As winter brings harsher cold, the sparkling light displays bring warmth to our hearts. In the Kinki and Hokuriku regions, unique illumination events will be held at various locations during the 2025-2026 winter season. From suburban parks away from the hustle and bustle of the city, historic mountain villages, to lakeside gardens, each area offers light spaces that captivate visitors with their distinctive regional characteristics. This time, we’ll introduce illumination spots in Kinki and Hokuriku perfect for winter evening outings, along with specific examples.
Table of Contents
- Toyama Kansui Park Sweet Illumination – Waterside Lights Illuminating Recovery and Hope
- Yuri no Sato Park Light-up (Sakai City) – Fantasy Woven by Flowers and Lights
- Tsuruga Port Illumination “Miraie” – Lights Illuminating the Port Town’s Future
- Kyoto Miyama Kayabuki no Sato Winter Lantern Festival – Japanese Original Landscape Woven by Snow and Lights
- Kobe Fruit Flower Park Osawa Kobe Illuminage – The World of Starlight Dreams
- Shiga Biwako Otsukan English Garden – Lakeside Art Created by Students
- Other Spots
Toyama Kansui Park Sweet Illumination – Waterside Lights Illuminating Recovery and Hope
Fugan Canal Kansui Park, located in central Toyama City, hosts the “Sweet Illumination” event. With easy access within walking distance from JR Toyama Station, it’s a popular spot that both locals and tourists can casually visit.
The highlights of this event are the light-up of Tenmon Bridge, the park’s symbol, and the fantastical LED waterfall display. The bridge’s reflection on the water surface is beautiful, and the view of the entire canal’s illumination from atop the bridge is spectacular. Additionally, special installations designed by local students are displayed, attracting attention as art pieces showcasing the sensibilities of the younger generation.
The theme “Lights of Prayer for Recovery” carries wishes for recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake, giving it a deeper meaning beyond just a tourist event. Visitors often comment, “The lights reflected on the water are truly beautiful” and “It’s close to the station, so I can stop by while taking a walk.”
The composition from atop Tenmon Bridge overlooking the entire canal is recommended. To capture the water surface reflection, choosing a calm night with little wind will allow you to photograph mirror-like reflections. Since admission is free, you can visit multiple times to enjoy the different seasonal expressions, which is also part of its charm.
【Basic Information】
- Period: October 10, 2025 – March 1, 2026
- Lighting Hours: Sunset – around 22:00
- Location: Fugan Canal Kansui Park (Minatoirifunemachi, Toyama City)
- Admission: Free
- Access: Approximately 9-minute walk from JR Toyama Station
- Parking: Paid parking available nearby
Yuri no Sato Park Light-up (Sakai City) – Fantasy Woven by Flowers and Lights
Yuri no Sato Park in Sakai City is scheduled to feature a light-up utilizing projection mapping. The park, which spreads flower fields during the day, transforms into a fantastical space with light tunnels and projection mapping at night.
This park’s characteristic is its vast grounds where flowers can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. During the winter illumination period, large-scale light displays that are only possible during the non-flowering season can be enjoyed. Walking through the light tunnel gives you a mysterious sensation as if you’ve wandered into another world.
The projection mapping displayed on building walls is content that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults as animated art pieces synchronized with music. The spacious park grounds have less crowding, allowing for photography and leisurely strolling at your own pace, which is also part of its appeal.
【Basic Information】
- Period: Mid-December 2025 – Mid-January 2026 (scheduled)
- Lighting Hours: 17:30 – around 21:00 (scheduled)
- Location: Yuri no Sato Park (Ishizuka, Harue-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture)
- Admission: Free
- Access: Approximately 15-minute walk from Taromaru Station on Echizen Railway Mikuni Awara Line, bus from JR Maruoka Station
- Parking: Free parking available (approximately 200 spaces)
Tsuruga Port Illumination “Miraie” – Lights Illuminating the Port Town’s Future
At Kanegasaki Green Space in Tsuruga City, an illumination event named “Miraie” will be held. A giant 20m-tall Christmas tree towers into the port’s night sky, with light tunnels welcoming visitors.
Tsuruga Port has long prospered as a gateway on the Sea of Japan side. The fusion of this historic port landscape with modern illumination creates scenery befitting the theme “Miraie (To the Future).” It’s within walking distance from Tsuruga Station, and shuttle buses are scheduled to operate during the period, making access convenient.
The light display viewed while feeling the sea breeze characteristic of a port town has a unique charm different from inland illuminations. Visitor comments include “The contrast between the scent of the tide and the lights is refreshing” and “The giant tree’s presence is amazing.”
On clear days, the time period transitioning from watching the sunset over the Sea of Japan to the evening illumination is recommended. The gradation from dusk to night combined with the light performance is a luxurious sight unique to port towns.
