Watch the Stars and Snow Glow at the Shiraito Falls Midwinter Light Up in Karuizawa

20.November.2019 | SPOT

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. 

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  • Autumn in Aichi: Cherry Blossoms and Maples at Obara Shikizakura Matsuri & Korankei Maple Festival

    15.November.2019 | SPOT

    Early November marks the opening of the autumn cherry blossoms in Obaracho, Toyota. By the time mid-November rolls around, close to 10,000 shikizakura cherry blossoms bloom a pale pink until the end of the month.

    The Yoshino cherry bears its pink petals in springtime, but the shikizakura blossoms twice a year: first in spring, then in autumn. They are considered one of the most beautiful flowers of autumn, especially when they bloom against the gorgeous and vibrant red maple leaves. The Obara Shikizakura Matsuri began on November 1, and right now, you can witness this spectacle for yourself.

    The shikizakura trees planted in Obara have been there since Kansei era (1789-1801). With the helping hand of locals, the trees have become one of Japan’s most famous shikizakura spots. They were designated as Chiku (District) Trees in 1978 and can be seen throughout the entire district. Some of the trees are over 100 years old and as such registered as Natural Monuments of Aichi prefecture.

     

    This is a spot we highly recommend visiting when travelling to Aichi.

     

    ▼Obara Shikizakura Cherry Blossoms

    Peak Blossom Time: From Mid-November

    Locations:

    441-1 Johei, Obaracho, Toyota, Aichi (Obara Fureai Park)

    Senmichi, Toyota, Aichi (Senmi Shikizakura no Sato)

    Access: Take the Toyota Oiden Bus bound for Kaminigi (上仁木行き) and get off at Obaraokusa (小原大草) or Kaminigi (上仁木)

    Details:  http://www.kankou-obara.toyota.aichi.jp/

     

    ▼Obara Shikizakura Matsuri

    Running: November 1, 2019 – November 30, 2019

    Locations: Senmi Shikizakura no Sato, Obara Fureai Park, and elsewhere in the region

    Notes: The Kururin Bus can be boarded for free on weekends and public holidays while the festival is on

    Official Website: https://www.aichi-now.jp/spots/detail/132/

     

    The Korankei Maple Festival is also taking place this month where you can witness around 40,000 maple trees bearing their gorgeous autumn foliage.

    The trees are being lit up every night for the month of November. Watch the sun set before the illuminations are turned on, creating an enchanting atmosphere with the warm, radiating lights against the night sky.

     

    ▼Maple Trees

    Peak Blossom Time: From Mid-November

    Location:  Iimori Asukecho, Toyota, Aichi

    Access: Ride the Meitetsu Mikawa Line to Toyotashi Station, change onto Meitetsu Bus, and alight at Korankei (香嵐渓)

    Official Website:  http://asuke.info/korankei/

     

    ▼64th Korankei Maple Festival

    Running: November 1, 2019 – November 30, 2019

    Location: Around Iimori Asukecho, Toyota, Aichi

    Light-Up: Sunset to 21:00

    Access: 20 minutes from Sarugata Green Road Interchange / 20 minutes from Toyota-Kanpachi Interchange

    Official Website: http://asuke.info/event/nov/entry-705.html

     

    Witness two of Japan’s most celebrates treesーthe cherry blossom and the mapleーflower together in one place in Aichi.

  • Roppongi Hills Christmas Market 2019: Authentic German Food, Christmas Ornaments, Desserts & More

    12.November.2019 | FOOD / SPOT

    Christmastime has fallen on Roppongi Hills as it kicked off Roppongi Hills Christmas 2019 on Monday. The event sees the return of the gorgeous Keyakizaka illuminations from last year.

    Keyakizaka-dori Street runs almost 400 meters, along which “Snow & Blue” LED lights glow and glisten like frost-covered trees, turning the street into a winter wonderland. For 2019, a very special photo spot has been designed by Japanese illustrator Yu Nagaba as pictured above amongst the ocean of illuminations. Over on the West Walk, passersby will spot a draped Christmas tree.

