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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 running 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 which was 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)

Tokyo

Tokyo Midtown

November 16 to December 25, 2023
17:04 to 23:00
Admission: free

Marunouchi

November 16, 2023 to February 18, 2024
15:00 to 23:00 (until midnight in December)
Admission: free

More illumination displays in Tokyo...

Kanagawa

Sagamiko Illumillion

November 3, 2023 to May 12, 2024 (except most Wed and Thu from 1/10 until 3/14 and all weekdays from 4/8)
16:00 to 20:00 (until 20:30, 21:00 oe 21:30 on selected days)
Admission: 1900 yen
Access: 8 minute bus ride from JR Sagamiko Station

Yomiuriland Jewellumination

October 19, 2023 to April 7, 2024 (closed on selected days)
16:00 to 20:30 (until 21:00 on some days)
Admission: 1800 yen
Access: Keio Yomiuriland Station or Yomiuriland Station on the Odakyu Railway

Sendai

Sendai Pageant of Starlight

December 8 to 25, 2023
19:00 to 22:00 (from 18:00 on weekends; until 21:00 on Sundays)
Admission: free
Access: 20 minute walk from JR Sendai Station

Tochigi

Ashikaga Flower Fantasy

October 18, 2023 to February 14, 2024 (closed on December 31)
16:30 to 20:30 (until 21:00 on selected days)
Admission: 1300 yen
Access: A short walk from JR Ashikaga Flower Park Station

Nagoya

Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination

October 22, 2023 to June 2, 2024 (closed on selected days)
Sunset to 21:00 (until 22:00 on selected days)
Admission: 2500 yen
Access: 30 minutes by bus and train from central Nagoya

Osaka

Osaka Hikari Renaissance

December 14 to 25, 2023; 17:00 to 23:00 (hours vary by attraction)
Admission: free
Access: Short walk from Yodoyabashi or Naniwabashi Station

Midosuji Illumination

November 3 to December 31, 2023; 17:00 to 23:00
Admission: free
Access: stations along Midosuji Street, incl. Yodoyabashi and Shinsaibashi

Kobe

Kobe Luminarie

January 19 to 28, 2024, twilight to 21:30
Admission: mostly free of charge, but there is a paid area at Meriken Park (1000 yen, 500 yen if purchased in advance)

Nagasaki

Kingdom of Light

Around the year
Admission: 4000 yen (entry after 5pm), 7000 yen (full day passport)
Access: Inside Huis Ten Bosch