There is no doubt that there are many beautiful light displays and festive shows in Tokyo. Still, if you have time and are interested in checking other exceptional and huge-scale illuminations outside of the city, here are ten incredible illumination day trips from Tokyo for you to enjoy with your family, friends, and loved ones. Some of these illuminations are the biggest there has ever been, so make sure to take advantage of this year. 🤩

Also check out our detailed guides on what to do in winter, the best illuminations in Tokyo, the best illuminations in Japan, the best ski resorts, winter festivals, the best onsen spots, and ways to escape the cold in winter.

The Three Greatest Illuminations in Kanto

The “Three Greatest Illuminations in Kanto” were established in 2012 to celebrate the joy and wonder that light displays bring. These illumination events are the first in Japan to be branded by the Nightscape Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Chosen by certified Nightscape Appraisers, the three major illumination sites in Kanto are selected for their outstanding beauty and impact. In 2020, 5,880 nightscape photographers voted to determine the Three Greatest Illuminations.

The three chosen venues are:

• “Enoshima: Jewel of Shonan” in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture,
• “Ashikaga Flower Park” in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, and
• “Lake Sagamihara Illumination” in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Each of these locations offers a unique and magical experience, and we’ll explore the key features and highlights of each in this guide.

Conveniently located within day-trip distance from the Tokyo metropolitan area, the Three Greatest Illuminations in Kanto are a winter-only spectacle. Wandering through these breathtaking light displays under the moonlit sky is sure to leave you with cherished memories.

• The Enoshima “Jewel of Shonan” in Kanagawa Prefecture offers a dazzling light show from the Enoshima Observation Deck, creating a stunning panorama over the sea.
• Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture enchants visitors with its lifelike, illuminated flowers, transforming the park into a glowing garden of light.
• Lake Sagami Illumination in Kanagawa Prefecture immerses visitors in an interactive experience, where light and senses come together in a mesmerizing display.

1. Enoshima “Jewel of Shonan” Illumination in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Since being recognized as one of the three most popular illuminations in the Kanto region in 2012, the Enoshima “Jewel of Shonan” Illumination in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, has been attracting attention as a major winter event.

The most distinctive feature of the illumination is the grand scale of the night view, with the Enoshima Sea Candle, a lighthouse with an observation deck that has become a familiar symbol of Shonan, and the entire island serving as the illumination site.

Visitors can climb up to the observation deck during the illumination event to enjoy the night view of Enoshima with the glowing illumination below.

At the Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, the main venue of the Jewel of Shonan, visitors are welcomed by a chandelier gate and a sparkling tunnel of 70,000 Swarovski crystal beads under the night sky. The nearby yacht harbor adds to the magic with illuminated boats and a breathtaking night view.

Thanks to Shonan’s mild winter climate, the Samuel Cocking Garden also showcases 20,000 tulips from mid-December to late January—a rare luxury in winter. At night, the tulips are illuminated, creating an enchanting scene unlike any daytime view.

Jewel of Shonan Event Details

• Night hours: 17:30 – 20:00 (last entry at 19:30)
• Admission (Observation Lighthouse): Adults 500 yen / Children 250 yen

2. Ashikaga Flower Park “Flower Garden of Light,” in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture

At Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi, the “Garden of Light” has been ranked No. 1 in Japan for five consecutive years. It’s one of the country’s most famous light displays, alongside Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki and the Sapporo White Illumination in Hokkaido.

Known for its seasonal flowers, Ashikaga Flower Park uses over 5 million LED bulbs to create eco-friendly illuminations. The lighting is meticulously designed by the park’s flower and tree caretakers, ensuring the blooms are faithfully reproduced in light form.

The “Kiseki no Ootou” (Miracle Wisteria) display is a highlight, inspired by the park’s iconic spring wisteria. Another standout is the “Earth for Everyone” installation, which uses water reflections to amplify the light, conveying the message that all life on Earth is connected.