     

    Starting this Friday (November 15), more illuminations will light up over at Mori Garden, which will reflect enchantingly from the garden lake, and 66 Plaza will be lit up too. All of these illuminations will glow until late in the night, making them a perfect spot for a little evening date.

    A Christmas market will take place starting on November 30 which will feature German food and drinks, a shop where you can buy a real fir Christmas tree, and more. And on November 15, restaurants and cafes at Roppongi Hills will adorn their menus with Christmas cakes, sweets, and dinner plans.

     

    Christmas Market 2019

    2019 marks the 13th year of the Roppongi Hills Christmas Market, and this year, many of Japan’s leading shops are taking part. The market will recreate the atmosphere and decor of a German Christmas market, with gorgeous decorations lining the roof, as well as the 11 stalls which will sell German-made Christmas sundries, German mulled wine, frankfurter sausages, and more. There will be over 2,000 individual items to find.

     

    Christmas Cakes & Merry Desserts

    Top: Christmas Show Girl ¥3,672 / Bottom: Christmas Tree ¥10,800 @ LOLA’S Cupcakes Tokyo

    Cafes and restaurants have cooked up various treats for the Christmas season which will be sold between November 15 to December 25, including Christmas cakes to complete your Christmas dinner, desserts so cute they almost seem a waste to eat, and little items perfect to give as gifts. There’s plenty on the menu to be enjoyed with friends, family and loved ones.

     

    Have a very special and merry little Christmas this year at Roppongi Hills.

  • See the Breathtaking Autumn Foliage of the Former Shizutani School in Okayama

    14.November.2019 | SPOT

    The Former Shizutani School, recognised as the oldest school existing for commoners in Japan, has reached its peak season for autumn foliage. Speficially, for the Chinese pistache tree, which is a symbol of the school.

    Shizutani School first opened in 1670 during the Kambun era. In 2015, it was registered as an Educational Heritage Site from Early-Modern Japan. The majority of the site is listed as an Important Cultural Property, including the temple, Shizutani Shrine, as well as the auditorium which is considered a national treasure.

     

    The school’s surrounding natural landscape enjoys the blooming of many different flowers throughout the entire year which people flock to see. It’s especially famous for autumn, a season during which the enchanting red and yellow hues boas their beautiful blossom.

    The three colours reflect from the lacquered flooring of the auditorium, rippling like ocean waves.

    The beautiful contrast between the reds and yellows of the pistaches can be enjoyed during autumn-time only. The best time to see them is from now until November 20, so if you’re travelling to Okayama, be sure to pay the Former Shizutani School a visit.

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    14.October.2022 | SPOT

    From November 11, 2022 until August 2023, Izu Granpal Park in Shizuoka Prefecture will host the 8th Izu Kogen Grand Illumination event!

     

    The Izu Kogen Grand Illumination was ranked #1 in the Walker+National Illumination Ranking for six consecutive years and is beloved by visitors of all ages. This isn’t just a collection of pretty lights–the Grand Illumination also includes a number of hands-on experiences for everyone to enjoy.

     

    In 2021, the event won first place in the Ninth Illumination Awards for the second year in a row. Known as Japan’s first ‘hands-on illumination experience,’ the park has continued to evolve year after year, adding more attractions and finding its unique style. These attractions include a zip line through the lights, Dinosaur Go-Karts, and more.

    This year, the Flower Lantern Area and Sweets Lantern Area have been completely redesigned and upgraded to be even more three-dimensional and colorful. Come enjoy this incredible world of lights and have some fun with the whole family!

  • Midtown Christmas 2022 to Bring Gorgeous Lights and Sounds to Tokyo

    07.October.2022 | SPOT

    From November 17 until December 25, Tokyo Midtown will hold the popular Midtown Christmas event for 2022!

