7 Must-See Illuminations in the Chubu Region: Aichi, Nagoya, Shizuoka, and Mie

The Chubu region, which includes Nagoya as well as the prefectures of Aichi, Shizuoka, Mie, and Gifu, is home to numerous enchanting illumination events. We've handpicked seven of the best illuminations in Chubu that you won’t want to miss. Enjoy the stunning light displays under the crisp winter night sky.

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1. Nagoya-City Hirokoji Street Illumination (Aichi)

The "Hirokoji Express Illumination" lights up the main street of Nagoya, Hirokoji-dori, with around 460,000 lights decorating the street trees along a 4-kilometer stretch. This event showcases different illumination designs from seven surrounding shopping districts, each offering its own unique flair. One of the highlights is the wine glass-shaped lights, inspired by the Montaigne Avenue illuminations in Paris, which shares a sister-city relationship with Sakae’s shopping street. Besides this, there are many other creatively designed illuminations to discover. Strolling and shopping among these dazzling lights is a wonderful way to enjoy the city.

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• Location: Sasashima and Yanagibashi Intersection

• Dates: Late October to Mid-January every year (2023: October 28, 2023 – January 15, 2024)
• Illumination Time: 5:00 PM – Midnight
• Nearest Station: All subway stations between Nagoya Station and Shinsakae-machi Station

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2.138 Tower Park Winter Illumination (Aichi)

Within the National Kiso Sansen Park, which spans the three prefectures of Aichi, Gifu, and Mie, there are several vast parks. One of these is 138 Tower Park, which hosts the annual "138 Winter Illumination" event, featuring around 300,000 lights. Each year, different themed designs are showcased in various sections of the park, creating a captivating illumination experience. The highlight of the park is "Twin Arch 138," a 138-meter-high observation tower that serves as the park’s symbol. From the observation floor, 100 meters above the ground, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the park's lights and the city’s nightscape. Additionally, food trucks are available within the park, allowing you to enjoy meals and relax while admiring the glowing scenery.

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3. Denpark Winter Festival (Aichi)

Anjo City's Denpark, a park themed on flowers and greenery, hosts a Winter Festival every year. The park is bathed in a dazzling display of lights, and visitors can marvel at nightly light shows featuring lasers, smoke, and synchronized music and lights. Weekends, holidays, and the New Year's season bring even more excitement with dynamic fireworks and fire shows. Additionally, a large greenhouse recreating a Danish town features an 8-meter-tall Christmas tree surrounded by poinsettias, cyclamens, and various sizes of Christmas trees, offering visitors a romantic Nordic experience. Denpark offers a diverse culinary experience, from cozy campfire cafes to lively BBQ areas and local eateries. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a festive adventure, Denpark has something for everyone.

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［kkday]👉Recommended Leisure, Activities, and Sightseeing Information in Aichi

4. Izukogen Grand Illumi (Shizuoka)

Held annually from November at Izu Granpal Park, the "Izukogen Grand Illumi" offers a dazzling world of lights as soon as you step inside. The standout feature is the variety of interactive attractions using lights. For instance, visitors can enjoy "Walk on the Illumination," where you walk over the light displays, or a thrilling zipline that glides over the illuminated area. Another popular attraction is the "Dino Age Kart," where you can ride a go-kart through an area with approximately 20 illuminated dinosaur figures, including a 12-meter-long Tyrannosaurus. This illumination event is truly a hands-on experience where you can play with light in various ways.

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5. Tokinosumika Illumination "Hikari no Sumika" (Shizuoka)

Located on the Gotemba Highlands overlooking Mt. Fuji, the large leisure facility "Tokinosu" holds the winter illumination "Hikari no Sumika" every year. For the 2023 season, the entire area has been significantly renewed under the theme of "The power and blessings of Mt. Fuji, a sacred peak." In the viewing zone, there is a shining blue illumination tree and many lanterns floating in the night sky. In the "Tunnel of Light," Mt. Fuji is represented in six areas as it changes with time and seasons. The experience zone is also full of highlights, including the powerful "Fountain Laser Show" with a maximum reach of 150 meters by water that receives the energy of Mt. Fuji. It is an event unique to Japan with the theme of Mt. Fuji.

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6. Nabana no Sato Illumination (Mie)

The "Nabana no Sato Illumination" is an event that has been dedicated to showcasing the beauty of lights through various themes over the years. The event for 2024 has been confirmed, and at the main venue, you can experience illuminations designed around that year’s theme. A key highlight is the "Tunnel of Lights," a 200-meter-long passage illuminated with LED bulbs shaped like small flowers, emitting a gentle glow. A recommended photo spot is the pair of symbolic trees, both towering over 20 meters, with their branches beautifully adorned with LEDs. There’s also a collaboration of seasonal flowers and lights, adding to the charm of this themed flower park’s illumination event.

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7. Winter Light Story (Gifu)

"Winter Light Story" is an annual illumination event held at the Kiso Sansen Park Center, part of the expansive Kiso Sansen National Park. With around 500,000 lights, the park is transformed with a different theme each year, creating a colorful and captivating experience. Each area within the park is adorned with illuminations designed around the theme, making it a great spot for photos. A highlight of the event is the "Ground Illumination," where vibrant lights spread across the vast flower garden, offering a unique spectacle. The cute and playful designs make it an event enjoyable for both children and adults.

spot information

• Location: Kiso Sansen Park Center

• Address: 255-3 Aburajima, Kaizu-cho, Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture
• Dates: Late November – Late December (December 2 – December 24, 2023)
• Illumination Time: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
• Nearest Station: About 15 minutes by bus from Yoro Railway Ishizu Station or 30 minutes by bus from Komano Station
• Official Website: https://www.kisosansenkoen.jp/~center/

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Prepare a SIM Card for Japan

Some illumination venues may require complicated transfers, so it's essential to access transportation information through your smartphone or other devices. However, your regular device may not always connect to the internet everywhere in Japan, and finding a Wi-Fi hotspot can be tricky. To avoid this, it's a good idea to prepare a SIM card that works in Japan in advance.

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Check Your Winter Essentials

In Japan, where the four seasons are clearly defined, the essential items for outings vary by season. Especially in winter, when there can be significant temperature differences between daytime and morning/evening, or even between different regions, it’s crucial to prepare accordingly for a comfortable trip. It's helpful to check and pack items that suit the season and circumstances in advance.

👉 Checklist of things to bring for a winter trip to Japan. What are the must-haves?

Winter Travel Outfit Tips

While the daytime temperatures might be comfortable, nights often get chilly in Japan due to the wide temperature range. To enjoy the illuminations at night, dressing warmly is essential. However, heavy winter clothes can be too hot during the day. The key is to wear layers that are easy to put on and take off. Plan your outfits in advance so you can comfortably enjoy the beautiful illuminations!

👉【2024-2025】What should I wear during my winter trip in Japan?