5 Winter Illuminations You Can't Miss!
Nothing goes hand in hand with winter in Japan like illuminations! As the weather gets colder, Japan lights up at night and we've pulled together our top 5 spots to visit!
Tokyo German Village (Chiba)
How to get there:
By Car: 70 minute drive from Tokyo station with parking available on site (¥1,000 to ¥1,500 depending on the season)
By public transport: From Chiba station (East Exit) take the ‘カピーナ号’ bus to stop 21
During the illumination period there’s a direct bus from Sodegaura station. Check here for a detailed guide for more details
Like Disneyland, Tokyo German Village is actually in Chiba not in Tokyo!
Get into a festive winter spirit with the illuminations in this expansive park! The theme of the 2025 illumination is street art, with familiar art works like the Mona Lisa interpreted in a fun and sparkly new way
Don't miss seeing the whole park glow from up high on the ferris wheel
Light up period: 1 November 2025 to 5 April 2026
Entry: ¥1,000 per person
Yukiakari (Hottoyuda Station, Iwate)
How to get there:
By Car: 75 minutes from from Morioka Station
By public transport: From Sendai Station, take the Yamabiko Shinkansen to Kitakami Station, and then change to the Kitakami Line for Hottoyuda Station
Nishigawa is a sleepy town that is usually passed by on the way to other places, but you shouldn't miss this special light up that's held only once a year!
Right in front of Hottoyuda Station, this very local snow illumination is the pride of residents, with their high quality snow sculptures - not expected from this rural location
Hottoyuda Station is also one of the few train stations that has an onsen inside the station! A traffic light inside the bath lets you konw when a train is departing so you can bathe without worrying about missing the next train
Light up period: 7 February 2026
Entry: Free
Kobe Luminarie (Kobe)
How to get there:
The illumination is spread out through Central Kobe
Start from Motomachi Station or Sannomiya Station and walk down the Kitano-cho area to Meriken Park
Unlike most winter illuminations in Japan, the Kobe Luminarie starts well after Christmas and into the New Year
The story behind these dazzling lights is actually a very sobering one, as the Kobe Luminarie commemorates the devestating Hanshin earthquake in 1995 and was conceived as a way to bring light back into a community rebuilding, honour those who had passed and bring tourists back into the area
This illumination is a community favourite not just for its beautiful display, but for the message behind them
Light up period: 30 January 2026 to 7 February 2026
Entry: Free to ¥1,500 for the light installations in Meriken Park (tickets can be pre-bought here)
South East Botanical Gardens (Okinawa)
How to get there:
By Car: 50 minutes from Naha Airport
If you're not a big fan of the cold or just want to be able to walk around all night without feeling like your fingers might fall off, then Okinawa might be the perfect winter place for you in Japan
The South East Botanical Gardens is perfect for spending a day (and night) out for people of all ages
Their award winning lotus flower illumination is a must see!
Light up period: 24 October 2025 to 24 May 2026 (5pm to 10pm)
Entry: ¥2,500 for a night pass & ¥2,850 for an all day pass
Sendai Hikari no Pageant (Sendai, Miyagi)
How to get there:
By public transport: From Sendai Station, take the Nanboku Subway line to Kotodai Koen Station (West Exit) and you'll be able to see the illumination as soon as you exit
The Sendai Pageant of Starlight (or Hikari no pageant) is a simple yet impressive illumination display with 127 Zelkova trees lit up aligning Joenji Dori in the middle of the city
The dazzling glow of these lights reflect warmly on the city buildings
Join with the local residents to watch the lights turn on all at once and share in the warm communal glow of the city
While walking down the street, keep a lookout for a single pink light! Rumour has it, if you spot this light you'll find love!
Light up period: 5 December 2025 to 28 December 2025 (6pm to 10pm, 7pm start on weekdays and 9pm finish on Sundays)
Entry: Free
Want the inside scoop on hidden gems in Japan, discover Japan travel tips, and explore the best of this amazing country? Follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, or pretty much wherever we pop up online. Your curiosity is what makes this journey fun, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the ride 🧡