     

    Adults and children are sure to love this massive Christmas event. Each year, a massive Christmas tree appears in Tokyo Midtown, but this year’s festivities will also throw some more unique pieces of art into the mix.

     

    This year, visitors will see golden lights on the city’s trees, as well as a pop-up Christmas tree inspired by party poppers. Lights and music will join together to make guests feel as though they’ve walked into an outdoor theater, and the popular ice skating rink will once again be open for everyone to enjoy. Why not enjoy the Christmas season in Tokyo’s shimmering midtown?

     

    Bubbles Fill the Air for a Limited Time at the Christmas Story Lights

     

    A Massive Dome Filled with 300 Lights Invites Visitors to Celebrate the Season

     

    Hands-on Experiences at the Party Popper Tree

  • Keyakizaka Lights, a Tokyo Winter Tradition, to be Held Again in 2022

    02.October.2022 | SPOT

    From November 11 until December 25, 2022, Roppongi Hills Christmas will cover Tokyo in glittering lights once again. The Keyakizaka Lights, one of Tokyo’s most popular winter attractions, will also take place in 2022, with the 400-meter-long Keyakizaka street covered in over 800,000 blue and white LED lights.

     

    For the first time in three years, the Mohri Garden will be covered in lights as well. The annual Christmas market will invite guests to experience an authentic German Christmas, and Christmas cakes and gourmet food unique to Roppongi Hills will be for sale. 

     

    The Roppongi Hills Christmas event utilizes LED lights and has done so since the first event was held in 2003. Clean power will be used again this year, and the lights will be switched on from 5 PM until 11 PM each night. 

  • NAKED Night Walk Art Project to Open at Famed Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima

    28.September.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    Japanese creative company NAKED will hold a Night Walk event at Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima, located near one of the top three most scenic spots in Japan. The event will run from October 29 until November 23, 2022.

     

    The NAKED Night Walk was created to revitalize hot spring resorts and other tourist spots during the pandemic. This special event will bring the illuminated experience to Zuiganji Temple, one of the Tohoku Region’s most famous Zen temples. Guests will be invited to carry beautiful lanterns around the grounds, maintaining social distancing while enjoying the cool evening weather. These lanterns will cast one of three unique designs onto the ground below–a starry sky, a camellia flower, or a lotus. 

    Guests can also enjoy NAKED’s Flower Fortune Telling, pulling unique paper flowers from a massive wall, with each holding a personalized fortune. These flowers can then be tied to a nearby tree to further spread NAKED’s art. You can also take home your flower as a souvenir!

    The event will only run for a limited time. For more information including admission fees and hours, see the official website!

  • Kansai’s Largest Illumination Event to Start Third Phase on October 8

    10.September.2022 | SPOT

    The third phase of the popular illumination event at the English Garden Rosa & Berry Tawada will be held from October 8, 2022 until February 12, 2023! One of the largest light-up events in the Kansai region, this year’s theme is ‘Evolutionary Lights!’ 

     

    Let Time Pass in The Golden Forest

    Visitors will be welcomed into a glorious forest of golden lights as they arrive in the main area. 

    The clock tower rises in the center, and the spectacular production begins at the start of nightfall when the tower itself begins to glow and 100 trees are enveloped in golden light.


     

    The White and Silver Garden of the Fairies

    The area has undergone a major transformation, from the warm European-inspired colors of last year’s event to a mysterious silvery-white color scheme. Visitors can also enjoy the popular light-up experience Miraculous Blue Roses and the Seven-Colored Prayer Tree.

    ※Details: Lights and effects are triggered in response to the sound of bells rung by visitors and special pedals stepped on as they explore the event.

     

    Shaun the Sheep Area

    A special Christmas display inspired by the new Shaun the Sheep movie, releasing in December 2022, will be on display.

    *Images of the special display will be available in mid-September.