【Basic Information】
- Period: October 25 – December 25, 2025 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in November; daily in December)
- Lighting Hours: 17:00 – 21:00
- Location: Kanegasaki Green Space (Kanegasakicho, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture)
- Admission: Free
- Access: Approximately 15-minute walk from JR Tsuruga Station, shuttle bus operation scheduled
- Parking: Paid parking available nearby
Kyoto Miyama Kayabuki no Sato Winter Lantern Festival – Japanese Original Landscape Woven by Snow and Lights
In Kayabuki no Sato in Miyama Town, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, the “Winter Lantern Festival (Fuyu Touro)” is held. This village, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, is a precious place where 38 thatched-roof houses still exist, conveying Japan’s original landscape to the present day.
At the Winter Lantern Festival, 78 snow lanterns and 200 flower lanterns gently illuminate the entire village. In contrast to modern LED illuminations, the flickering light created by the flames of lanterns nostalgically highlights the rows of thatched-roof houses. On snowy nights, warm orange lights dot the silver world, creating a fantastical landscape as if you’ve traveled back in time.
This event is held for only 5 days and only in winter, so timing is crucial for visiting. Many emotional voices are heard, such as “The sight of only the lantern lights flickering on a quiet snowy night feels cleansing to the soul” and “I rediscovered the beauty of Japanese winter.”
Days when it’s snowing or the day after snowfall are best. Using a tripod with a slow shutter will create fantastical photos of the flickering lantern flames and snowy landscape. Framing the snow piled on the eaves of houses together with the lights will create a photo unique to Miyama. Don’t forget cold weather gear and non-slip measures as roads become snowy in winter.
【Basic Information】
- Period: January 19 – 23, 2026 (5 days only)
- Lighting Hours: 17:00 – 19:30
- Location: Kayabuki no Sato (Miyama-cho Kita, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture)
- Admission: Free
- Access: Approximately 50 minutes by Nantan City bus from JR Sonobe Station, get off at “Kita”
- Parking: Temporary parking available (walking distance from venue or free shuttle bus available)
Kobe Fruit Flower Park Osawa Kobe Illuminage – The World of Starlight Dreams
At Michi-no-Eki Kobe Fruit Flower Park Osawa in Kita Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, “Kobe Illuminage” is held. The theme is “Starlight Dream,” featuring romantic displays inspired by starry skies.
On the vast grounds, palace-style illuminations glowing pink and light corridors are displayed, with a giant 13m-tall Christmas tree and 500 lanterns coloring the night sky. As the name Fruit Park suggests, orchards and flower fields can be enjoyed during the day, but on winter nights, it transforms into a fantastical amusement park of lights.
The appeal of this spot is that admission is free (some paid areas available), making it easy for families to visit casually. There are restaurants and shops within the park, allowing you to warm up with a hot meal after enjoying the lights. The gourmet options are substantial, including dishes using Kobe beef and menus using fresh local vegetables.
Visitor comments include “The pink palace is fairy-tale-like,” “The children were delighted and running around,” and “Surprisingly large scale and worth seeing.” The diversity that makes it enjoyable both as a date spot for couples and as an outing destination for families is the reason for its popularity.
The light corridor is a popular spot, so early hours before crowding are recommended. When photographing the giant tree, use a wide-angle lens or smartphone wide mode to capture the entire picture. The lantern lights are soft and warm, making them ideal for portrait photography as well.
【Basic Information】
- Period: October 24, 2025 – February 1, 2026
- Lighting Hours: 17:30 – 21:00 (last entry 20:30)
- Location: Michi-no-Eki Kobe Fruit Flower Park Osawa (Kami-Osawa, Osawa-cho, Kita Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture)
- Admission: Free admission (some paid areas available)
- Access: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from Kobe Electric Railway “Okaba Station,” approximately 20 minutes by bus from “Tanigami Station”
- Parking: Free parking available (approximately 1,000 spaces)
Shiga Biwako Otsukan English Garden – Lakeside Art Created by Students
At the English Garden of Biwako Otsukan located on the shores of Lake Biwa in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, a creative illumination event is held. The 2025 theme is “Creatures Shining on Lake Biwa at Night.”
The approximately 5,900㎡ garden is divided into zones such as “Forest,” “Desert,” and “Ocean,” with light art objects themed around animals living in each environment, expressed with about 150,000 lights. The forest zone features glowing animals and insects, the desert zone has camels and cacti, and the ocean zone features illuminations modeled after fish and jellyfish.
The biggest feature of this event is that students from the local Seian University of Art and Design are in charge of design and production. The sensitivity and creativity of young people studying art are poured into the light objects, and new works with different themes are born each year. Many surprised voices are heard, such as “Hard to believe these are student works!” and “Quality comparable to professional works.”
The affordable admission fee of 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for children is also attractive. The retro guesthouse building of Biwako Otsukan also has character, allowing you to enjoy the integrated landscape of architecture, garden, and illumination. There’s also a cafe space inside the building, where you can take a break with a warm drink while planning your next photo spot.
Being located on the shores of Lake Biwa, photographing the lake’s reflected night view together with the illumination will create a photo characteristic of Shiga. If the paths within the garden aren’t crowded, tripod use is also possible, so photographing with light objects in the foreground and lake lights in the background will create photos with depth. Since crowds tend to disperse relatively easily, leisurely strolling and photographing on weekday nights is also recommended.
