Instagram-Worthy Winter Illumination Spots in Japan You Can’t Miss
ホテルレビューン事務局
※This article is automatically translated into multiple languages based on the original Japanese text
English (English)/Chinese (中文（简体）)/Korean (한국어)/Thai (แบบไทย)
A sparkling world that can only be encountered in the cold season. Illuminations that envelop entire cities in the magic of light create special moments that make your heart flutter whether you're walking with friends, lovers, or even alone✨
Hold up your smartphone, and every angle you capture is guaranteed to be perfect for social media. In this article, we'll introduce recommended illumination spots that color winter across the country! Please read to the end as a reference for weekend outings and date plans♪
【Osaka Prefecture】Midosuji Illumination
・Wrapped in the golden glow emitted by street trees
The Midosuji Illumination, representing Osaka, is a major event that captivates many people every year. The tree-lined avenue stretching approximately 4km shines with warm gold and colorful lighting. This fantastical scenery makes you feel as if you've wandered into a movie scene just by walking down the street.
Particularly recommended is the route starting from the illumination starting points in the Umeda or Namba areas and strolling through Midosuji as if passing through a tunnel of light. Perfect for couple dates or photo shoots with friends, it's guaranteed to be Instagram-worthy!
Additionally, access is excellent, as it's located along the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, making it easy to stop by while sightseeing or shopping. How about spending a special night on Midosuji wrapped in brilliant lights this winter?
Event Period and Details
- Event Period: November 3, 2024 (Sun) - December 31, 2024 (Tue)
- Lighting Hours: Around 17:00 - 23:00 (※Only December 31 (Tue) until 25:00)
Points: Different lighting designs for each area keep it fresh no matter how many times you visit! The contrast between high-rise buildings and lights is wonderful, creating dramatic photos just by capturing them.
Source: Osaka Light Festival 2024 Official Website (Midosuji Illumination)
Access
- By Train:
Just a short walk from Subway Midosuji Line "Yodoyabashi Station" or "Shinsaibashi Station"! Since the illumination spreads along Midosuji, it's accessible from multiple stations. - By Car:
There are paid parking lots nearby, but they often get crowded, so public transportation is recommended.
Recommended Nearby Hotels
All recommended hotels where you can stay comfortably after enjoying the lights of Midosuji Illumination. Please use this as a reference for a special trip to fully enjoy winter nights!
1. Hotel Nikko Osaka
- Recommended Points: Convenient location directly connected to Shinsaibashi Station! The luxurious space and rooms with panoramic views of Osaka's cityscape are attractive. Perfect for dates or special occasion stays.
- Access: Located in the Shinsaibashi area, the center of Midosuji Illumination, about a 3-minute walk away.
2. Cross Hotel Osaka
- Recommended Points: Close to Dotonbori with stylish and modern design that's popular. Features Instagram-worthy lobby and guest rooms perfect for younger generations. The breakfast buffet variety is also abundant!
- Access: About 5 minutes walk from Dotonbori. Also within easy walking distance to Midosuji Illumination.
3. Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
- Recommended Points: Attractive European-style classical atmosphere. Great value for money with quality service at reasonable prices.
- Access: About 5 minutes walk from Subway Midosuji Line "Umeda Station". Excellent access to the illumination venue.
Hotel reservations and Wi-Fi speed checks from Hotel Reviewn by GMO can be found here!
【Mie Prefecture】Nabana no Sato Illumination
・A fantastical world woven by light and flowers
The "Nabana no Sato Illumination" in Mie Prefecture is a winter tradition boasting Japan's largest scale. The illumination spreading across the vast grounds captivates visitors with its overwhelming beauty. The main area, which changes themes every year, features magnificent light art using the latest technology, allowing you to experience fresh excitement no matter how many times you visit.
Full of Instagram-worthy spots, especially the "Light Tunnel" is breathtakingly beautiful that everyone will want to stop and take photos! The facility also has hot springs and gourmet spots, making it an attractive place to enjoy all day long.
Event Period and Details
- Event Period: October 19, 2024 (Sat) - June 1, 2025 (Sun)
- Lighting Hours: Varies considerably by season, so check the official website
- Admission: 2500-3000 yen with 1000 yen voucher included (December 23-25 special operation. Check official website for details)
Points: Each year has a set theme, and the production of light and sound is a must-see. After viewing the illumination, you can relax at the on-site "Sato no Yu" hot spring or enjoy meals featuring local ingredients at restaurants.
