Winter Wonderland: 2 Must-See Illuminations in Hokkaido and Tohoku
Witnessing the breathtaking fall of maple leaves might be the highlight of the autumn season. But once the wintry chill of November greets us, viewing the best winter illuminations in Japan occupies the thoughts of locals and travelers alike.
During this season, TV shows and travel groups focus on finding the best illumination spots, which start to pop up at commercial facilities all around Japan beginning in November each year. Hokkaido and Tohoku, in particular, have their fair share of light shows in famous sightseeing spots worth checking out.
Want to see Japan’s northern regions become even more beautiful as they’re lit with colorful illuminations? Visit the following brilliant installations on your next winter trip!
1) SENDAI Pageant of Starlight (Miyagi)
SENDAI Pageant of Starlight is a well-known event that has become a unique winter tradition in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. In this event, about 600,000 fairy lights are illuminated on about 160 Japanese zelkova trees on Jozenji-dori Avenue.
This winter light show in the Tohoku region welcomes tourists from near and far. A must-see highlight is the relighting event called the Starlight Wink, where the lights are turned off for about a minute and are lit up again all at once. There are only three chances a day to witness this spectacular sight.
Facility Information
| Name: SENDAI Pageant of Starlight Location: 3-9-10 Ichiban-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken Event Period: Tentatively early to late December annually ※ Dates vary from year to year. Please check the official website for the latest information. Access: From Kotodai Koen Station on the Nanboku Line, walk for 1 minute to Jozenji-dori Avenue. Website: SENDAI Pageant of Starlight (Japanese) |
Read more: Your Complete Guide to Tohoku’s Best Attractions.
2) Sapporo White Illumination (Hokkaido)
First lit up in 1981, the Sapporo White Illumination is known to be the first illumination event in Japan and one of the best in the country, held on a large scale in various areas of the city. You’ll find the light shows at the Odori Park near Sapporo Station, Ekimae-dori Street, and at the Sapporo Station South Exit Square.
Set up is a variety of large and small illuminated sculptures resembling the region’s flora and fauna and Christmas-themed symbols. At this winter attraction in Hokkaido, even the iconic Sapporo TV Tower is also beautifully decorated!
With the Odori Park main venue only 10 minutes away on foot from the station, this winter attraction is nearby other sightseeing spots around the area, giving you and your family a wonderful experience in Sapporo.
Check out the observation deck at Sapporo TV Tower where you can get a panoramic view of the illuminated surroundings. Make sure to also drop by Susukino, a popular entertainment district, and feast on delectable Sapporo cuisine in any of the bustling restaurants.
Facility Information
| Name: Sapporo White Illumination Location: 4 Chome, Odorinishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Event Period: Early November to mid-March ※ Dates vary from year to year. Please check the official website for the latest information. Access: The sites are easily accessible from Sapporo Station. Take a 15-minute walk to get around or ride the subway for around 2 minutes to get around. The main event venue, Odori Park, is accessible from the Odori Station via both the Namboku and Toho subway lines. Website: Sapporo White Illumination (Japanese) |
Read more: All You Need to Know About Japan’s Northernmost Prefecture.
Tips to enjoy the winter illuminations in Japan
1) Prepare for the extreme cold
Winter in Hokkaido and Tohoku is extreme, particularly at night when the north wind blows at below-freezing temperatures, which might be quite challenging for some people. Usually, the temperature in Sapporo from November to January is as follows:
A beanie, scarf, and a pair of gloves are good to keep you and your child warm when you are outdoors.
Insider tip: Wear two pairs of socks and undergarments to protect yourself from the cold. Ear protectors, masks, neck warmers, and heat packs are also useful items that would help keep you warm.
Read more: How to Make the Most Out of Japan’s Winter Season.
2) Be mindful of others
On weekends and holidays, photo spots can be quite crowded. Avoid stopping in the crowd and blocking other people’s views. Take pictures at spots that are not in other’s way.
3) Check the lights off time
Most illuminations are not on all night and might be turned off at some point, so do remember to check the illumination hours in advance.
Worried you won’t see much of the Tohoku and Hokkaido winter attractions? Fret not, because, during winter, the sun sets early (around 4 p.m. or 5 p.m.) in Japan. Since the surroundings become dark at a relatively early time, you can enjoy a romantic atmosphere immediately after the sculptures light up.
4) Plan your routes and transportation
It is good if the illumination spot is near the station, but some may be quite far from the main stations. If you discover that the venue is far from the station or away from the city center, you might also want to check out the last train or bus schedule and take that into account.
Knowing how to get around will not only minimize the risk of missing your ride, it will also allow you to return to your accommodations easily, in case you get too tired or cold.
5) Enjoy the local cuisine to your heart’s content
At the best winter illuminations in Japan, you’ll find stalls selling different food and snacks. At these winter light shows in Tohoku and Hokkaido, street food stalls offer local dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Enjoy exquisite seafood served in a hot pot or skewers for a sumptuous night.
Your Bucket List:
Enjoy Seasonal Activities in Japan
Enjoy Famous Snow Events in Tohoku
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