Ashikaga Flower Park Event Details

• Lighting hours: 16:30 – 20:30 (until 21:00 on weekends and holidays)
• Admission: Adults 1,200 yen / Children 600 yen

3. Lake Sagami Illumination in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture

At Lake Sagami Resort Pleasure Forest, the Lake Sagami Illumination features one of the largest displays in Kanto, with 6 million lights across 40,000 square meters. Visitors can interact with the illumination, making it a multi-sensory experience.

Take the Rainbow Lift for a panoramic view of the seven-color light show or enjoy attractions like a mini coaster that glides through the dazzling display. Music-synchronized lights add an extra layer of magic, making it a delight for all the senses.

Photo spots are scattered throughout the park, perfect for couples, families, and friends. With an amusement park and barbecue facilities, Lake Sagami offers something for everyone. A Pleasure Forest Day Pass gives access to both daytime attractions and evening illuminations.

Lake Sagami Illumination Event Details

• Hours: 16:00 – 21:00 (lighting hours vary by season)
• Admission: Adults 1,000 yen / Children 700 yen

Illumination Events in Chiba

4. Tokyo German Village

Tokyo German Village, located in Chiba Prefecture, is one of the top illumination destinations in the Kanto region. The stunning light displays have earned it a place among the “Three Greatest Illuminations in Kanto.” When the lights turn on at sunset, the park’s 60,000 square meters are transformed into a magical world of light. The Marktplatz, surrounded by charming Western-style buildings, becomes particularly lively with a light and sound show, where the illumination changes patterns in sync with popular music.

A standout feature is the 3D Illumination, a breathtaking large-scale “painting” made of light. The Rainbow Tunnel, which stretches over 70 meters, is another awe-inspiring sight that should not be missed.

Event Details:

• Location: 419 Nagayoshi, Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture
• Access: Local bus from Sodegaura Station, alight at “Tokyo Deutschland Mura”
• Lighting Hours: Sunset – 20:00 (last admission at 19:30)

5. Mother Farm

Located in Futtsu City, Mother Farm is a popular year-round destination known for its petting zoo and stunning flower gardens. In autumn and winter, the farm transforms with the Flower Garden of Light illumination, a colorful spectacle that draws many visitors. A highlight is the Rainbow-colored Warp Hall, Japan’s first circular-tube illumination tunnel.

Event Details:

• Address: 940-3 Tagura, Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture
• Access: Direct bus from Kimitsu Station (JR Uchibo Line)
• Lighting Hours: 16:00-19:30

6. Funabashi Andersen Park

Funabashi Andersen Park, located in Funabashi City, gained national recognition in 2015 when it was ranked third on TripAdvisor’s Popular Theme Parks in Japan, following Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea. The park offers limited-time evening illuminations in the Castle of Flowers and Melchen Hill zones during the Christmas season. Visitors can also enjoy festive events such as handbell performances and juggling shows.

Event Details:

• Address: 525 Kanabori-cho, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture
• Access: 5-minute walk from Kenmin-no-mori bus stop (bus to Komuro Station from Funabashi Station)

Illumination Events in Saitama Prefecture

7. Tobu Zoo Winter Illumination

Tobu Zoo’s Winter Illumination event offers a magical experience combining light, music, and images. The park features glowing flower displays, light tunnels, and colorful lanterns. Guests can enjoy special night attractions and exhibits as part of the Night ZOO, where animals can be seen after dark.

Event Details:

• Lighting Hours: 17:00-20:00 (until 21:00 on Dec. 24-25)
• Admission Fees:
  • Illumination Admission: Adults (18+) 1,200 yen; Students 1,000 yen; Children (3 years to elementary) 500 yen; Seniors (60+) 1,100 yen
  • Illumination Pass (includes Night Attraction Pass): Adults 3,200 yen; Students 3,000 yen; Children 2,000 yen; Seniors 3,100 yen
• Venue: Tobu Zoo, Miyashiro-cho and Shiraoka City, Minami Saitama-gun, Saitama Prefecture

8. Keyaki Hiroba Illumination

Held at Keyaki Plaza, next to Saitama Super Arena, this illumination event covers 150 zelkova trees in a serene blue glow. The Keyaki Hiroba area is adorned with beautiful light displays and art installations, creating a magical winter landscape.