Source: Nabana no Sato Official Website (Nabana no Sato)
Access
- By Train:
About 20 minutes from JR/Kintetsu "Nagoya Station" to Kintetsu "Kuwana Station". From Kuwana Station, it's about 10 minutes by direct bus. Convenient direct bus makes access smooth! - By Car:
About 10 minutes from Ise Bay Shore Expressway "Kuwana IC" or "Nagashima IC". Parking is available, so it's also recommended for driving dates.
Recommended Nearby Hotels
There are many wonderful hotels nearby where you can stay comfortably after enjoying the Nabana no Sato Illumination. Please combine illumination with hot springs and fine dining to fully enjoy a special night!
1. Hotel Hanasui (Nagashima Onsen)
- Recommended Points: Luxurious hot spring ryokan directly connected to Nagashima Onsen. You can heal your body in spacious large baths and open-air baths after viewing illuminations. Quality hospitality and luxurious meals using local ingredients are also attractive!
- Access: About 10 minutes by car from Nabana no Sato. Free shuttle bus is also available.
2. Garden Hotel Olive (Nagashima Onsen)
- Recommended Points: Popular hotel in the Nagashima Onsen area where you can stay reasonably. Features hot springs and a casual atmosphere perfect for stays with family or friends.
- Access: About 10 minutes by car from Nabana no Sato. Easy transportation even after viewing illuminations!
3. Aqua Ignis Kataoka Onsen
- Recommended Points: Popular facility combining hot springs, accommodation, and gourmet. Features stylish and relaxing guest rooms and hot springs surrounded by beautiful nature. Particularly well-regarded for meals, offering luxurious dinners.
- Access: About 30 minutes by car from Nabana no Sato. Though slightly distant, recommended for those who want to spend time relaxing in a quiet environment.
・Hotel reservations and Wi-Fi speed checks from Hotel Reviewn by GMO can be found here!
【Kanagawa Prefecture】Sagamiko Illumillion
Full of Impact! Enjoy the Panorama of Light
"Sagamiko Illumillion" in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture captivates visitors every winter with a world of light spreading against the backdrop of mountains and lakes. The greatest charm of the illumination is harmony with nature. The vast illumination spreads like light art, reflecting on mountains and lakes, creating a fantastical atmosphere
There are also attractions in the park, satisfying both your desire to enjoy illuminations and have fun. It's a perfect place for dates or outings with friends.
Event Period and Details
- Event Period: November 16, 2024 (Sat) - May 11, 2025 (Sun)
- Lighting Hours: Varies considerably by season and date, so check the official website ※Don't forget to check closed days
- Admission: Adults: 2000 yen
Points: A scenic spot with panoramic views of mountains and lakes, where light gradations and lights reflecting on the lake surface create a dreamlike landscape! You can also enjoy attractions like ferris wheels and gondolas while viewing the night illuminations, so it's recommended for those who want to spend time actively.
Source: Sagamiko Official Website (Sagamiko)
Access
- By Train:
About 45 minutes by Kanachu Bus from JR Yokohama Line "Hashimoto Station". Arrive at "Sagamiko Illumillion Entrance" by bus. - By Car:
About 15 minutes from Chuo Expressway "Sagamiko IC". With spacious parking and easy access, car visits are also convenient.
Recommended Nearby Hotels
After enjoying the fantastical moments at Sagamiko Illumillion, these provide comfortable spaces for relaxation. Please spend a wonderful night with hot springs and delicious food even after the illuminations!
1.Hotel Wing International Sagamihara
- Recommended Points: Functional hotel suitable for business use. Comfortable stays possible at reasonable prices.
- Access: About 20 minutes by car to Sagamiko. By train, accessible by taxi from JR Hashimoto Station.
2. Akigawa Valley Senon no Yu Accommodation Cottage
- Recommended Points: Healing accommodation with natural hot springs. Refresh both mind and body in a quiet environment surrounded by trees.
- Access: About 40 minutes by car to Sagamiko. You can also enjoy driving in the quiet location.
3. Hotel Route Inn Sagamihara
- Recommended Points: Features free large bath and breakfast included. Well-regarded for location and services convenient for both tourism and business.
