Illumination Events in Japan

Himeji Castle Light-up

The event is free and will consist of LED lights, projection mapping, ball-shaped lanterns, and a water mirror.

Nijō Autumn Harvest Festival 2025

Get ready for real and virtual autumn flowers at Kyoto's most iconic castle.

Maple Leaves Forest at Kobe Municipal Arboretum

Discover Kobe’s Forest Botanical Garden this autumn for stunning foliage displays, guided Maple Walk tours, and the captivating “Lighting Up the Maple” illumination event.

Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Illuminations

See Kiyomizu-dera lit up for the Autumn colors.

Kōrankei Momiji Festival

Catch the colors of the autumn leaves at this traditional Maple tree festival.

teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live – GC

teamLab turns Mifuneyama Rakuen Park into a land of colorful projections and illuminations.

Kagoshima Ohara Festival

Join in one of the largest festivals in Kyūshū.

Special Autumn Visit to Higashi Honganji Temple

Don’t miss Kyoto's Higashi Honganji Temple light-up this autumn. Enjoy breathtaking displays of ikebana and light, set against the majestic temple’s architecture.

Nijō Castle NAKED Summer Festival 2025

The art collective NAKED are doing what they do best and turning another historical landmark into a fun, festival paradise.

Nara Daimonji Okuribi

Pray for peace and the souls of the fallen at this sombre festival.

Nara Tokae

See Nara's deer in a new light - literally! Made out of candles, this festival is about enormous pieces of art.

Fuji-Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Take this chance to visit Kawaguchiko during cherry blossom season and be rewarded with an incredible view of Mount Fuji.

Fukuoka Phantom Castle

See Fukuoka Castle shine in all its glory at this special illumination event happening between March and April.

Maruyama Park Weeping Cherry Tree Illumination

The light-up event of the weeping cherry tree at Maruyama Park in Kyoto is a must-see annual tradition.

Kiyomizu-dera Spring Illuminations

To celebrate the change to spring, Kiyomizu-dera will hold a night event to brighten up the foliage.

NAKED Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

This nighttime event lights up the thousands of cherry blossoms at Hikone Castle near Lake Biwa.

Kōbe Candlelight Concert: Best of Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)

Warm up a chilly night with candlelight and your favorite songs from Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi.

“Light of Versailles” Winter Illumination

A winter illumination event involving fountains, water, and lots of lights.

Sapporo White Illumination

See the snowy streets of Sapporo lit up with illuminations

Tsunan Snow Festival

Sky lanterns light up the night, snowboarders take on epic jumps, and local food stalls bring Niigata’s snow country to life at the Tsunan Snow Festival.

Lake Towada Winter Story of Light

Visit an illuminated winter wonderland with fireworks each night in Aomori.

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival 2025

A quieter alternative in Sapporo's beautiful snows.

Ashikaga Flower Park Illuminations 2024

Visit one of the best illuminations in Japan and relive the wonder of the spring wisteria.

Osaka and Kōbe Illuminage

See Osaka and Kobe come alight at this unique illumination event.