Event Details:

• Lighting Hours: 17:00-24:00 (first day starts at 17:30)
• Admission: Free
• Venue: Keyaki Plaza, Tamaari Town, Chuo-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture

Illumination Events in Kanagawa

9. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market

The annual Christmas Market at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a beloved holiday event in Minato Mirai, offering an authentic German Christmas experience. Visitors can enjoy traditional German treats like glühwein, along with a variety of seasonal goods and festive décor. As night falls, the market is illuminated, and a towering Christmas tree adds to the festive atmosphere, making it the perfect winter outing.

Event Details:

• Hours: 11:00 – 22:00 (until 21:00 on weekdays before December 16)
• Light-up: 16:00 – until closing (tree lights until 23:00)
• Admission: Free on weekdays until December 16; 500 yen afterward and on weekends (pre-reservation required)

10. Yokohama Milight

The Yokohama Milight event brightens the city with hundreds of thousands of LED lights stretching 1.5 kilometers from Yokohama Station to Minato Mirai. This spectacular display covers areas like Sakura-dori Avenue and Grand Mall Park, creating a glittering path for visitors to stroll along. A festive street piano is also featured during December, adding a special touch to the experience.

Event Details:

• Lighting Hours: 16:00 – 23:00 (Sakura-dori until 22:00)

11. Miyagase Light Fairy Tale

Every winter, the Miyagase Christmas Party transforms the lakeside area of Lake Miyagase in Kanagawa into a fairy-tale world of lights. The highlight is the massive 30-meter Christmas tree, adorned with 10,000 lights, and the surrounding promenade, which glows with festive illuminations. This year marks the return of the illuminated suspension bridge after a three-year hiatus, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

Event Details:

• Lighting Hours: 17:00 – 22:00
• Admission: Free (small toll for passage on the illuminated suspension bridge at night)

12. Yokohama Amerika-Yama Park Illumination

Located near Motomachi-Chukagai Station, Amerika-yama Park is transformed into a winter wonderland during its annual Sweet Memory in Americasan Park illumination. The park, known for its seasonal flowers, becomes a garden of light, making it a perfect spot for a casual evening visit.

Event Details:

• Location: 97-1 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama City
• Access: Direct connection from Motomachi-Chukagai Station

13. Sea Paradise Christmas

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, one of Japan’s largest aquariums, hosts the Sea Paradise Christmas event during the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy unique experiences such as the Super Sardine Illusion and a festive dolphin show, adding a magical touch to the aquarium’s already impressive offerings.

Event Details:

• Location: Hakkeijima, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama City
• Access: Hakkeijima Station on the Seaside Line

14. Kurihama Hananokuni Winter Illumination

Kurihama Hananokuni, a popular flower park in Yokosuka, becomes a winter spectacle during its Winter Illumination event. The park’s Cosmos Square and the surrounding areas are lit with 120,000 lights, and a 4-meter-high Christmas tree creates a festive centerpiece for visitors to enjoy.

Event Details:

• Location: 1 Shinmei-cho, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Access: 15-minute walk from JR Kurihama Station or Keikyu Kurihama Station

15. Zushi Marina Illumination

The coastal Zushi Marina in Kanagawa offers a unique holiday light experience, where palm trees are illuminated against the dark evening sky. The setting, combined with the reflection of the lights on the water, creates a tropical holiday vibe. Dates for the 2022 event are yet to be confirmed.

Event Details:

• Location: 5-23-9, Kotsubo, Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Access: Via Asahina IC, exit at Zushi Marina

16. Hakone “Prince of the Star Museum” Illumination

The Prince of the Star Museum in Hakone celebrates the holiday season with its Romantic Starry Winter event, inspired by the works of Saint-Exupéry. The museum’s grounds are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical setting for visitors during the winter months.

