Winter illuminations around Christmas and New Year have become a popular attraction in cities across Japan. Illuminations are typically displayed between November and December, but some run longer, starting as early as October and lasting until Valentine's Day or even into spring. Among Japan's first and most spectacular light shows is Kobe's Luminarie, an Italian-designed light festival first held as a memorial to the victims of the disastrous Kobe earthquake in 1995. Below are some of Japan's popular seasonal illumination spots:
(Photos are from previous years)
related places
3Tokyo MidtownDuring "Midtown Christmas", an illumination event is held in the garden behind the main tower of Tokyo Midtown. A paid ice rink (11:00 to 21:00, from November 21) and an illuminated "Walkway of Light" continues beyond Christmas until February 23, 2026.TokyoMarunouchiThe entire district lights up for Marunouchi's holiday events. Illuminations and displays take place especially along Nakadori Street and at several buildings in the district.TokyoNabana no Sato Winter IlluminationWith millions of LED lights illuminating the flower park, Nabana no Sato is one of the largest illumination events in Japan. Attractions include a huge field transformed into a sea of lights below an animated light show, light tunnels, and an observation deck that lifts visitors high above the park for a bird's eye view of the lights.Nagoya