Yousei-tachi no Gakuen (‘Academy of Faries’) is an illumination festival at Gunma Flower Park currently running until January 14, 2019. A large firework display is set for November 24 where 3,650 fireworks will be launched into the sky.
Gunma Flower Park ranked in 10th place in Japan’s 6th National Illumination Awards.
The park has been decorated with 1 million round lights for the event. Projection mapping is also being used and laser shows are taking place, all themed on fairies. Attendees are invited to board the locomotive to ride around the illuminated park with a guide on board.
The colour red flows through the greenhouse which has been potted with poinsettias, cyclamens and Christmas roses. There is also a large fir tree to complete the Christmas garden decked out with ornaments and gorgeous lights.
The shops and restaurant are also serving up a range of items and food for the event, making it the perfect place to visit with that special someone to make some wintertime memories.
Information
Illumination Festa “Yousei-tachi no Gakuen”
Address: Gunma Flower Park, 2471-7 Kashiwaguramachi, Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture
Running: November 3, 2018 – January 14, 2019
Opening Hours: 9:00-21:00 *Last entries at 20:30 (at 20:00 on December 31)
Price: Adults (High School Students and above): ¥600 / Children (Junior High School Students and below): Free
*Free for those with a disability when accompanied by a guardian (proof required)
*In the case of bad weather, the event will be postponed until the following day.
Flower Park Official Website: http://www.flower-park.jp/
Event Page: http://www.flower-park.jp/illumination
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Meguro River is famous for its cherry trees which line stretch 4km along the waters and bring beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. This winter, 'Megurogawa Minna no Illumi 2018' will take place from November 9, 2018 to January 6, 2019. Translating to 'Meguro River: Illuminations for Everyone,' the event will see the path along the river decorated with lights which will reflect off the water's surface.
The event was created out of locals' love for the town of Meguro. It's a time of mutual bonding and a reminder that winter is here. Last year, apartments in the neighbourhood and restaurants collected 5,500 litres of waste cooking oil which powered the generator for the lights. Waste cooking oils will be recycled again this year as biodiesel to power 100% of the illuminations. The Fuyu no Sakura® ('Winter Cherry Blossoms') flower viewing spot which was a huge hit last year will make an appearance again this year. People will be able to enjoy the 'winter cherry blossoms'ーthe pink illuminationsーfrom the comfort of one of the three garden igloos which all have different interiors. Sitting in one of these means you don't have to worry about wind, rain or cold weather. Fuyu no Sakura Locaion: Gotanda Fureai Waterside Square, Shinagawa Running: November 22, 2018 - December 26, 2018 This year marks the 9th run of Fuyu no Sakura®. The 100% local energy illuminations were picked up by news media both in Japan and overseas last year. The event also won second-place in the 2017 A' Design Award. If you missed the spring cherry blossoms in Japan and are travelling there in wintertime then enjoy some 'flower viewing' at Meguro River! Information
Megurogawa Minna no Illumi 2018
Locations: Meguro River / Gotanda Fureai Waterside Square (2-9 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa, Tokyo)
Illumination Period: November 9, 2018 – January 6, 2019
Illumination Time: 17:00-22:00 (Will go ahead during rain)
*Closed during storms. Additionally, illumination time will begin at 17:30 on November 9 only.
Entry: Free
Access: 6-minutes on foot from Osaki Station and Gotanda Station via JR Lines
TEL: 03-5330-7675
Official Website: http://www.minna-no-illumi.com/
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Shinku no Hikari Machi ~Nihonbashi~ ("Town Illuminated in Deep Crimson ~Nihonbashi~") is a new event coming to Nihonbashi that's set to dye the town in deep red hues starting on November 30. The entire area along with Edo Sakura-dori will be illuminated by captivating crimson. Nihonbashi has a history with Edo period textile patterns, and this is what the event is themed on - it will combine patterns with winter lights. Some of the must-see illuminations around the town include Mitsui Honkan, a historical building that has been designated as important cultural property, Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, and COREDO Muromachi.
Also running alongside this event will be Edo Sakura Illumination 2018, another light-up extravaganza of crimson and champagne gold along Edo Sakura-dori which connects to Chuo-dori Street. While enjoying the lights you can enjoy the perfect winter food at the Attaka Fair which will be held at COREDO Muromachi and Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower. Those who take a photo of themselves at the fair on Instagram will receive a range of specially made products from around Japan to warm yourself up in winter. There will also be a talk event themed on appreciating the beauty of Edo patterns and Ise-katagami, the Japanese craft of making paper stencils for dyeing textiles. "Edo Komon Patterns x Winter Lights" Location: Chuo-dori (中央通り) Running: November 30, 2018 - December 28, 2018 Time: 17:00-23:00 "Edo Sakura Illumination 2018" Location: Edo Sakura-dori (江戸桜通り) Running: November 30, 2018 - December 28, 2018 Time: 17:00-23:00 "Attaka Fair" Food Location: COREDO Muromachi 1, 2 & 3 / Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower Running: November 30, 2018 - December 28, 2018 There are plenty events happening this winter to enjoy with friends and family in Nihonbashi, so if you're in Japan be sure to get involved! Information
Shinku no Hikari Machi ~Nihonbashi~
Locations: COREDO Muromachi, Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, Mitsui Honkan
Associated Areas: Edo Sakura-dori, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Honkan, YUITO, YUITO ANNEX, OVOL
Running: November 30, 2018 December 28, 2018
Time: 17:00-23:00
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Christmas at Roppongi Hills is a bustling time having brought together 7 million people last year. There will be lots happening this year, starting with Keyakizaka street being lit up from early November up to Christmas Day. Illuminations will be held in 3 places and there will be numerous events including a Christmas market and concerts.
