Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
Ainokura village light-up events transform the historic gassho-style settlement with seasonal illuminations, each named after natural phenomena throughout the year.
12–13 Sep 2026Toyama · ChubuA free after-dark light show projecting digital art onto two of Nagoya's historic "imperial crown style" civic landmarks, near Nagoya Castle.
17 Sep – 24 Oct 2026Aichi · ChubuSendai's Pageant of Starlight creates a dazzling winter display with millions of LED lights synchronized to music along city streets, one of Japan's celebrated illuminations.
5–28 Dec 2026Miyagi · TohokuA winter festival illuminates Otaru's snow-covered streets, canal, and historic sites with handcrafted candles and lanterns created by the community since 1999.
7–14 Feb 2027Hokkaido · HokkaidoMatsumoto Castle features projection mapping with ukiyo-e imagery, traditional crafts, and seasonal scenes unfolding in three phases with interactive illuminations throughout the park.
13 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027Nagano · ChubuAn annual winter illumination event in Sapporo showcases light installations and snow-dusted trees, creating festive displays across Odori Park and the city.
22 Nov 2026 – 14 Mar 2027Hokkaido · HokkaidoSpring illumination event at historic garden featuring projection-mapped poetry on bamboo stalks, colored plum groves, and a mystical anime collaboration.
13 Feb – 15 Mar 2027Ibaraki · KantoAn annual winter illumination event transforms the park into a snow fantasy with glowing bell displays, floral light installations, and seasonal sweets.
11 Nov 2026 – 31 Mar 2027Hokkaido · HokkaidoSpring illuminations at Kenrokuen Garden coincide with the blooming of azaleas and early cherry blossoms, creating an interplay of seasonal colors.
30 Apr – 2 May 2027Ishikawa · ChubuColored lights and music illuminate this National Treasure temple in spring, accompanied by a market featuring local goods and specialties.
22 Apr – 5 May 2027Toyama · ChubuOne of Kanto's largest illuminations features approximately six million lights integrated into a natural landscape at a sprawling venue.
15 Nov 2026 – 10 May 2027Kanagawa · KantoIllumination event set in a botanical garden featuring handmade warm lights creating a tropical resort atmosphere with new light displays this year.
24 Oct 2026 – 24 May 2027Okinawa · OkinawaThis seasonal celebration features a 200-metre canopy of colorful umbrellas suspended along a park pathway, enhanced by character panels and evening lighting designs.
11 Apr – 31 May 2027Saitama · KantoNighttime illumination event at a historic Kyoto temple featuring vibrant green maple leaves paired with original soundscape music designed to calm the mind.
29 May – 5 Jul 2027Kyoto · KansaiSunpu Castle Park hosts a lantern event where participants release LED lanterns into the night sky using helium and string, balancing safety with environmental responsibility.
14–15 Aug 2027Shizuoka · ChubuAn Obon evening lantern ceremony held on 16 August at Yakuoin Onsenji Temple in Yamashiro Onsen, where lanterns light the temple's wooded walking paths.
16 Aug 2027Ishikawa · ChubuA festival centered on the release of approximately 3,000 sky lanterns creating one of Japan's largest lantern displays, with performances and food.
15–16 Aug 2027Kumamoto · KyushuA hands-on event at Hamamatsu Castle Park allowing visitors to launch flameless LED lanterns into the night sky above the castle grounds.
18 Jul – 19 Aug 2027Shizuoka · Chubu