Event Details:

• Lighting Hours: 15:30 – 18:00 (last admission at 17:00)
• Location: 909 Sengokuhara, Hakone-cho, Kanagawa Prefecture

17. Matsuda Kirakira Festa

Set in Matsuda Nishihirahata Park, the Matsuda Kirakira Festa offers a spectacular illumination experience across the mountainous terrain. The combination of elevated light displays and panoramic views of the nightscape below creates a truly mesmerizing experience.

Event Details:

• Dates: Selected weekends from November 20, 2021 – January 10, 2022
• Location: 2951 Matsuda Soryo, Matsuda-cho, Kanagawa Prefecture

18. Miyagase Dam Illumination

The Miyagase Dam Illumination event is a must-see for illumination enthusiasts. The star attraction is a towering 30-meter Christmas tree, adorned with lights that shine brightly in the lakeside setting. The event dates for 2022 are yet to be confirmed.

Event Details:

• Location: 940-5 Miyagase, Kiyokawa-mura, Kanagawa Prefecture

19. Lake Sagami Illumination

The Lake Sagami Illumination is the largest in Kanto, featuring 6 million lights spread across Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest. Visitors can enjoy the Lift of Light, offering panoramic views of the illuminated landscape and the clear night sky, along with other attractions like the Sea of Light and the Illumination Tree.

Event Details:

• Dates: November 12, 2022 – April 2, 2023
• Access: JR Chuo Main Line, Sagamiko Station, alight at Pleasure Forest-mae bus stop

Winter Illuminations in Yamanashi

20. Winter Wonderland at Yamanakako

Lake Yamanakako, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, is a popular destination in Yamanashi Prefecture, offering beautiful winter experiences. Two major attractions bring magic to the season.

1. Lake Yamanakako Illumination “Fantasium”
From late November to New Year’s Day, Hananomiyako Park is illuminated with vibrant lights, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere. Visitors can explore light mazes and shrines while enjoying the park’s decorations.

• Lighting Hours: 17:00-21:00re sparked.
• Address: 1650 Yamanakako-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi
• Access: 30 min by bus from Fujiyama Station (Fujikyu Line)

21. Lake Yamanakako Ice Candle Festival

Held in February, this festival celebrates Diamond Fuji, a phenomenon where the sun aligns perfectly with Mt. Fuji. Ice candles made from natural ice are lit at dusk, and fireworks accompany the magical display.

• Address: Koryu Plaza Kirara, 479-2 Hirano, Yamanakako-mura, Yamanashi
• Access: 15 min by bus from Fujiyama Station

22. Lisa and Gaspard Town

Located next to Fujikyu Highland, Lisa and Gaspard Town recreates the charm of Paris, based on the beloved picture book characters. By night, the town transforms into a twinkling wonderland with 500,000 lights and festive Christmas decorations.

• Address: 5-6-1 Shinnishibaru, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi
• Access: 15-minute walk from Fujikyu Highland Station

Winter Illuminations in Tochigi

23. Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival

Yunishigawa Onsen is a serene hot spring resort in Nikko National Park. Every winter, it hosts the Kamakura Festival, where mini snow huts (kamakura) are illuminated along the Yunishigawa River, creating a magical scene recognized as a Heritage of Night Views of Japan.

• Address: Yunishigawa, Nikko-shi, Tochigi Prefecture
• Access: 50 min by Nikko Kotsu Dial Bus from Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station

24. Grimm’s Forest Illumination

Grimm’s Forest, inspired by Grimm’s fairy tales, is a park in Shimono City that hosts a winter illumination event. The highlight is Neuschwanstein Castle, a dazzling replica adorned with lights, bringing fairy tales to life.

• Address: 747 Shimokoyama, Shimono-shi, Tochigi
• Access: 25-minute walk from Ishibashi Station (JR Utsunomiya Line)

Have a ✨Bright✨ Christmas Season

Most of these stunning illuminations are conveniently located within a short distance from central Tokyo, making them easily accessible by both car and public transportation. Whether you prefer driving or taking a train, visiting these spectacular displays is hassle-free.

Be sure to check their official websites for the latest event details, including dates, times, and any special offerings. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of the winter and Christmas season at these enchanting locations!