Around 700,000 LED lights will decorate the trees of Keyakizaka street, bringing to light that charming feeling of Tokyo wintertime. This marks the 15th year of the street's illuminations, and this year's theme is "LIVE veil." Passersby will be greeted with the glow of crisp blue and snow white LED lights. The bridge located in the centre of Keyakizaka street will make for a great photo with Tokyo Tower in the background. Date: Early November 2018 - December 25, 2018Time: 17:00-23:00Location: Roppongi Keyakizaka-dori A Christmas market will take place at 66 Plaza which will be overlooked by a towering 10m tall Christmas tree. The tree will light up during the event making for a must-visit spot with that special someone. Date: Early November 2018 - December 25, 2018Time: 17:00-24:00Location: 66 Plaza If you take a stroll along West Walk you'll also see a very unique looking "knitted" Christmas tree. This specially made tree is made of a knitted material that will feel soft to touch. You'll even be able to lie down at the base of it. The material the tree is made of will also run through the corridor of West Walk, embracing the area with warmth. Running: November 16, 2018 - December 25, 2018 (subject to change) Location: 2F West Walk South Side and Corridor As well as the Christmas market and concert, the restaurants and cafes will also sell Christmas cakes, and there will be plenty of opportunities for Christmas shopping. Take your family, friends or special someone to Roppongi Hills for Christmas this year! ■Information Roppongi Hills Christmas 2018 Location: Roppongi Hills (Roppongi Keyakizaka-dori, 66 Plaza, West Walk, Roppongi Hills Arena, Oyane Plaza, and elsewhere) Christmas Market 2018 Date: November 23, 2018 - December 15, 2018 Time: 11:00-21:00 *On the first day (November 23) the market will open in the evening. *Opening times extended to 22:00 on Fridays, the weekend and December 24. Location: Oyane Plaza
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From November 11, 2022 until August 2023, Izu Granpal Park in Shizuoka Prefecture will host the 8th Izu Kogen Grand Illumination event! The Izu Kogen Grand Illumination was ranked #1 in the Walker+National Illumination Ranking for six consecutive years and is beloved by visitors of all ages. This isn’t just a collection of pretty lights–the Grand Illumination also includes a number of hands-on experiences for everyone to enjoy. In 2021, the event won first place in the Ninth Illumination Awards for the second year in a row. Known as Japan’s first ‘hands-on illumination experience,’ the park has continued to evolve year after year, adding more attractions and finding its unique style. These attractions include a zip line through the lights, Dinosaur Go-Karts, and more.
This year, the Flower Lantern Area and Sweets Lantern Area have been completely redesigned and upgraded to be even more three-dimensional and colorful. Come enjoy this incredible world of lights and have some fun with the whole family! Information
Izu Kogen Grand Illumination ~8th Season~ (Hands-on)
Venue: Izu Granpal Park
Running: November 11, 2022 – August 2023
Official Site: https://granillumi.com
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From November 17 until December 25, Tokyo Midtown will hold the popular Midtown Christmas event for 2022! Adults and children are sure to love this massive Christmas event. Each year, a massive Christmas tree appears in Tokyo Midtown, but this year’s festivities will also throw some more unique pieces of art into the mix. This year, visitors will see golden lights on the city's trees, as well as a pop-up Christmas tree inspired by party poppers. Lights and music will join together to make guests feel as though they’ve walked into an outdoor theater, and the popular ice skating rink will once again be open for everyone to enjoy. Why not enjoy the Christmas season in Tokyo’s shimmering midtown?
Bubbles Fill the Air for a Limited Time at the Christmas Story Lights
A Massive Dome Filled with 300 Lights Invites Visitors to Celebrate the Season
Hands-on Experiences at the Party Popper Tree
Information
Midtown Winter Lights
Running: November 17 – December 25, 2022
Venue: Midtown Garden, Plaza 1F
Light Hours: 17:00-23:00
*Some event times and details are subject to change.
