Beautiful Illuminations Light up the Winter Sky in Japan. Enrich Your Nightlife with Seasonal Illuminations on View for a Limited Time Only.

Intricate illuminations are one of the highlights of the Japanese winter. The illuminations at Ashikaga Flower Park are recognized as one of Japan’s three best light shows. Other winter illumination highlights include the lighting up of the TOKYO SKYTREESM to turn the tower into the “world’s tallest Christmas tree”, and the winter lights at Tobu World Square, where many of the world’s most famous sites are re-created in miniature. In this newsletter, we outline these sparkling winter options.

◇Illuminations at Ashikaga Flower Park, Officially Recognized as One of Japan’s Three Best Light Shows

Ashikaga Flower Park, home of one of Japan’s three best light shows, is approximately one hour from central Tokyo. The lights have been voted Japan’s best light show for two years in a row, chosen by professional night view critics. The 2018 show is entitled “The garden of illuminated flowers: Flower Fantasy 2018”, with 4.5 million lights on display inside the Flower Park, creating a memorable spectacle. During the illumination season, the Flower Park will be having three different themed light show designs, which are the “Fusion of light and amethyst sage”, the “Christmas Fantasy” and the “Co-starring lights and winter peonies”,featuring each seasonal events and flowers. Surrounded by flowers and lights, the large-scale illuminations, including the dreamlike “Flower Castle” are so breathtaking, that it will encourage you to forget the winter cold.

■Event period: October 27 (Sat.) - February 5, 2019 (Tue.)

■URL: https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/flowerfantasy_special2018/en/index.html

◇Light Display Transforms TOKYO SKYTREE into the World’s Tallest Christmas Tree

TOKYO SKYTREE will present two versions of the lighting; a “Champagne Tree” which will transform TOKYO SKYTREE into the world’s tallest Christmas tree, and a “Candle Tree” that transforms it into a brilliant candle. Under the theme of a “Colorful Christmas”, TOKYO SKYTREETOWNSM will also be lit up with around 520,000 Christmas lights. At the center of the Sky Arena, which will also feature a illuminated garden, will be an 8-meter tall Christmas tree covered in flowers. Visitors will also be able to enjoy projection mapping patterns on the TOKYO SKYTREE structure. TOKYO SKYTREE’s convenient location near the center of the city makes it an ideal and easy-to-visit destination for visitors who do not wish to travel too far from Tokyo.

■Event period: November 8 (Thu.) – December 25 (Tue.)

　* Projection mapping will start from December 14 (Fri.)

■URL: http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/ 

◇Tobu World Square – Lighting up the World’s Most Famous Landmarks in Miniature

Around 2 hours from Tokyo, this theme park features 1/25th scale replicas of 102 world’s most famous landmarks including 47 on the world heritage list. The illuminations will create a magical experience for guests who can enjoy night scenery from around the world.

■Event period: November 3 (Sat.) -March 31, 2019 (Sun.)

■URL: http://www.tobuws.co.jp/en/

◇10th Year of Illuminations at Tobu Zoo

This zoo, near the city, is home to a wide range of different animals. This year, the zoo is celebrating its 10th winter illuminations with the largest show in the zoo’s history, featuring 3 million lights. The zoo will be selling a special ticket for the light show allowing entry from 3:00 PM onwards, and guests can enjoy both the lights and the attractions.

■Event period: October 27 (Sat.) – February 11, 2019 (Mon., public holiday) *The light show will not take place on some days during this period

■URL: http://www.tobuzoo.com/global/english/