Winter illuminations that light up the night sky are captivating spectacles that make you forget the cold. Suburban Kanto spots with vast grounds are particularly ideal for camping car visits. This time, we introduce carefully selected spots with excellent accessibility – within 30 minutes from highway interchanges and equipped with large parking lots.
Featured Spots
- Ashikaga Flower Park “Garden of Lights” (Tochigi Prefecture)
- Sagamiko Illumillion (Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
- Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park (Saitama Prefecture)
- Gunma Flower Park (Gunma Prefecture)
- Ibaraki Flower Park (Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
- Oyama Senmaida “Tanada no Akari” (Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture)
- Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park “Illumination Fantasium” (Yamanashi Prefecture)
1. Ashikaga Flower Park “Garden of Lights” (Tochigi Prefecture)
Nationwide No.1 Illumination Excellence
The winter illumination at Ashikaga Flower Park, held from mid-October 2025 to mid-February 2026, is a representative illumination spot in Kanto that won first place nationwide in 2024 for both the Excellent Story Award and Excellent Technical Award in the illumination event category.
The light displays using over 5 million LED bulbs are spectacular. Of particular note is the “Light Pyramid,” which doubles the amount of light through reflections on water surfaces. The fantastic scenery created by the water mirror effect is perfect for social media. With abundant photo spots including the 25-meter-high “Illumination Tower” and “Flower Field and Milky Way in the Sky” utilizing the hillside slopes, there’s plenty to see.
Event Information
Period: Mid-October 2025 ~ Mid-February 2026
Lighting Hours: From 17:00 (closing time varies by season)
Location: 607 Hasamacho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture
Admission: Adults 1,200 yen~, Children 600 yen~ (varies by season)
Access & Parking Information
By Car: Approximately 18 minutes from Tohoku Expressway Sano-Fujioka IC
Parking: Free, approximately 6,000 spaces (accommodates large vehicles and camping cars)
Nearest Station: 3-minute walk from JR Ryomo Line “Ashikaga Flower Park Station”
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Weekday visits are most recommended. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are especially less crowded
- On weekends and holidays, right after opening (15:00-16:00) or after 19:00 are the best times
- The Christmas season (mid-December to the 25th) is particularly crowded, so it’s wise to avoid it
- While the parking lot is vast, the first lot can fill up during peak periods. The second and third lots are also within walking distance, so don’t panic
Recommended Ways to Enjoy
The Light Pyramid reflected on water surfaces offers perfect symmetry especially on windless days. Living up to its first-place national award, the quality of light displays is the best in Kanto. The area around the Illumination Tower can especially capture the grand scale when photographed with a wide-angle lens. It’s a spot with enough to see that you won’t get bored even staying from opening to closing.
2. Sagamiko Illumillion (Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Kanto’s Largest Scale and Traffic Avoidance Tips
Sagamiko Illumillion, boasting the largest scale in Kanto, is attractive for its overwhelming sense of scale utilizing hillside terrain. Being within a large leisure resort facility, parking lots are equipped to accommodate large buses and camping cars.
2025 Tamagotchi Collaboration Highlight
In the 2025 season, the Tamagotchi collaboration project “Discover at Sagamiko! Tamagotchi’s Sparkling Illumination!” is being held, making it very popular with families. Numerous photo spots combining characters and illuminations have been set up, creating content enjoyable for both children and adults.
Event Information
Period: November 15, 2025 ~ May 10, 2026 (check official website for details)
Lighting Hours: From sunset ~ around 21:00
Location: 1634 Wakayagi, Midori-ku, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture (inside Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest)
Admission: Entrance fee + Illumination viewing fee (set packages available)
Access & Parking Information
By Car (Recommended Route): Approximately 20 minutes from Ken-O Expressway Takaosan IC via National Route 20
Standard Route: Approximately 15 minutes from Chuo Expressway Sagamiko IC (*frequent traffic jams near Kobotoke Tunnel)
Parking: Paid, approximately 2,500 spaces (accommodates large vehicles and camping cars)
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Strongly recommend the Ken-O Expressway Takaosan IC route to avoid traffic jams at Kobotoke Tunnel on Chuo Expressway
- Weekdays after 18:00 are the least crowded, allowing relaxed viewing
- On weekends, right after opening or after 20:00 are relatively less crowded
- The Christmas period (December 23-25) is the most crowded. Avoiding this time significantly increases comfort
- While the parking lot is large, it can fill up on weekends from 17:00-19:00. Arrive early
Recommended Ways to Enjoy
The Ken-O Expressway Takaosan IC route may not be automatically selected depending on your car navigation settings, so we recommend checking the National Route 20 route in advance. This route, which allows arrival in about 20 minutes even on weekends, has the major advantage of completely avoiding Kobotoke Tunnel traffic jams.
