5 Must-See Winter Illumination Destinations in Japan
Fujiyu
From Osaka
Illuminations are beautiful light displays that use countless light bulbs and fiber-optic cables to brighten and transform the scenery of a location. Streets and open spaces are decorated with colorful LED displays, creating a magical atmosphere that feels almost like another world.
In this article, we’ll introduce five must-see illumination spots from across Japan. If one of them catches your eye, be sure to add it to your travel plans and enjoy a magical sightseeing experience in Japan!
5 Spots to Enjoy Winter Illuminations
Let’s dive right in! Here are five spots where you can enjoy Japan’s spectacular winter illuminations.
Roppongi Hills: Tokyo
Roppongi Hills Keyaki Street / Photo AC
Roppongi Hills in Tokyo is famous for its stunning illuminations. Along the 400-meter Keyakizaka Street in Minato Ward, around 930,000 LED lights transform the tree-lined avenue into a magical winter scene.
At the Roppongi Hills illumination, you can stroll through the beautifully lit streets or enjoy shopping at the stores along Keyakizaka Street.
You can also enjoy a breathtaking view of Tokyo Tower in the background towering above the illumination. For the best shots, take photos near Tiffany on Keyakizaka Street or near the Roppongi Tsutaya Bookstore - from there you can capture the full glow of the lights.
Tokyo Tower / Photo AC
At Roppongi Hills, it’s not just the illumination; a Christmas market is also held there. Just like a traditional German Christmas market, you can browse and buy wreaths, ornaments, and other festive decorations, and enjoy hot drinks, sausages, and a variety of traditional foods at the many dining stalls.
After enjoying the soothing illumination, be sure to explore the Christmas market and treat yourself to some delicious festive street food.
Hokkaido Sapporo White Illumination: Hokkaido
Illuminated Snowflake / Photo AC
The Hokkaido Sapporo White Illumination takes place across five main areas in Sapporo, Hokkaido; stretching from Odori Park 1-Chome to 5-Chome. The venues include the Odori Park Site, Ekimae-dori Site, Minami 1-Jo Site, Sapporo Kita 3-Jo Plaza (Akapura) Site, and the Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza Site.
The Sapporo White Illumination is one of Japan’s most celebrated winter illuminations. In 2018, the city of Sapporo was re-certified as one of the Japan’s New Three Most Spectacular Night View Cities, and the event itself has been recognized as one of the country’s top three illumination spectacles.
Inspired by New York’s famous Christmas tree, the Sapporo White Illumination began in 1981 with 1,048 lights. Since then, the event has grown each year, now glowing with more than 770,000 lights across all venues. The bright displays bring festive energy to the city, and the view from major attractions such as the Sapporo Clock Tower and the Sapporo TV Tower’s observation deck is nothing short of breathtaking.
Illuminated Flowers / Photo AC
At Odori Park, the Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo brings the warm, festive spirit of traditional German holiday markets to the city, celebrating the sister-city partnership with Munich. After being soothed by the dazzling lights, visitors can savor hot wine and classic Christmas dishes for a hearty end to the night.
Huis Ten Bosch: Nagasaki
Like the Sapporo White Illumination, Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki is also recognized as one of Japan’s top three illumination events. This renowned theme park offers spectacular nighttime views that have earned nationwide acclaim.
Huis Ten Bosch has an impressive track record; winning first place for 13 consecutive years at Japan’s Illumination Awards and being named the top illumination worldwide at the International Illumination Awards 2024. Designed to recreate the charming streets and scenery of the Netherlands, the park becomes even more magical as Christmas approaches, offering a variety of dazzling light displays and festive visual experiences.
A 15-meter-tall Christmas tree illuminated with countless LEDs towers over the park, while the 60-meter Waterfall of Light leads into a radiant Aurora Garden. In Amsterdam Square, a breathtaking world of silver and blue LEDs creates a winter scene unlike anything you’ll find at other illumination events - truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Nabana no Sato: Mie
Nabana no Sato, located in Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture, is another renowned destination famous for its spectacular winter illuminations.
