">best ski resorts in Japan<\/a>!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Runs<\/strong>: November 21 to March 18<\/li>\n<li><strong>Illumination times<\/strong>: Sunset to Midnight<\/li>\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: Close to Odori Station<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: Free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Shirakawa-go_Winter_Light-Up\">Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5538\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/shirakawa-go-winter-light-up.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakawa-go Winter Light-up\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/shirakawa-go-winter-light-up.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/shirakawa-go-winter-light-up-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shirakawago-travel-guide\">Shirakawa-go village<\/a> is magical at any time of the year due to its charming gassho-zukuri farmhouses with their steep roofs and unique design. But the sheer amount of snow in the colder months turns the place into a <strong>picturesque winter landscape<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>dazzling illumination events which take place on Sundays<\/strong> in January and February make the village even more special. As the events have become so popular, only a limited number of tourists are let in at a time. So be sure to reserve in advance.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Illuminated on<\/strong>: January 12, 18, 25, and February 1 2026<\/li>\n<li><strong>Illumination times<\/strong>: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Access<\/strong>: Near Shirakawago Bus Terminal<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: Free<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<p><em>Cover photo: Shibuya Blue Cave \u2013 by @\u9752\u306e\u6d1e\u7a9fSHIBUYA \u5b9f\u884c\u59d4\u54e1\u4f1a<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Light festivals over the Christmas period have become huge events in Japan. Every year the spectacular displays become even more extravagant and breathtaking. They typically take place in November and December. However, some start as early as October and others go on until February or even later in the spring. Here is a guide to some of the very best illuminations you can see in Japan this winter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5541,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[92],"tags":[],"acf":{"related_tours":{"tour_number":false},"pageresume":"Light festivals over the Christmas period have become huge events in Japan. Every year the spectacular displays become even more extravagant and breathtaking.","bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"","shortcodes":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Best Winter Illuminations in Japan 2025-2026 | JRailPass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The best light festivals happen in Japan this winter. Uncover the most stunning illuminations to see over the festive period in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and more!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5496\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Best Winter Illuminations in Japan 2025-2026 | JRailPass\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The best light festivals happen in Japan this winter. Uncover the most stunning illuminations to see over the festive period in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and more!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/winter-illuminations-japan\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Japan Rail Pass Travel Blog | JRailPass\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-11-15T15:00:06+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-14T13:38:20+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/japan-best-winter-illuminations.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"JRailPass\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/winter-illuminations-japan#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/winter-illuminations-japan\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"JRailPass\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/0af8e877c84593eb4df7dcd8cc76bbb2\"},\"headline\":\"Best Winter Illuminations in Japan in 2025-2026\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-11-15T15:00:06+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-14T13:38:20+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/winter-illuminations-japan\"},\"wordCount\":1408,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Travel Guides\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/winter-illuminations-japan#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/winter-illuminations-japan\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/winter-illuminations-japan\",\"name\":\"Best Winter Illuminations in Japan 2025-2026 | JRailPass\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2022-11-15T15:00:06+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-14T13:38:20+00:00\",\"description\":\"The best light festivals happen in Japan this winter. 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