The Tamagotchi collaboration area is especially popular with parents and children who played with Tamagotchi in the 1990s. The fusion of nostalgic characters and the latest illumination technology is designed to be enjoyed across generations.
3. Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park (Saitama Prefecture)
Peace of Mind from National Park
As a national park, it features vast grounds and excellent facilities. Since large bus use is routinely expected, there are no parking lot height restrictions, making it ideal for camping car visits. The light displays utilizing the vast natural terrain and forests offer attractive presentations themed on harmony with nature, distinct from urban illuminations.
Event Information
Period: November 16, 2024 ~ January 12, 2025
Lighting Hours: 16:30~20:30 (last entry 20:00)
Location: 4 Kumagaya, Namegawa-machi, Hiki-gun, Saitama Prefecture
Admission: Adults (high school and above) 450 yen, Seniors (65 and above) 210 yen, Children free
Access & Parking Information
By Car: Approximately 30 minutes from Kanetsu Expressway Higashi-Matsuyama IC
Parking: Paid (普通車 620 yen, large vehicles 1,650 yen), approximately 1,600 spaces (accommodates camping cars)
Nearest Station: From Tobu Tojo Line “Shinrin-koen Station” (North Exit) or JR Takasaki Line “Kumagaya Station” by bus
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Weekday visits are most recommended, especially early December Tuesdays through Thursdays
- On weekends and holidays, right after opening (16:30-17:00) allows comfortable viewing
- Year-end season (12/23~1/3) is particularly crowded. Avoiding this time increases comfort
- With about 1,600 parking spaces, parking lot capacity is generally sufficient even on weekends
- The grounds are vast, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Walking distance from entrance to illumination area is about 10 minutes
Recommended Ways to Enjoy
Light displays harmonizing with the vast natural terrain are captivating. The illuminated foliage, winter nature, and light presentations different from urban areas are full of highlights. With relatively low admission fees, it has excellent cost performance for families. Being a national park, facilities are well-maintained, allowing safe and comfortable viewing even with children.
4. Gunma Flower Park (Gunma Prefecture)
Tower Climbing Experience and Local Gourmet
Gunma Flower Park offers the unique experience of viewing illuminations from the top of a 18-meter-high observation tower, letting you enjoy both ground-level and aerial perspectives of the light displays. Particularly noteworthy is the night view from the tower top, where you can see Mt. Akagi to the north and the Kanto Plain lights to the south – a panoramic view unique to this location.
Food stalls inside the grounds offer Gunma’s local specialties. Especially popular are warm menu items perfect for the cold season like yakimanju (grilled buns) and amazake (sweet sake). The illumination area isn’t too vast, so you can comfortably view it all in about 1 hour.
Event Information
Period: November 9, 2024 ~ January 13, 2025
Lighting Hours: 17:00~21:00 (last entry 20:30)
Location: 1187-2 Terao, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture
Admission: Elementary school and above 700 yen, Preschool children free
Access & Parking Information
By Car: Approximately 30 minutes from Kita-Kanto Expressway Isesaki IC
Parking: Free, approximately 500 spaces (accommodates large vehicles)
Nearest Station: From JR Ryomo Line “Maebashi Station” by bus (approximately 35 minutes)
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Weekday visits are most recommended. The grounds are relatively spacious, making it comfortable even on weekends
- On weekends and holidays, after 19:00 is relatively less crowded and recommended
- Year-end season (12/26~1/3) and weekends are the most crowded, so early December or after mid-January is ideal
- The observation tower can get crowded on weekends, so visiting right after opening allows viewing without waiting
- Free parking with about 500 spaces is usually sufficient even on weekends, but early arrival is recommended during peak periods
Recommended Ways to Enjoy
The panoramic 360-degree illumination view from the observation tower is the biggest highlight. While climbing the tower requires some physical effort, the view from the top is worth it. The light-up of Mt. Akagi to the north and the nightscape of the Kanto Plain to the south create a magnificent landscape unique to Gunma. Food stalls offer warm menus perfect for the cold season, so taking a break to enjoy illuminations and local gourmet is also recommended.
5. Ibaraki Flower Park (Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
Experiential Illumination Pioneer
Ibaraki Flower Park is a pioneer of “experiential illuminations,” with various experiential contents set up inside. The most popular is “Kaze no Hanabira” (Wind Petals), where 2,000 light-emitting mobiles sway in the wind, creating ever-changing light expressions.