Admission: Free
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From November 11 until December 25, 2022, Roppongi Hills Christmas will cover Tokyo in glittering lights once again. The Keyakizaka Lights, one of Tokyo’s most popular winter attractions, will also take place in 2022, with the 400-meter-long Keyakizaka street covered in over 800,000 blue and white LED lights. For the first time in three years, the Mohri Garden will be covered in lights as well. The annual Christmas market will invite guests to experience an authentic German Christmas, and Christmas cakes and gourmet food unique to Roppongi Hills will be for sale. The Roppongi Hills Christmas event utilizes LED lights and has done so since the first event was held in 2003. Clean power will be used again this year, and the lights will be switched on from 5 PM until 11 PM each night.
Information
Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Lights
Running: November 10 – December 25, 2022 *Daily from 5:00 – 11:00 PM
*Lights may begin at a different time on November 10 only.
Location: Roppongi Keyakizaka Street
Official Site: https://www.roppongihills.com
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Japanese creative company NAKED will hold a Night Walk event at Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima, located near one of the top three most scenic spots in Japan. The event will run from October 29 until November 23, 2022. The NAKED Night Walk was created to revitalize hot spring resorts and other tourist spots during the pandemic. This special event will bring the illuminated experience to Zuiganji Temple, one of the Tohoku Region’s most famous Zen temples. Guests will be invited to carry beautiful lanterns around the grounds, maintaining social distancing while enjoying the cool evening weather. These lanterns will cast one of three unique designs onto the ground below–a starry sky, a camellia flower, or a lotus.
Guests can also enjoy NAKED’s Flower Fortune Telling, pulling unique paper flowers from a massive wall, with each holding a personalized fortune. These flowers can then be tied to a nearby tree to further spread NAKED’s art. You can also take home your flower as a souvenir! The event will only run for a limited time. For more information including admission fees and hours, see the official website! Information
NAKED Night Walk – Matsushima, Zuiganji Temple (National Treasure)
Address: Zuiganji Temple (Chonai-91 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi Prefecture)
Running: October 29 – November 23, 2022
Hours: Weekdays 17:00-20:00 / Fridays, Weekends, Holidays 17:00-21:00
Official Site: https://zuiganji.or.jp/
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The third phase of the popular illumination event at the English Garden Rosa & Berry Tawada will be held from October 8, 2022 until February 12, 2023! One of the largest light-up events in the Kansai region, this year’s theme is ‘Evolutionary Lights!’
Let Time Pass in The Golden Forest
Visitors will be welcomed into a glorious forest of golden lights as they arrive in the main area. The clock tower rises in the center, and the spectacular production begins at the start of nightfall when the tower itself begins to glow and 100 trees are enveloped in golden light.The White and Silver Garden of the Fairies
The area has undergone a major transformation, from the warm European-inspired colors of last year’s event to a mysterious silvery-white color scheme. Visitors can also enjoy the popular light-up experience Miraculous Blue Roses and the Seven-Colored Prayer Tree.※Details: Lights and effects are triggered in response to the sound of bells rung by visitors and special pedals stepped on as they explore the event. Shaun the Sheep Area
A special Christmas display inspired by the new Shaun the Sheep movie, releasing in December 2022, will be on display.*Images of the special display will be available in mid-September.SHAUN THE SHEEP AND SHAUN'S IMAGE ARE ™ AARDMAN ANIMATIONS LTD. 2022 Galactic Express Milky Way
The Milky Way is said to be a magnificent shade of blue. The Milky Way Galaxy Railroad, which requires a separate fee, runs through the area, inviting guests to explore a sea of stars. Why not take a trip through this glittering world of lights while taking some incredible photos?Why not visit this incredible sea of lights this winter? Information
Rosa & Berry Illumination 2022-2023 – Evolutionary Lights
Running: October 8, 2022 – February 12, 2023 *Closed on Tuesdays
Hours: 17:30-21:00 *Subject to change depending on the season
Venue: English Garden Rosa & Berry Tawada (Maibara, Shiga)Official Site: https://www.rb-illumi.com/
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From November 12, 2022, until April 2, 2023, visitors to Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest in Kanagawa Prefecture will be able to enjoy an incredible light-up event featuring Sumikko Gurashi characters! The outdoor resort is only an hour from Tokyo and won’t disappoint.
A World First! Illuminated Sumikko Gurashi Area
Visitors can enjoy riding the 250-meter-long Rainbow Lift for an aerial walk above the millions of lights. The adorable Sumikko Gurashi characters will be waiting for guests in a special themed area.Goods Featuring Original Illustrations Available–with a Collab Menu!
The event will also offer goods decorated with newly-drawn art inspired by the Lake Sagami lights, with Sumikko and her friends enjoying the show. Along with merchandise, guests will also be invited to sample collaboration food and drinks at the park’s restaurant Wild Dining. Each dish will also come with a bonus! Come enjoy these incredible lights along with everyone’s favorite Sumikko characters! With 6 million lights on display, this is one of the largest in the Kanto area. More details will be coming soon, so keep an eye out!Information
Sumikko Gurashi x Lake Sagami Illumination
Running: November 12, 2022 – April 2, 2023
Special Site: