Winter illuminations in Nagoya, Shizuoka and Nagano 2026–2027
Central Japan has some of the country's biggest light shows: Nabana no Sato near Nagoya, Laguna Ten Bosch by Mikawa Bay, Shuzenji Niji no Sato and Tokinosumika in Shizuoka, and the lit-up approach to Zenko-ji in Nagano. Dates are checked on official sites.
Events by date (5)
Entertainment
Shizuoka / Gotemba
Tokinosumika Illumination
Fri, October 9, 2026 – Sun, March 7, 2027
Entertainment
Shizuoka / Shuzenji
Nijinosato Illumi the Night 2026
Sat, October 10, 2026 – Wed, March 31, 2027
Mie / Kuwana
Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination
Sat, October 17, 2026 – Mon, May 31, 2027
Entertainment
Aichi / Gamagori
Laguna Illumination: Carnival of Light and Water
Sun, November 8, 2026 – Sun, February 28, 2027
Photo by hiding ninja on Unsplash
CultureNagano / Zenko-ji Omotesando
Zenko-ji Omotesando Illumination
Sat, November 14, 2026 – Sun, February 14, 2027
Good to know
- Theme-park illuminations (Nabana no Sato, Laguna Ten Bosch, Niji no Sato) need an entry ticket; the Zenko-ji approach is a public street.
- Most of these venues are outside city centers, so check the last bus or train back before you go.
- Hilltop and lakeside venues get cold after dark — bring gloves and a warm layer.