By day, Nabana no Sato is a vast floral theme park where visitors can enjoy seasonal blooms throughout the year. But when night falls, it transforms into an award-winning illumination destination; earning first place for three consecutive years in the Night View Illumination rankings.
Nabana no Sato / Photo AC
One of its most iconic features is the 200-meter Flower Corridor (hana kairo), a tunnel lined with countless LED lights that envelop visitors in a warm, glowing spectacle. Other displays pair seasonal Japanese flowers such as autumn leaves, weeping plum blossoms, and cherry blossoms, with vivid light art, creating enchanting scenes that celebrate both nature and illumination.
Among the highlights is “Zipangu,” a world-class illumination show created on an extraordinary scale, bursting with vivid colors across a vast area. Its immersive beauty is sure to move and impress every visitor.
Ashikaga Flower Park: Tochigi
Illuminated Fuji Flowers / Photo AC
Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture is a well-known attraction where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the year. Its illumination event, which began in 2002, has become especially popular; earning first place nationwide for seven consecutive years at the Illumination Awards from 2016 to 2022. Alongside the Sapporo White Illumination and Huis Ten Bosch, it is recognized as one of Japan’s three major illumination events.
Ashikaga Flower Park has also earned top honors nationwide at the International Illumination Awards. One of its most captivating features is the Miraculous Great Wisteria, a stunning recreation of the park’s famous wisteria in full bloom using a vast array of LEDs, complete with the actual fragrance, carefully captured and reproduced for a truly immersive experience.
Xmas Tree / Photo AC
In addition, during the Garden of Illuminated Flowers, the event is divided into three themes that change with the seasons. For Christmas, a 23-meter Christmas tower rises at the heart of the park, joined by charming holiday features like Santa’s House and a Pyramid of Light. With about five million LEDs illuminating the floral landscapes, visitors can enjoy a magical collaboration of flowers and sparkling light throughout the festive period.
Things to Note When Viewing Illuminations
Photo AC
Winter illuminations are so magical and vibrant that anyone can become completely captivated, but there are a few important points to keep in mind when enjoying them.
From here, we’ll introduce four key tips to keep in mind so you can enjoy illuminations safely and comfortably.
Dress Warmly
First, make sure you’re well prepared for the cold. Winter temperatures in Japan can drop close to zero degrees celcius depending on the region, so proper layering and warm clothing are essential when viewing illuminations outdoors.
Illumination events are almost always held outdoors, and there may not be nearby buildings where you can easily warm up. Wind can also make it feel much colder than the actual temperature, so staying protected against the elements is crucial.
Dress warmly by layering your clothing, wear gloves and a scarf, and enjoy a hot drink to stay comfortable. Proper preparation for cold weather ensures you can fully appreciate the illuminations without the chill getting in the way.
Don't Walk Around While Looking at Your Smartphone
It is dangerous to be looking at your phone while walking through the illuminations. It’s natural to want to take photos and check them afterward, especially when the scenery is so dazzling.
However, focusing too much on your phone while walking can lead to accidents like bumping into others or even getting food spilled on your clothes if someone nearby is eating while walking. Staying attentive helps everyone enjoy the event safely.
Illumination venues can get very crowded, making phone use while walking particularly hazardous. If you need to operate your smartphone, move to the side and stop first to ensure everyone’s safety.
Be Careful of Slippery Surfaces
Be mindful of the ground conditions while viewing illuminations as well.
Depending on the location, winter illumination areas may have snow-covered paths or icy surfaces. Even with proper footwear, it can be extremely slippery, so take extra care to avoid falls and injuries while walking.
Be Mindful of Crowded Transportation
Winter illumination events attract visitors from across Japan and overseas, so public transportation is often very crowded during this season.
If you’re visiting an illumination far from your hotel, be sure to check return transportation schedules in advance. Trains and buses can be packed, so allowing extra time to get back is highly recommended to avoid last-minute stress.
Be Considerate When Recording Videos
You may want to capture videos or even live-stream the beautiful illuminations to share the moment with others while strolling through the venue.
However, many people in Japan dislike having their image posted online without consent. Some may even react strongly, especially if they’ve been drinking, leading to unwanted trouble. To protect yourself and out of respect for others, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid filming strangers without permission.