Additionally, the park features a “projection mapping forest” utilizing hillside terrain and a “light path” where lights activate in response to footsteps, providing an evolving illumination experience beyond just viewing. Rose-scented area fragrances are also incorporated, allowing multi-sensory enjoyment.
Event Information
Period: November 15, 2024 ~ January 12, 2025
Lighting Hours: 17:00~20:30 (last entry 20:00)
Location: 3187-1 Shimoaoyagi, Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Admission: Adults (high school and above) 900 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 300 yen, Preschool children free
Access & Parking Information
By Car: Approximately 20 minutes from Joban Expressway Ishioka-Ogawa IC
Parking: Free, approximately 900 spaces (accommodates large vehicles)
Nearest Station: From JR Joban Line “Ishioka Station” by taxi (approximately 20 minutes)
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Weekdays are the most recommended, especially mid-week Tuesdays through Thursdays are relatively uncrowded
- On weekends and holidays, right after opening (17:00-17:30) or after 19:30 are less crowded
- Year-end season (12/28~1/3) is particularly crowded. December weekends are also relatively crowded, so early or late January is ideal
- “Kaze no Hanabira” is popular and can get crowded on weekends, so visiting immediately after opening allows viewing without waiting
- The parking lot with about 900 spaces usually has sufficient capacity even on weekends, but early arrival is safer during peak periods
Recommended Ways to Enjoy
The experiential element of “Kaze no Hanabira” is the biggest attraction. Unlike illuminations that are merely viewed, actively experiencing the constantly changing light expressions as they respond to wind offers a unique enjoyment. Projection mapping utilizing hillside terrain offers stunning visuals worth seeing. The footstep-responsive light path is especially popular with children, making it recommended for family visits.
6. Oyama Senmaida “Tanada no Akari” (Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture)
Nostalgic Japanese Landscape and Light
Oyama Senmaida is a completely different type of illumination spot from conventional ones. Rather than artificially arranged light displays, approximately 10,000 LED lights line the 375 terraced rice paddies, creating an ethereal sight of light dots floating in darkness.
This spot is particularly attractive for its fusion with a starry sky. On clear nights, you can enjoy the “double starry sky” of stars above and terraced lights below – an experience unavailable elsewhere. On moonless nights, the countless stars filling the sky create a collaboration between terraced lights and natural stars.
Event Information
Period: October 19, 2024 ~ January 12, 2025
Lighting Hours: 17:00~21:00 (sundown~21:00)
Location: 710 Hiratsuka, Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
Access & Parking Information
By Car: Approximately 20 minutes from Tateyama Expressway Kimitsu IC
Parking: Free, approximately 50 spaces (limited capacity, advance check recommended)
Nearest Station: From JR Sotobo Line “Kamogawa Station” by taxi (approximately 20 minutes)
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Weekdays are most recommended, allowing quiet viewing in a silent environment
- Roads are narrow, and weekends from 17:00-18:30 can have major traffic jams due to roadside parking. Avoiding these times is wise
- Ridges (aze) are private property and off-limits. View from the roadside and observation platform
- Due to limited parking spaces, after 19:00 allows relatively smooth parking
- Nighttime temperatures drop, so bring adequate warm clothing
- Donations to LED light “Pet Botaru” (3,000 yen per unit) allow you to write a wish and place it
Recommended Ways to Enjoy
The greatest highlight is the fusion of Japan’s original landscape with light, completely different from urban illuminations. The terraced lights viewed under a starry sky in silence have a unique beauty unavailable at other spots.
Weekend 17:00-18:30 tends to have traffic jams due to narrow roads, so visits after 19:00 are recommended. Later times offer smoother parking and more relaxed viewing. The “Pet Botaru” LED light donation program (3,000 yen per unit) allowing you to place your own wish-inscribed light is a unique experience to this event.
7. Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park “Illumination Fantasium” (Yamanashi Prefecture)
Mt. Fuji and 500,000 Lights Creating Spectacular Views
At Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park, located at 1,000m altitude on a plateau, “Illumination Fantasium” is held with World Heritage Mt. Fuji as backdrop. As the portmanteau of Fantasy and Museum suggests, it features an outdoor museum-like space in a fantastical landscape overlooking Mt. Fuji.
The combination of snow-capped Mt. Fuji floating in the clear winter night sky and the light space created by 500,000 LED bulbs offers overwhelming beauty unavailable at other illuminations. The high altitude provides the luxury of simultaneously enjoying a starry sky.