- Access: About 30 minutes by car to Sagamiko. Nearest station is JR Sagamihara Station.
・Hotel reservations and Wi-Fi speed checks from Hotel Reviewn by GMO can be found here!
【Nagasaki Prefecture】Huis Ten Bosch
"Huis Ten Bosch" in Nagasaki Prefecture shines with the world's largest 13 million LEDs, and in winter, its beautiful cityscape is enveloped in magnificent illuminations, truly transforming into a "Kingdom of Light" where a fantastical world unfolds.
In the park modeled after European cityscapes, the illuminated buildings and lights reflecting in the canals create beautiful scenes like paintings. Surrounded by light art shining in the night sky, it's full of Instagram-worthy photo spots!
Furthermore, from the "Dom Tower," an 80-meter-high observation tower, you can overlook the entire park, and the spectacular view will captivate your heart. Especially from dusk to night, the moment when the illuminations light up is truly moving.
Event Period and Details
- Event Period: 365 days
- Lighting Hours: Sunset - closing time (operating hours vary by season and day of week)
- Admission: Adults: 5600 yen~
Points: Beautiful world of light created by approximately 13 million LEDs. The illuminations reflecting in the cityscape and canals are spectacular!
Source: Huis Ten Bosch Official Website (Huis Ten Bosch)
Access
- By Train: About 2 hours from JR "Hakata Station" on the limited express "Huis Ten Bosch." After getting off at Huis Ten Bosch Station, it's accessible within walking distance.
- By Car: About 20 minutes by car from Nagasaki Expressway "Higashi-Nagasaki IC." The parking lot is spacious, making car access convenient.
Recommended Nearby Hotels
1. Hotel Europe (Huis Ten Bosch Direct Management)
- Access: Located within Huis Ten Bosch, access is excellent within walking distance. After enjoying the illuminations, you can immediately relax in your room.
- Recommended Points: Luxurious hotel with European atmosphere inside Huis Ten Bosch. The interior has beautiful design as if wrapped in Dutch cityscapes, and especially during the illumination period, you can enjoy the fantastical scenery from the hotel windows. The hotel is equipped with high-class restaurants and spas, allowing you to spend luxurious time.
2. Hotel Den Haag (Huis Ten Bosch Direct Management)
- Recommended Points: Features Dutch-style architectural design. The convenience of going directly to the hotel after enjoying the park is delightful.
- Access: Located within Huis Ten Bosch grounds, accessible to the park on foot.
3. Forest Villa (Huis Ten Bosch Direct Management)
- Recommended Points: Villa-type accommodation facility standing by the lakeside. Families and groups can enjoy spacious areas.
- Access: Located within Huis Ten Bosch grounds, accessible to the park by free shuttle bus.
・Hotel reservations and Wi-Fi speed checks from Hotel Reviewn by GMO can be found here!
【Kagawa Prefecture】Mannou Park
Beautiful Illumination with Nature and Light Collaboration
The illumination at "Mannou Park" in Kagawa Prefecture is a winter light event boasting Shikoku's largest scale. Against the backdrop of beautiful natural scenery spreading throughout the park, approximately 600,000 LEDs shine fantastically, allowing you to enjoy an atmosphere as if wrapped in a world of light. Especially during nighttime when the illuminations are lit, it's like another world. Walking through the illuminations, you can spend romantic time with couples or friends.
Full of photogenic spots like the "Light Tunnel" and "Rising Dragon Falls," it's guaranteed to be Instagram-worthy. The scenery where night sky stars and lights intersect spreads beautiful moments that make you want to share on social media.
Event Period and Details
- Event Period: November 23, 2024 (Sat-Holiday) - January 13, 2025 (Mon-Holiday)
- Lighting Hours: 17:00 - 21:00 (may be earlier depending on weather conditions)
- Admission: Adults: 450 yen
Points: Mannou Park's illumination is a spot where you can enjoy beautiful collaboration between nature and light, perfect for dates with couples or friends.
Source: Mannou Park Official Website (Mannou Park)
Access
- By Car: About 50 minutes by car from Takamatsu city center. Parking is also available, allowing relatively smooth access even during the illumination period.
- By Public Transportation: About 20 minutes by bus from JR "Kotohira Station" for convenient access.
