Winter in Japan is a season when the air is very clear and the night sky looks incredibly beautiful.

In many countries, the illumination season ends after Christmas, but in Japan, there are many places where light events continue into February or even into spring.

We will introduce the charm of the "magic of light" that warms the heart and can be felt especially on cold nights.

What makes Japanese illuminations so special?

Japanese illuminations are not just decorative light bulbs. They are a reflection of Japan's advanced technology and a sensitive heart that loves nature and stories.

Fusion of cutting-edge technology and art

Japan's illuminations often use the latest LED technology and a video technology called "projection mapping." Images are projected onto castles and old buildings, and lights flash and dance to music, making the atmosphere feel like you're in an outdoor art museum.

Appreciating the Seasons

Japanese people are very good at expressing the change of seasons with light, such as lights shining in a snowy landscape or lights illuminating plum blossoms that are just beginning to bloom. Feeling the warmth of light even in the bitter cold of winter sends the message that "spring is just around the corner."

Enjoy until February! Recommended spots across Japan

If you're traveling to Japan in February, here are three amazing places you should definitely visit.

Mie Prefecture: Nabana no Sato "The largest sparkle in Japan"

Nabana no Sato in Mie Prefecture is one of the most famous illuminations in Japan.

• Tunnel of Light: The 200-meter-long tunnel of light gives you the mysterious feeling of being enveloped in light when you walk through it.

• Water illumination: A large-scale illumination that depicts the flow of the river with light is breathtakingly beautiful.
  From late February, you can see the early-blooming plum and cherry blossoms and the light shining together, creating a special scene where winter and spring blend together.

Nanaya Kuwana store

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Tochigi Prefecture: Ashikaga Flower Park "Garden of Light Flowers"

This place has also been selected as one of the "World's Dream Travel Destinations" by CNN in the United States.

• Illuminated Wisteria Trellis: The famous wisteria flowers that bloom in spring are beautifully recreated in winter using countless LEDs. The purple lights swaying in the breeze make it look like real flowers are in bloom.

• February's charm: The theme for this time of year is "A competition between light and winter-blooming peonies." You can spend an elegant time blending a traditional Japanese winter garden with modern light.

point

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160-year-old Wisteria | Check out Enjoying the Wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park

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Kanagawa Prefecture: Enoshima, the "Jewel of Shonan"

This event, held in Enoshima, near Tokyo, will see the entire island, surrounded by the sea, enveloped in light.

• Crystal shine: The attraction features gorgeous decorations made with crystal beads, centered around the observation lighthouse "Enoshima Sea Candle."

• Sunset and Light: The skies are clear in February, so if you're lucky you can see the silhouette and illumination of Mt. Fuji at dusk.

Rojiura Curry SAMURAI. Kamakura branch

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Tips for enjoying illuminations to the fullest

Here are some tips to help you enjoy winter nights in Japan comfortably.

Make "Cairo" your ally

Disposable hand warmers, which can be purchased at convenience stores and drugstores in Japan, are a great ally in winter. There are types that you can stick on your clothes or place inside your socks, and just wearing one of these will make sightseeing outside much more comfortable.

Take a break with a hot drink

At illumination venues, there are often food stalls selling hot amazake (sweet sake), soup, and hot chocolate. It's a special luxury to gaze out at the sea of lights while warming your cold hands.

Weekday visits are recommended

Popular spots get very crowded on weekends, so if you have the time, visiting on a weekday evening will allow for a quieter, more relaxed time to enjoy taking photos.

Light connects the Japanese spirit

When you walk around looking at illuminations in Japan, you will notice that families, couples, and even elderly people are all smiling and gazing at the lights.

On a dark, cold winter night, everyone gathers together to share the light. This represents the Japanese spirit of "omotenashi" (hospitality), which shows consideration for one another, and a desire for peace.

As you walk along the path of light, experience firsthand the kindness of the Japanese people and their culture that values the seasons.

summary

February in Japan is a very romantic season, marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

The stars shining high in the sky and the dazzling illuminations on the ground. The opportunity to enjoy both at once is a privilege that can only be found in Japan at this time of year. Why not leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and immerse yourself in a fantastical sea of lights?

There you will find magical views that will brighten your journey.

We hope your trip to Japan will be filled with wonderful, shining memories.

They bloom despite the cold winter. Check out these 5 famous spots to see plum blossoms beloved by the Japanese.