5 of the most beautiful winter illuminations in Japan
©annintofu, flickr
The most beautiful places to admire the winter illuminations
In Japan, illuminations often mark the transition from one season to another. Winter is no exception to the rule and Japan is not shy with its illuminations which embellish a newly snow-covered landscape.
Discover our top 5 of the most beautiful places to admire the winter illuminations in Japan!
For its 20th edition, the “Osaka Hikari-Renaissance” returns with its famous Christmas illuminations on the island of Nakanoshima in Osaka. From December 14 to 25, 2022, find various games of light to celebrate the end-of-year celebrations. As Osaka is referred to as a “city of water”, learn about the city's history and symbols through the illuminations featuring the Nakanoshima seaside and the Dojima and Tosabori rivers.
From December 14 to 25, 2022, everything around is illuminated, from trees to buildings to boats in Nakanoshima Port.
Beyond the street illuminations, find various light projections throughout the city. "Shining Art Wall" at the Nakanoshima Library or shows at the city hall. Join the other 4 million visitors and discover the star attraction of Christmas in Osaka.
Shibuya Blue Cave :
-> December 6th to 25th
A tunnel of blue light stretching over 800 meters is a unique immersive experience. These spectacular illuminations begin in early December and plunge visitors into a dreamlike atmosphere.
Yebisu Garden Place :
-> November 9th to February 25th
Famous for its giant Baccarat chandelier, accompanied by classic, elegant decor, the space's illuminations offer a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, making it a Christmas must-see.
Keyakizaka
@Kyle Hasegawa, wikimedia commons
Shibuya Blue cave
@Dick Thomas Johnson, wikimedia cimmons
yebisu garden
By Kakidai - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, wikimedia commons
Illuminations in Kanazawa :
Kenroku-en
-> October 4th to December 7th (park closes at 9 p.m.)
After the autumn illuminations, featuring koyo (red autumn leaves) and its flamboyant hues, the famous Kanazawa garden welcomes the winter illuminations. Spread over 10 hectares of natural space, Kenroku-en is home to almost 8,200 trees of different varieties. At night, when the trees are illuminated, the garden is transformed into a veritable night-time spectacle.
Until the end of winter, the Karasaki Matsu pines are adorned with yukitsuri, ropes that protect these ancestral trees from falling snow. The weight of the snow, when it falls in large quantities, could damage the Karasaki Matsu, which today are quite fragile.
Kenroku-en
@Suicasmo - 投稿者自身による著作物, wikimedia
light up in kenroku-en
Oleh Arisdp - Karya sendiri,, wikimedia
Yukitsuri
@By KKPCW - Own work, wikimedia commons
jardin koroku-en
@Από Okochuke, wikimedia
Hikari-Renaissance, Christmas lights in Osaka
Illuminations in Sapporo :
The illuminations of Caretta Shiodome, Tokyo's shopping center
Popular shopping mall in Tokyo, the Caretta Shiodome is located in the Shiodome area of Minato-ku Ward. Beyond the panorama that its 46th floor offers over the whole of Tokyo, the Caretta Shiodome hosts restaurants, cultural venues (a museum and a performance hall), and shops of all kinds.
In winter, the shopping center lights up! Many malls plan Christmas lights to kick off the Christmas season, but the Caretta Shiodome goes even further in its decoration. Illuminations, colored holographic projections, or even Christmas trees…the shopping center has a magical atmosphere.
The 2022 edition is unfortunately canceled but should be reinstated next year.
Sapporo White Illumination
@wikimediacommons
Sapporo White Illumination
@wikimediacommons
Illuminations in Nara
Festival of Illuminations
-> February 8th to 14th
This festival illuminates Nara Park, where wild deer roam freely among the temples and shrines. The festival, which takes place from mid-December to early January, transforms the city into a magical place, where the lights contrast with the city's ancient history and cultural heritage.
Les illuminations d'hiver au Japon offrent une expérience inoubliable, alliant modernité et traditions. Les villes japonaises, parées de milliers de lumières, créent un spectacle captivant qui incarne parfaitement la beauté et la magie de l'hiver japonais.