Diamond Fuji and Fireworks Collaboration
During the illumination period from December 1 to January 15, it’s the perfect time to view “Diamond Fuji” – the moment when the sun sets on Mt. Fuji’s peak. You can enjoy both this phenomenon around 3:30 PM and the illumination starting in the evening. Additionally, fireworks are launched at 8:00 PM on specific dates, creating a trio of Mt. Fuji, illumination, and fireworks coloring the night sky.
Event Information
Period: December 1 (Sun), 2025 ~ January 12 (Mon), 2026
Lighting Hours: 17:00~21:00 (last entry 20:30)
Location: 1650 Yamanaka, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Admission: Adults 350 yen, Junior high school students and below free
Fireworks Dates: Dec 7, 14, 21, 28, Jan 1, 4, 11 (20:00 each day)
Diamond Fuji Viewing Period: Dec 1~Jan 15 (around 15:30)
Access & Parking Information
By Car:
- From Tokyo: Via Chuo Expressway/Higashi-Fuji Five Lakes Road to Yamanakako IC, approximately 1 hour 50 minutes, 5 minutes from IC
- From Gotemba: Approximately 30 minutes from Tomei Expressway Gotemba IC via National Route 138 (via Subashiri)
Parking: Paid (普通車 300 yen, buses 1,000 yen), approximately 220 spaces (accommodates large vehicles and buses)
Nearest Station: Approximately 30 minutes by bus from Fujikyuko Line “Fujisan Station”
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Weekday visits are most recommended. Enjoy relaxed viewing in the quiet space at 1,000m altitude
- Diamond Fuji days (Dec 1~Jan 15) get crowded from around 15:30. Arriving after 16:30 is smoother
- Fireworks dates (Dec 7, 14, 21, 28, Jan 1, 4, 11) are especially crowded. Arrival before 19:00 recommended
- Year-end/New Year period (Dec 28~Jan 4) is most crowded. Avoiding this time increases comfort
- Due to limited parking, during peak periods early arrival or after 19:30 are ideal
- Cold weather preparation at 1,000m altitude is essential. Midwinter often reaches below freezing, so bring adequate warm clothing
- You can warm up and rest in the greenhouse “Floral Dome Furara” inside the grounds
Recommended Ways to Enjoy
The greatest attraction is the illumination with Mt. Fuji as backdrop – an absolutely unique spectacular view. Especially on clear days, Mt. Fuji’s silhouette stands out crisply against the night sky, overwhelming viewers with its grand scale.
For Diamond Fuji, we recommend arriving around 15:00, strolling the paid area “Seiryu no Sato,” viewing Diamond Fuji from around 15:30, then waiting for the 17:00 lighting – a luxurious plan. Due to high altitude, midwinter can reach below freezing. Come with thorough cold weather preparation. The dining facility “Seiryuan” inside the grounds offers light meals and hot drinks to warm you up.
Additional Tips for Illumination Viewing
Combining with Hot Springs
Hot spring facilities to warm up after illumination viewing are important. Within 10km of each spot, there are multiple hot spring facilities open at night. Particularly in Northern Kanto, hot springs are abundant, allowing you to enjoy high-quality hot springs around Ashikaga/Sano and Akagi Onsen area.
Photography Tips
Ashikaga Flower Park: For the water-reflecting “Light Pyramid,” wide-angle lenses capture the vastness well. Using a tripod for long exposure beautifully captures light trails.
Sagamiko Illumillion: The vast carpet of light utilizing slopes photographs best from elevated areas within the facility. In the Tamagotchi collaboration area, be conscious of compositions effectively combining characters and illuminations.
Ibaraki Flower Park: For experiential “Kaze no Hanabira,” video recording is recommended. The beauty of 2,000 swaying, light-emitting mobiles doesn’t translate in still photos.
Oyama Senmaida: To photograph the starry sky and terraced lights together, increase ISO sensitivity and use wide-angle lenses. A tripod is essential.
✨ Kanto Illumination × RV Travel – Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Winter illumination spots in suburban Kanto offer presentations utilizing vast grounds and nature that differ from urban glamour. With a camping car, you can efficiently tour these spots with large parking lots, staying at roadside stations and RV parks along the way, enjoying a relaxed winter journey.
Particularly noteworthy are Ashikaga Flower Park’s overwhelming quality winning first place nationwide, and the convenience of accessing Sagamiko Illumillion via traffic-avoiding routes. Also remarkable are Ibaraki Flower Park as a pioneer of experiential illuminations, and Oyama Senmaida’s uniqueness illuminating Japan’s original landscape.
This winter, why not embark on a camping car journey touring illuminations in suburban Kanto? The vast sea of lights and starry sky will surely create unforgettable memories.
