Illumination Events in Japan

Kōdai-ji Temple Spring Illuminations

Kyoto's Kōdai-ji Temple features one of the city's most stunning springtime illuminations, complete with projection mapping and Zen vibes.

Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

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

Osaka Castle Cherry Blossom Illumination

With extended evening hours, food stalls, and a rare chance to see Osaka’s iconic castle framed by illuminated cherry blossoms, this is nighttime sakura viewing at its most enchanting.

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.

Kyoto Toji Temple Cherry Blossom Illuminations

Kyoto is no stranger to spectacular sakura views, but Toji Temple's nighttime atmosphere is something else entirely.

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.

Gion Shirakawa Evening Cherry Blossom Illuminations

For just a short window in late March and early April, the sakura in Gion's Shirakawa area are illuminated.

Illumination at Hirakata Amusement Park in Osaka

Hirakata Park’s illuminations return. Explore seven themed light areas, including a 13-meter Flower and Fairy Tree, 500 glowing lanterns, and 20 illuminated rides.

Osaka Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)

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

Kiyomizu-dera Spring Illuminations

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

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.

Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

Make the most of the cold and savor winter at the Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival in Hokkaido.

Yamanakako Ice Candles Festival

See the spectacular scene of hundreds of ice candles being lit up.

Namba Hikari Tabi Illumination 2024

Glow up your Instagram — literally. Experience a mesmerizing journey through lights with glowing art installations and illuminations.

Osaka and Kōbe Illuminage

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

Ashikaga Flower Park Illuminations 2024

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

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival 2025

A quieter alternative in Sapporo's beautiful snows.

Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival

It gets very, very cold in the far north of Hokkaido, so what better place to have a festival with giant carved ice sculptures?

Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival

Light up a cold winter's day with this lantern festival.

Kobe Luminarie 2025

A beautiful light show and memorial in one Kobe event.