Winter illuminations, synonymous with winter nights, bring a magical glow to cities across Japan, making them perfect for festive dates and holiday outings. In recent years, many winter illuminations have expanded to include live performances featuring images and music through “projection mapping,” where computer graphics are projected in 3D onto buildings and structures.

In this guide, we’ll introduce the top winter illuminations in Japan for the 2024-2025 season, complete with details on event schedules, lighting hours, and even parking information. Embrace the enchantment that only winter illuminations in Japan can bring! 🎄🎅🏻🦌☃️❄️

Japan Winter Illuminations: From Hokkaido to Okinawa

Sapporo White Illumination [Hokkaido]

The iconic Sapporo White Illumination is Japan’s first-ever winter illumination event, beginning in 1981 with just over a thousand light bulbs in Odori Park’s 2-chome Plaza. Over the years, this illumination has grown to become one of the largest in Japan, featuring countless light displays, including art inspired by Hokkaido’s nature and Christmas motifs. Twinkling lights adorn trees along Ekimae-dori and Minami Ichijo-dori, creating a festive atmosphere that fills the streets.

Hakodate Christmas Fantasy [Hokkaido]

From December 1 to December 25, the Red Brick Warehouse in Hakodate hosts a captivating winter event. The lights begin at 16:30 (or 18:00 on the first day), dimming briefly at 17:45 before being relit and shining until 22:00. Look out for the “Premium Red Tree,” which transforms to a glowing red for fifteen minutes three times daily—a beautiful winter highlight in Hakodate.

SENDAI Pageant of Starlight [Miyagi Prefecture]

Started in 1986 to brighten up Sendai’s winters, the SENDAI Pageant of Light is now a beloved annual event. Jozenji-dori Avenue, the main venue, is transformed as approximately 470,000 lights illuminate the zelkova trees, making this central avenue glow with warmth and festivity.

Tobu Zoo Winter Illumination [Saitama Prefecture]

Now in its 14th year, the Tobu Zoo Winter Illumination brightens the park with nearly three million lights. Attractions include a “Music Box” with moving lights, a 50-metre-long light tunnel, and the Lantern Illumination. The Illumination Pass offers a discount for evening entry, making it a great holiday destination.

Illumination of Lisa and Gaspard Town [Yamanashi Prefecture]

Next to the entrance of Fujikyu Highland, Lisa and Gaspard Town brings the charm of Paris to Japan. Night-time illuminations in this theme park are vibrant and festive, with an eight-metre Christmas tree that lights up with music, immersing families in holiday cheer.

Christmas in Karuizawa Hoshino Area [Nagano Prefecture]

In the Hoshino area, Christmas lights decorate a ten-metre-high fir tree near Hoshino Hot Springs. With “Happiness Lights Up Time” on weekends, this beautiful spot is perfect for capturing seasonal photos. A newly opened “mistletoe path” on the promenade connects Harunire Terrace to Hoshino Hot Springs, adding a romantic Christmas touch.

Shima Spain Mura Sparkling Christmas [Mie Prefecture]

Full of Spanish charm, Shima Spain Mura features a cityscape illuminated from dusk. A seven-metre Christmas tree, wreaths, and about 200,000 lights bring the holiday mood to life. During the season, well-loved characters in red and green Christmas costumes greet visitors, and Christmas-themed food is available at the park’s restaurants.

NAKED FLOWERS Autumn World Heritage Nijo Castle [Kyoto]

At the World Heritage Site Nijo Castle, the NAKED FLOWERS Autumn Illumination showcases projection mapping on the historic Karamon Gate, expressing autumn through the graceful imagery of phoenixes. Visitors can even project their own flowers onto the moat in a digital artwork, enhancing the immersive experience of this stunning illumination in Japan.

Midosuji Illumination [Osaka Prefecture]

Part of the Osaka Festival of Lights, the Midosuji Illumination lights up 4 kilometres of Osaka’s Midosuji Avenue. Recognised in 2015 as the world’s most illuminated street, this winter display combines music and light, creating a vibrant and interactive experience for visitors.

EXPOCITY Illumination [Osaka Prefecture]

One of Japan’s largest entertainment complexes, EXPOCITY features an eight-metre-high Christmas tree in Sky Plaza, Japan’s tallest Ferris wheel, the OSAKA WHEEL, and over 100,000 LED lights. The illuminated zelkova trees along the streets add a cheerful festive glow.

Hiroshima Dreamination [Hiroshima Prefecture]

Hiroshima’s Dreamination Festival brings a fairy-tale-like winter illumination to Japan’s Peace Boulevard, Alice’s Garden, and shopping streets. With vibrant lights and photo spots throughout, it’s a popular annual event drawing thousands of visitors to the city centre.

Southeast Botanical Garden Okinawa Tropical Illumination [Okinawa]

Japan’s largest outdoor tropical garden in Okinawa features a one-of-a-kind winter illumination, highlighting its lush palm trees and tropical landscape. Visitors enjoy walking through this exotic garden, which glows with colourful lights, bringing a unique twist to winter illuminations in Japan.

Enjoy Enchanting Winter Illuminations Across Japan

Although winter in Japan can be quite chilly, these illuminations bring a glow that warms the heart, allowing you to experience the true splendour of the season. If you’re visiting Japan in winter, you’ll find plenty of spots showcasing beautiful winter illuminations. But don’t worry if you’re planning a visit outside of winter—Japan offers many other exciting events throughout the year!

Want local Japan experts to plan your trip for you? Look no further than Flip Japan Guide Travel Planner. Whether you want us to organize your trip so you can visit as many winter illuminations as you can, want to have the perfect winter adventure amidst both onsen and snow, or whatever else—we’ve got you covered. Reach out now and start planning your Japan adventure!