【Basic Information】
- Period: December 6, 2025 – February 1, 2026
- December 6 – December 31: Lit daily
- January 3 – February 1: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only
- Lighting Hours: 17:00 – 20:30 (last entry 20:00)
- Location: Biwako Otsukan English Garden (5-35 Yanagasaki, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture)
- Admission: Adults 500 yen, Children 250 yen (scheduled)
- Access: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from JR Otsu Station, get off at “Yanagasaki Lakeside Park,” approximately 10 minutes by car from Meishin “Otsu IC”
- Parking: Paid parking available within and around the facility
Introduction to Other Spots
Festa Luce in Wakayama Marina City – Light Magic Coloring the European Port Town
At Wakayama Marina City in Wakayama City, “Festa Luce” will be held from November 1, 2025 to February 23, 2026 (operating only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays after January 5, 2026; closed January 1). This is a popular event that has attracted a cumulative 830,000 visitors over 8 years, and the theme for the 9th year is “Winter Light Magic ~A WOW!! night captivated by winter lights~.”
The entire “Porto Europa” theme park, which recreates a European port town, is wrapped in illumination, and from the moment you pass through the entrance gate, a fantastical world wrapped in light magic spreads out. The highlight displays are the 18m-tall “Giant Christmas Tree” (2m taller than last year) and the “Infinity Bird” using a mirrored bridge. This mysterious light space, like an entrance to a mirror world, captivates visitors.
Nara Tenri City “Light Festival” – Waterside Park Colored by 300,000 Lights
At Taisho Pond Park in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, the “Light Festival” will be held from December 15, 2025 to January 17, 2026. 300,000 LED lights color the entire park, with light tunnels, objects modeled after animals and plants, and candles arranged throughout. An opening performance is also held on the first day, with the event starting in a festive mood throughout the region. The reflection of lights on the pond’s water surface is beautiful, allowing you to enjoy the fantastical atmosphere unique to waterside areas. There are evaluations such as “You can feel the warmth of the local community” and “Not large in scale but carefully made,” making it popular with families.
Recommendation for Illumination Tours by Camping Car
If you’re touring illumination spots in the Kinki and Hokuriku regions, traveling by camping car is recommended. Since winter nights are severely cold, being able to rest in a warm vehicle interior is a major advantage.
Benefits of Going by Camping Car
High Degree of Time Flexibility Illuminations are mostly held from evening to night, and public transportation may not be available for the last train. With a camping car, you can enjoy the light displays leisurely without worrying about time. It’s also possible to tour multiple spots in one night.
Perfect Cold Weather Measures Winter outdoor events are a battle with the cold. With a camping car, you can immediately warm up inside the vehicle when it gets cold. This mobility is particularly helpful at places like Miyama Kayabuki no Sato where it snows, or Tsuruga Port where sea winds are strong. If you prepare warm drinks and meals inside the vehicle, it becomes even more comfortable.
Convenient Storage and Charging of Photography Equipment You can safely store cameras, smartphones, spare batteries, and other photography equipment, and charge them inside the vehicle. This is especially useful in winter when batteries drain quickly in the cold outside air. It can also handle serious photography requiring multiple cameras.
Easy Management of Clothing Changes and Luggage Winter illumination tours tend to involve a lot of luggage such as cold weather clothing, boots, and umbrellas. With a camping car, you can leave all luggage inside the vehicle, allowing you to stroll around light. You can also immediately change wet clothes or shoes.
Overnight Parking at Roadside Stations Kobe Fruit Flower Park Osawa introduced this time is attached to a roadside station, making it suitable for overnight stays in vehicles. There are also roadside stations and RV parks scattered around other spots, eliminating the need to book accommodations.
🚐 Camping Car Travel Preparations and Precautions
To Enjoy Winter Illumination Tours
Winter illuminations in the Kinki and Hokuriku regions have diverse charms that take advantage of each area’s characteristics. There is cultural depth that goes beyond mere light festivals, including waterside parks, historic castles and mountain villages, and collaborations with traditional crafts.
【General Points When Visiting】
- Clothing: Snowy road measures are essential in the Hokuriku region. Thoroughly prepare shoes with non-slip soles and cold weather gear
- Mountainous areas of Kinki region: Wear warm clothing as it gets severely cold
- Photography: Since tripod use is restricted at many spots, utilize high-sensitivity cameras or smartphone night scene modes that can take beautiful handheld shots
- Environmental Consideration: Contribute to sustainable tourism by bringing eco-bags and purchasing local products
These events, which contribute to regional promotion and tourism promotion, also consider environmental impact through the introduction of LED lighting. As visitors, let’s also be mindful of actions that support sustainable tourism.
Since detailed dates and fees may change, please check the latest information on each facility’s official website before going out. Why not go out to experience the warmth of lights that shine precisely because of the cold winter? With a camping car, you can realize a freer and more comfortable illumination tour. Please enjoy the art of lights shining in the winter night sky to your heart’s content.
✨ Kinki & Hokuriku Illumination FAQs
