Keifuku Electric Railroad is lending its strength to Rokuo-in Temple in Kyoto this autumn to light up the ancient site in the evenings from November 14 to December 6.

Shari-den (Photo taken in 2019)

Temple path (Photo taken in 2019)

This year marks the 5th run of the autumn evening light-ups. The temple, just a four minute walk from Rokuoin Station, is known for its beautiful maple trees which blossom breathtaking autumnal colours during the fall season.

Temple reception hall with fusuma images

Fusuma image example

The temple is selling new goshuin temple stamp books this year for the light-up event. Visitors will also be able to see 56 fusuma images drawn by contemporary Japanese artist Takaya Fuji.

Rokuo-in Temple will close early next year for approximately 2 years and 9 months for repairs. The temple is also currently limiting the number of people allowed at once, making this year the best time to see the autumn leaves.

Toki no Sumika is set to host its 19th annual winter illumination event “Hikari no Sumika” from September 19, 2020 to March 21, 2021.

Forest of Trees Illuminations

The Forest of Trees was created together with locals and wraps visitors in a magical fantasy land of lights underneath the shimmer of stardust. This trail of trees leads visitors to the next area, the Royal Palace on the Hill.

Royal Palace on the Hill

The “Versailles Lights” water laser show entertains onlookers with a rhythmic show. A new spot has also been developed this year called “It’s a colorful world” where cuter balls of light change colour to the sounds that play. There’s also one of the world’s biggest “Bells of Love” clad in colours galore to radiate the dark night, “Slow House Twinkle,” and “Super Searchlight.”

Tunnel of Lights

Spanning 370m along, the “Tunnel of Lights” changes colours as time passes, enveloping people in a sparkling galaxy of illuminations. There’ll be plenty of photo opportunities.

Twin Trees & First Dream Bridgeツインツリーと初夢の橋

The colour of the 120-year-old fir tree at the site this year will be white. The 20 meter-tall tree will be decorated simply and gently, with more LED lights than ever before, to enhance its beauty. The “First Dream Bridge” will give rise to the “Stardust Road” of countless illuminations that run along it.

Underwater Paradise Aquarium

Around 4,500 goldfish of 200 species, including rare kinds, from all around Japan are collected here. It continues to grow as Japan’s only goldfish aquarium both in name and reality. Enjoy seeing them swim while gorgeous lights light up the room.

Japanese manga and light novel publishing company KADOKAWA is promoting titles from its series catalogue in a unique way: by displaying illustrations of the series on manholes around Tokorozawa in Saitama Prefecture. The manholes were laid on August 1, 2020, and are the first manholes in Japan to feature LED lighting.

LED Manholes

In 2003, Tokorozawa City Department of Waterworks and Sewerage became the first company in Japan to use manholes for advertising. The new LED manholes will run along the closest station to Tokorozawa Sakura Town, which was built by and is managed by KADOKAWA. That station is Higashi-Tokorozawa Station, and it will run from there past numerous facilities leading up to Tokorozawa Sakura Town.

Tokorozawa Sakura Town

Tokorozawa Sakura Town is part of the Cool Japan Forest Project, a joint project between KADOKAWA and the city of Tokorozawa. Set to have its grand opening on November 6, 2020, this large-scale facility includes an anime hotel, library museum and bookshelf theatre, restaurants, shops, and more.

LED Manhole Designs

Left: Daytime / Right: Nighttime

The LED manholes will take people right up to Tokorozawa Sakura Town, as well as function as crime prevention tools during nighttime for neighbouring facilities.

There are 28 designs in total from the following series and franchises:

A Certain Magical Index

Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin

The Five Star Stories

Anime Tourism Association Official Character “Junrei-chan”

Bungo Stray Dogs

Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!

Yamato Takeru

The Melancholy of Harumi Suzumiya

Lucky Star

Slayers

Date A Live

Overlord

Sword Art Online

Full Metal Panic!

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Record of Lodoss War

Sgt. Frog

Spice and Wolf

KonoSuba

Kino’s Journey

Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious

NAKED, INC. has announced that it is holding a special summertime light-up event at Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site in Kyoto, from August 8 to August 30. The company has also released its first ever 3DCG VR experience NAKED NINJA -Nijo-jo Castle- on the official NAKED, INC. online store.

