Everything you need to know about the Japan Light Festival!

Nabana no Sato, a botanical garden in Japan‘s Mie Prefecture, hosts one of the country’s best and largest light festivals every year. During this months-long festival, magical light tunnels, moving light shows and millions of LED lights immerse Nabana no Sato in an endless sea of ​​light. In the article about everything about the Japan Light Festival, we will get to know the details of this dream festival.

Japan Light Festival with delicious food and beautiful lights

From sushi and sake to cherry blossoms beautifully decorated with light, everything makes up the festival of lights in Japan. This event is a good opportunity to have an exciting and enjoyable trip. So get ready to celebrate the beauty of Japanese culture through the country’s food and lifestyle. With careful planning, you can buy a tour of Japan at the same time as this festival.

At the Noor Festival, you will be surprised by the illuminated cherry blossoms that give the festival a fairy-tale atmosphere. The event features a sake booth (a famous Japanese drink), a Japanese food hall, a Japanese teahouse, and much more! In addition, special works of art will be exposed to the public. Visitors can also buy and take home Japanese goods as souvenirs of this unforgettable event.

What to expect at the Japan Light Festival!

• Bright cherry blossoms
• Completely Japanese handicrafts
• Creativity in cooking sushi and ramen
• A Japanese restaurant
• Asian street food
• Live music and disco
• Artistic and innovative lighting: Works of art designed using millions of LED lights include 3D shapes, light tunnels and natural patterns.

Read more: What are the most famous festivals in Japan?

Nabana No Sato Flower Park and Botanical Garden; Venue of the Light Festival

The popular Nabana no Sato Flower Park consists of several sections, each dedicated to a special flower. The variety of flowers has made it possible to see different types of flowers in any season you choose to visit the garden. In this large and beautiful garden, even in a few visits, you can hardly find the same types of flowers.

Celebrations and festivals are held every year in this garden. Some of Nabana no Sato’s popular annual events include the Ajisai Matsuri, which is a large Dutch flower exhibition held at the beginning of summer, the cherry blossom season that begins in spring, and other events featuring tulips, daisies, pansies, and more. The garden is also famous for its impressive greenhouses. Non-floral attractions in the park include the onsen or Japanese hot spring and an iconic 45-meter-high observation deck called Mt.Fuji, from where visitors can enjoy a spectacular bird’s-eye view of countless colors.

But undoubtedly the park’s most popular event of the year is the Japan Light Festival. During the event, more than eight million LED lights are lit each night with the general theme of nature and flowers, and this theme has made it one of the most famous winter light festivals in Japan. Each section offers a different “view”, the most notable of which is a magnificent river, 120 meters long and 5 meters wide, installed in the park’s central pond, which changes color regularly. Also, impressive light tunnels that extend more than 100 meters are other beautiful places during the festival.

You can join the thousands of spectators who come here to enjoy the sweet fragrance of flowers, walk in the cold winter air and watch the dance and light play.

Read more: Japan Fireworks Festival

Japan’s light tunnels in Nabana no Sato

Japan’s two light tunnels in Nabana no Sato are arguably the most prominent feature of the festival. The first tunnel, the “Light Tunnel”, stretches about 200 meters across the entire park and consists of about 1.2 million LED lights, each representing a small flower petal. The second light tunnel that was recently built is about 100 meters long and consists of 700,000 lamps. The tunnel, called the Kawazu Sakura Tunnel, was inspired by the colors of the Kawazu cherry tree and, unsurprisingly, offers visitors the best opportunity to capture romantic pictures. In this tunnel, the trees gradually change color to symbolize the evolution of cherry blossoms throughout the season.

When is the Japan Light Festival held?

The Japan Lighting Festival starts in late October 2024 and continues until early June 2025.

Where is Nabana no Sato Park located?

Nabana no Sato is located at 270 Urushibata, Komae, in Kuwana City. This park is open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 9 pm and on weekends and public holidays from 9 am to 10 pm. The light displays turn on a few minutes after dark. During the Winter Light Festival, park admission is ¥2,300, which includes a ¥1,000 voucher to spend at Nabana no Sato’s restaurants, cafes, beer garden, and souvenir shops. The park is usually crowded on weekends and public holidays, so if you prefer a quieter environment, visit early in the week.

final word

The Light Festival in Japan is one of the most beautiful and famous annual events in this country. Usually held in the autumn and winter season, this festival is accompanied by dazzling displays of lights and creative lighting. These shows are displayed in parks, gardens, streets and even famous buildings in Japan and create a magical and dreamy atmosphere. This event is a great opportunity for tourists and locals to see the beauty of Japanese lighting art and winter atmosphere from a Nordic perspective. To participate in this famous festival, you can contact our colleagues in the Japan tours department.

When is the Japan Light Festival held?

Light festivals usually start in late autumn (November) and continue until early spring (March). The exact date of each festival is determined according to its location.

Where are the most famous places for light festival?

• Nabana no Sato: near Nagoya, with light tunnels and magnificent displays.
• Tokyo: Areas like Roppongi Hills, Marunouchi, and Omotesando are famous for their modern and very dreamy lighting displays.
• Osaka: In the Minami area and the main parks of the city.

How to get tickets for Noor Festival?

It is possible to buy tickets online from official websites or at the entrance of the festival venue.

How much does it cost to participate in the Japan Light Festival?

The participation fee varies depending on the venue. Some shows are free (like the Tokyo street shows), but places like Nabana no Sato may have an entrance fee of ¥1,500 to ¥3,000.

Is photography allowed at the festival of light?

Yes, photography is usually free and visitors are allowed to capture their beautiful moments.

Are food and drinks available at festivals?

Yes, most light festivals have food and hot drink stalls offering a variety of local treats and winter drinks.