    SHAUN THE SHEEP AND SHAUN’S IMAGE ARE ™ AARDMAN ANIMATIONS LTD. 2022

     

    Galactic Express Milky Way

    The Milky Way is said to be a magnificent shade of blue. The Milky Way Galaxy Railroad, which requires a separate fee, runs through the area, inviting guests to explore a sea of stars. Why not take a trip through this glittering world of lights while taking some incredible photos?

     

    Why not visit this incredible sea of lights this winter?

  • Sumikko Gurashi Characters Appear at Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest

    09.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    From November 12, 2022, until April 2, 2023, visitors to Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest in Kanagawa Prefecture will be able to enjoy an incredible light-up event featuring Sumikko Gurashi characters! The outdoor resort is only an hour from Tokyo and won’t disappoint.


    A World First! Illuminated Sumikko Gurashi Area

    Visitors can enjoy riding the 250-meter-long Rainbow Lift for an aerial walk above the millions of lights. The adorable Sumikko Gurashi characters will be waiting for guests in a special themed area.

     

    Goods Featuring Original Illustrations Available–with a Collab Menu!

    The event will also offer goods decorated with newly-drawn art inspired by the Lake Sagami lights, with Sumikko and her friends enjoying the show. Along with merchandise, guests will also be invited to sample collaboration food and drinks at the park’s restaurant Wild Dining. Each dish will also come with a bonus!

     

    Come enjoy these incredible lights along with everyone’s favorite Sumikko characters! With 6 million lights on display, this is one of the largest in the Kanto area. More details will be coming soon, so keep an eye out!

  • Light and Shadow 2022 Event at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo Attracts Over 10,000 Visitors

    04.August.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, which blends a hotel and a traditional Japanese museum, is celebrating summer in the spookiest way possible. From July 2 until September 25, guests can enjoy the ‘Wa no Akari x Hyakudan Kaidan 2022 ~Light and Shadow: 100 Stories~’ event, inspired by the tradition of telling ghost stories in summer to send a chill down your spine. Since opening, over 10,000 visitors have come to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event. 

     

    Each of the seven exhibition areas is connected to the stairway, and each has its own theme pulled from the overarching theme of light and darkness. From Light of Passion to Midnight Light, guests will be surrounded on all sides. As you ascend the stairs, a festive atmosphere transforms into a more frightening one. Although the ghosts are out to play, guests are welcome to enjoy the many art pieces and crafts on display. 

     

    Sokyu Room / Lights of Passion

    This Kabuki stage is filled with the passion of women who are addicted to love, a common theme in many traditional plays. The eye-catching Japanese umbrellas and lanterns will no doubt leave an impression, and the wistful music is titled Red Thread. The tale depicted here tells the story of a woman who becomes a haunting specter clad in flames of passion, sobbing and laughing in time with the song. 

     

    Still Water Room / Inverted Light

    The three trees crowned with horse heads were created by the artist Eros Nakazato. Guests will feel as though they’ve been transported to the middle of a meadow as they explore this fantastical room covered in traditional paintings. In the work The Reverse of the Reverse, there are no wild horses on the earth, and those who have been tamed by humans sway in a beautiful and sad way. To make this scarier, the story has been reimagined as guests look through a crystal ball–now, humans are ruled by horses

     

    Starlight Room / Midnight Light

    Passing through a corridor of suspiciously flickering yokai lanterns, you will find that the clock has struck midnight. In the darkness, as most humans are asleep, specters are having a lively party. Playful cats dance and play and a number of artistic works by contemporary artists are on display. The music played fuses Japanese and ethnic instruments, some of which are interspersed with the voices of creatures of the night.

     

    Experience this immersive art experience that will delight all five senses through light and shadows while you can!