Enjoy art entertainment in person or at home

NAKED, INC. has collaborated with many World Heritage Sites, Cultural Properties, tourism centres, leisure spots, and more over the years. Right now, the company is grappling with the question of what the shape of tourism, as well as art and entertainment, looks like during the COVID-19 outbreak—and what shape it will take post-pandemic. Nijo Castle is no exception, a place that enjoys tourism from both Japanese people and people overseas. In considering these issues, NAKED has conceived two different ways Nijo Castle can still entertain tourism now and in the near future.

The first is holding an event in person at Nijo Castle in the form of an outdoor light-up event that will have people wandering around as opposed to being stationary. In spring of 2017, NAKED held “Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2017” where they hosted a variety of performances and events in line with the season. In fact, one such event was planned to take place at Nijo Castle this summer, but it had to be reconsidered as a result of COVID-19. Those involved still wanted to come up with a way that people who live close by could still enjoy some leisure time this summer, which is what led to this light-up event from NAKED.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the light-up safely by staying a set distance from one another while walking around Nijo Castle. The number of people inside at once will also be restricted. As well as this, people will need to wear masks, temperature will be regulated, and alcohol gel will be provided—all to ensure that visitors are kept safe.

The second way that NAKED has devised for people to still enjoy Nijo Castle is with the release of NAKED NINJA -Nijo-jo Castle-, the company’s first ever full 3DCG VR experience that lets people enjoy Nijo Castle online in a virtual space. This is so that people who cannot visit Nijo Castle can still enjoy its sights. NAKED plans to launch even more real and virtual, offline and online experiences in the future too in order to promote tourism in a new way during COVID-19.

Japanese creative studio 1→10, Inc. opened up Singapore’s first ever permanent interactive land art exhibition “Magical Shores” on January 23 this year together with Lighting Planners Associates (LPA), a lighting company based in both Tokyo and Singapore.

Magical Shores spans 400 meters of Sentosa’s Siloso Beach, turning it into an immersive, multi-sensory experience of AI-operated lights and sounds which elevate the beauty of the surrounding natural environment.

Guide To Magical Shores | Siloso Beach, Sentosa:

AI technology responds to visitors on the beach, giving them a breathtaking and unique performance. Sensors are dotted around the area which use sensing data to react based on people’s movement around the beach. The AI is constantly developing as it collects big data about the temperature and climate of Siloso Beach as well as that of people’s movements.

In two of the interactive areas, people can witness the “Circle of Life” beginning with the big bang. After that there is magma, followed by heavy rainfall and eventually flowing water which gives birth to life. Cells divide as plants begin to sprout, fish swim in the sea, and birds and insects sing in the mountains. At the end, life falls, and the process begins again.

Japanese musician Masakatsu Takagi was put in charge of the music and sound design of the exhibition. Takagi is known for having written the music for Wolf Children and The Boy and the Beast. He took inspiration from his music project “Marginalia,” a sound diary where he would record the sounds of birds, insects, the wind, rain, and so on from his studio window. Takagi did field recording on the beach to capture the sounds of nature to use for the art exhibition.

Kuniyuki Takahashi also offered his musicianship to the exhibition. Based in Sapporo, he is an internationally-recognised composer. He also recorded the sounds of Siloso Beach, and together with Takagi, created the perfect soundtrack for Magical Shores.

Magical Shores is currently temporarily closed as a result of the coronavirus but will resume once more as soon as the situation allows it.

Hirakata Park’s “Hikari no Yuenchi” illumination event, which has been running for the autumn and winter season and is set to finish on March 1, 2020, is being extended into the spring season due to its huge popularity. The spring period will run from March 20 to April 7.

The theme of this year’s Hikari no Yuenchi is “Time Travel Fantasy.” Dazzle your eyes with a bright selection of breathtaking illuminations inside the event’s four areas, such as the lights along Time Travel Fantasy Street where the symbol of the parkーa 10-meter tall treeーstands gloriously, or the Illumination Flower Garden. The blue and purple winter colours of the lights will change into springtime pinks, greens, and yellows.

Illumination Flower Garden

Flowering illuminations will twinkle atop the hill in spring pastel colours like cherry blossom pinks, fresh verdure green, and rape blossom yellows.

The dazzling delights of the winter season will continue into the spring period, like the 24 different night attractions, and the illumination food too like the “shining bubble tea.” We also recommend taking advantage of the “Night Fee,” which sees a special entry price open from 16:00.

Enjoy the cool spring breeze and gorgeous Japanese illuminations at Hirakata Park this March.

Throughout the year, Japanese people escape their busy city life to Karuizawa: a popular resort town hidden in the mountains near Nagano. From December 21, 2019 – February 15, 2020, Shiraito Falls located in Jōshin’etsu-kōgen National Park, Karuizawa will be holding the Shiraito Falls Midwinter Light Up, providing the perfect excuse for a soothing getaway.

The 3-metre-tall and 70-metre-wide Shiraito Falls does not freeze below freezing temperature as the water flows from a subterranean river of Mount Asama. The winter lighting will make the water glisten and the falling snow and starry night sky glow with the charm of winter. 

This light up event is a follow up from last year’s illumination event. The Midwinter Light Up aims to make Shiraito Falls a beautiful tourist spot which can be enjoyed even on a winter night.

The Midwinter Light Up is one step ahead of the summer light up event which previously took place. To emphasise the beauty of nature, the illumination this time round will allows visitors to appreciate the starry night sky on a fine day and reveal the stunning natural scenery which is not visible during the daytime. 

As the Shiraito Falls light up event will take place in Jōshin’etsu-kōgen National Park, the event contents were created strictly abiding the guidelines and regulations from the Ministry of the Environment​. The quantity of light produced, its hues and even the way it is produced has been carefully considered, creating a light display that does not disrupt the natural environment. 

This breathtaking light display will give you an entirely new perspective on the breathtaking winter scenery of Shiraito Falls and would be the perfect experience to share with your family or friends. 

This winter, MINNA no ILLUMI Executive Committee will be decorating Meguro River with an unmissable illumination display that will warm your heart. 100% of the energy for the illumination will be produced by recycled oil. The display will run from November 8, 2019 to January 5, 2020.

As Shinagawa Ward will also be lit up at the same time, visitors will be able to treat themselves to a glorious view of approximately 410 thousand sakura-coloured lights, creating a unique opportunity to witness Winter Sakura®. The beautiful illumination along the riverbanks of Meguro River will be the largest illumination project within Yamanote Line with a total length of 2.2km of riverbanks covered (counting both sides of the river). Enjoy the beautiful warm light reflecting off the river’s surface.

The megurogawa MINNA no ILLUMINATION project was launched in response to the locals’ desire, love and praise for riverside illumination displays. The project involves collecting waste oil from restaurants, cafés and households and recycling it as the sole energy source to power the illumination display. This project has become a symbol of winter and plays a significant role in strengthening bonds with the locals. 

Last year, approximately 5,500 litres of oil was collected from 11 places including restaurants, cafés and apartment blocks. This was converted by a power generator which supplied all the electricity necessary to run all the lights. This year, unused oil from local restaurants and apartment blocks will be recycled into biodiesel once again to run another Winter Sakura® light display which tourists flock to see. 

This year will also see the return of German Outdoor Dome Garden Igloos from last year. This creates the perfect spot to watch the Winter Sakura® without getting cold or being affected by rain or the wind. There will be three garden igloos at this year’s event and each will have a unique colour theme. Each igloo will be 3.6 metres in diameter, 2.2m high and contain a ground area of 10m², allowing for plenty of space to relax.   

Igloo Availability: December 16 – 25, 2019 *Subject to change

Gotanda Fureai Mizube Hirobamade even made the news in overseas countries as a result of the illumination project. This is the perfect way warm your heart during the cold winter.

Ginza’s biggest shopping centre GINZA SIX has announced that it’s set to light up its rooftop garden with an enchanting illumination event titled Rooftop Star Garden which will begin on November 26 and run until February 24 next year.

Standing at 56 meters high, the rooftop garden is the “closest place to the stars” in Ginza. This will be GINZA SIX’s first ever illumination event and it will shine a bright spotlight against the nightscape of Ginza’s streets.

Rooftop Star Garden will take place in two areas in the garden: the Water Fountain Area and the Forest Area, both of which will welcome star-themed light shows.

The theme of the Water Fountain Area is “Shooting Star,” whose LED lights will elicit a sense of profoundness in its observers. 147 LED lights will form the main monument of this area, with bright, sparkling illuminations that will remind one of shooting and twinkling stars.

The Forest Area is made up of two separate areas between the Water Fountain Area. Lasers will shoot through crystals, creating an ocean of countless specks of light that look like little stars that make it feel like you’re in space.

This limited-time event is the perfect way to spend this year’s Christmas, so don’t miss out.

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only

Blue Grotto FUKUOKA is an illumination event that opened at Nakasu Bridge in Fukuoka on September 16 and will run until October 6.