  • Hotel Gajoen Tokyo Opens Artistic Summer Ghost Story Event

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    Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, which blends a hotel and a traditional Japanese museum, is celebrating summer in the spookiest way possible. From July 2 until September 25, guests can enjoy the ‘Wa no Akari x Hyakudan Kaidan 2022 ~Light and Shadow: 100 Stories~’ event, inspired by the tradition of telling ghost stories in summer to send a chill down your spine. The art illumination exhibition promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

    Jounen no Akari (Lights of Passion)

    Bamboo Lights

     

    Without light, there are no shadows. In this exhibition, light and shadow complement one another, portraying the popular 100 ghost stories in a new way. Last year’s event received critical acclaim as guests found themselves moving breathlessly from room to room, exploring the many incredible pieces put on display. Along the dusk-lit promenade, goldfish lanterns lead guests to the start of their mysterious adventure. The atmosphere changes from room to room, with bamboo lights and shadows surrounding you from all sides. 

     

    An Immersive Light Art Space

    Odawara Wind Chimes at Dusk

    Luxurious Cherry Blossom Hairpins

    Glass Lamp, Iroshita Studio

    Flower Arrangement, Rikou Otsuka

     

    As you ascend the stairs, a festive atmosphere transforms into a more frightening one. Although the ghosts are out to play, guests are welcome to enjoy the many art pieces and crafts on display, from flower arrangements by master ikebana artist Rikou Otsuka and sculptures by some of Japan’s most influential traditional creators. 

     

    Enjoy Traditional Summer Ghost Stories with Light Art

    Ghost Lanterns

    Born from the Earth, Yasumaro Ozawa

    Byakko, Yuji Nishijima

    Inverted Light, Eros Nakazato

     

    Mysterious music will drift through the air, making guests feel as though they’ve been transported into another world. The eerie space is lit by Ghost Lanterns made by a 200-year-old company in Fukuoka, and the venue is decorated with art blending ukiyo-e with contemporary styles. 

     

    Culture and Crafts from Around Japan

    Paper Lanterns from Ise

    Bamboo Lights, Akarinowa

    3D Knit Lights

    Paper Fireworks

     

    Summer fireworks have been recreated in colorful paper form by an artist in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture, and materials found in a neglected bamboo grove in Shizuoka Prefecture were used to create the many iconic lights seen throughout the unique exhibition. Local craftsmen are at the heart of the event, with pieces brought in from areas all around Japan.

     

    Wa no Akari Room

    A concept room featuring gently flickering lights and lanterns is available to book for a limited time. Why not come spend your summer in this otherworldly atmosphere?

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    Nissy (Takahiro Nishijima) has announced that his new song, I Need You, will be released digitally on July 7, 2022. The jacket cover has also been revealed.

    This love song depicts how it feels to warmly live each day with the person you care about. It’s a relaxed mid-tempo number, a far cry from the cool sound heard on Nissy’s third album HOCUS POCUS 3.

     

     

    In addition, Nissy will also be collaborating with Tokyo Tower’s popular summer event, the Milky Way Illumination. Approximately 21,000 LED bulbs found on the first floor of the main deck, a stunning 150 meters above Tokyo, will change color periodically to match the beat of the new song I Need You.

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    ⓒTOKYO TOWER

  • NAKED’s Popular Night Walk Returns to Illuminate Jozankei Onsen in Hokkaido

    30.May.2022 | SPOT

    The JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE -WATER LIGHT VALLEY- event is coming back in 2022! The event, which shows off the natural beauty of Jozankei’s rivers, valleys, and forests, from June to October. Guests can enjoy an illuminated walk along the Toyohira River in the Jozankei area of Hokkaido and wander across the picturesque Futami Suspension Bridge. 

     

    This year, the park area at the entrance to the event has been redesigned with new lights. A 2.5-meter-high blue dome will welcome guests with an image of water, and the trees and wisteria trellises will be decorated with twinkling golden lights.

     

    Welcome Light Lake *Image from 2021

     

    River Road

     

    Forest Water Ripple

     

    Nature Projection

     

    Futami Valley

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    How would you like to spend your summer deep in the illuminated nature of Hokkaido?

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    Onjo-ji Spring Illumination 2022

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