Nakasu Bridge is located in the shopping district Nakase, where two exhibits are taking place: “Blue Grotto” and “Blue Waterfall.” They are also offering a very special romantic and magical 30-minute boat cruise which takes passengers from Nakasu Bridge to Canal City Hakata and Hakata Bay.

As well as the breathtaking lights, passengers can look forward to a specially-prepared Blue Grotto Bolognese meal made by Nisshin Foods. Passengers will also receive an original Blue Grotto postcard courtesy of their boarding.

During the illumination event, there will be multiple food booths around Nakase Bridge serving an assortment of delicious food, including some made using Blue Grotto brand ingredients in collaboration with Nisshin Foods.

As part of a project to vitalise and develop the town of Hakata in Fukuoka and promote its wonderful culture to the people of the world, the Blue Grotto FUKUOKA Executive Committee is set to hold a special illumination event titled Blue Grotto FUKUOKA at Nakasu Bridge from September 16 to October 6.

This illumination event first began in Nakameguro, Tokyo back in 2014 where it enjoyed great success. The location was then moved in 2016 to Shibuya where over 2.8 million people attended. It was then held outside the Tokyo area for the first time in Sapporo in February 2018 and then in Osaka in September of the same year. This enabled it to become widespread across the country and has consequentially made it become one of the main illumination events of Japan.

Blue Grotto will now make its way to Kyushu for the first time with Blue Grotto FUKUOKA. Boats will be prepared for the romantic and magical cruise which will take passengers from Nakasu Bridge to Canal City Hakata and Hakata Bay.

As well as the breathtaking lights, passengers can look forward to a specially-prepared pasta meal made by Nisshin Foods using Blue Grotto brand products.

Tochigi Prefecture boasts a long list of spots officially designated as “Night View Inheritances of Japan” where illumination events, shrine and temple light-ups, mini lanterns and more are set up.

This is a list of 4 must-visit locations with illuminations events running until March 2019.

Ashikaga Flower Park – “Garden of Illuminated Flowers)

Ashikaga Flower Park is one of Japan’s three main illumination spots. Its popularity has earned it the No. 1 spot for illuminations for two years in a row. The newly-built Ashikaga Flower Park Station at the park’s west gate makes it easier than ever to access.

The wintry trees are decorated with colourful lights, brightening the beautiful flowers at nighttime. There is also a recreation of the park’s symbolic great wisteria tree made entirely out of lights down to the flowers. It sways with the wind making it look like a real tree.

Address: 607 Hasamacho, Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture

Running: October 27, 2018 – February 5, 2019

Closed: December 31, 2018

TEL: 0284-91-4939

Website: http://www.ashikaga.co.jp/

Ashikagaorihime Shrine at Orihime Park

Another one of Japan’s officially registered Night View Inheritance sites. Orihime Park offers a gorgeous view of the town’s nightscape. The park’s Ashikagaorihime Shrine is lit up making for a magical atmopshere. The shrine itself is famous for its associations with marriage, making it a popular date spot.

Address: 3890-17 Tomoecho, Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture

Open: All Year Round

Shrine Illumination: 5:00pm-midnight

TEL: 0284-22-0313

Website: http://orihimejinjya.com/

26th Yunishikawaonsen Kamakurasai

Taking place at Yunishigawa Onsen, this event was designated as a Night View Inheritance site in 2009. It sees hundreds of candles lit up across the entire area that create a mysterious atmosphere. It’s also chosen as “one of the must-see places before you die.”

Address: 1042 Yunishigawa, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture

Running: January 26, 2019 – March 3, 2019

Candle Lighting: 5:30pm-9:00pm

*Subject to cancellation depending on weather conditions.

Closed: Wednesdays & Thursdays

TEL: 0288-22-1525

Website: https://www.tochigiji.or.jp/event/1064/

Okunikko Yumoto Onsen Snow Festival 2019

This event began in a desire make use of the abundant snow and light up nighttime Okunikko. Ice sculptures created by hotel chefs from inside and outside the prefecture will be set up on January 31. In February, around 500 snow lights will be set up at the hot springs, and illuminations will glow against the snowy walls.

Address: Yumoto, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture

Running: February 2, 2019 – February 10, 2019

Illumination Time: 5:00pm-9:00pm

TEL: 0288-62-2570

Website: http://www.nikkoyumoto.com/

Tochigi Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo, so if you’re in Japan then take advantage of this season to go and see some enchanting nighttime scenery.