Asia Light Festivals Map

Singapore

Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens

9.5

The Christmas lights along Orchard Road are usually on from mid November to early January. Gardens by the Bay runs Christmas Wonderland among its giant Supertrees. Marina Bay has light displays at night. The weather is warm all year, so evening walks are comfortable and easy to plan.

Highlights:

🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Osaka

Castle, neon canals and street food

8.5

This port city on Osaka Bay has a long main boulevard called Midosuji. Its trees are covered in lights each winter. Nakanoshima Park, on a river island, hosts the Hikari Renaissance light show in December. Neon signs along the Dotonbori canal add more color for evening walks.

Highlights:

🐠 Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the world’s largest
🍢 Feast on street food at Dotonbori and see the neon lights
🏯 Explore Osaka Castle and wander through its scenic park

Sapporo

Snow festival city with ramen and beer

7.7

The White Illumination began in 1981 along Odori Park and is now a fixture of the city's winter. Nearby, a German style Christmas market sells hot wine and sausages. In February the Snow Festival adds large snow sculptures that are lit at night. Dress very warmly.

Highlights:

⏰ Visit the historic Sapporo Clock Tower landmark
🌳 Stroll through Odori Park, Sapporo’s central green space
🌄 Enjoy panoramic city views from Mount Moiwa Observatory

Nikko

Tokugawa shrines, waterfalls and hot springs

8.6

Unlike the neon streets of Tokyo, winter lights here are soft and set in snow. At the Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival hundreds of small snow huts are lit with candles. Hot spring towns such as Kinugawa add light displays by the river. Nikko is about two hours from Tokyo by train.

Highlights:

💦 Admire the majestic Kegon Falls viewpoint
🌉 Cross the striking vermilion Shinkyo Bridge
⛩️ Visit the ornate Nikko Toshogu Shrine complex

Kobe

Harbor city with hills, beef and hot springs

7.8

Kobe Luminarie is held in early December each year in memory of the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake. Tall arches made of thousands of lights line the Old Foreign Settlement area. Meriken Park by the harbor is also lit at night. Crowds are large, so arrive early.

Highlights:

🌿 Explore the lush Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
♨️ Relax in the historic Arima Onsen hot springs
🌆 Visit iconic Kobe Port Tower for stunning views

Shinjuku

Skyscrapers, neon bars and a huge station

9.3

This district on the west side of central Tokyo surrounds one of the busiest train stations in the world. The Southern Terrace near the station has a winter light display with glowing trees and decorations. Kabukicho is full of neon signs. Small lantern lit alleys such as Omoide Yokocho serve hot food.

Highlights:

🦖 Snap a photo with the giant Godzilla head in Kabukicho
🌳 Stroll the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
🌆 Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation decks

Fukushima

Spring blossoms, fruit orchards and hot springs

7.8

Quiet and rural, this prefecture in northern Japan has snowy villages lit by candles and lanterns. Ouchijuku, an old post town with thatched roof houses, holds a snow festival in February with lanterns on the snow. Aizu Wakamatsu holds a candle festival with hand painted candles.

Highlights:

🏯 Explore Tsuruga Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu and its castle park
♨️ Relax in the tranquil hot springs of Iizaka Onsen
🌸 Visit Hanamiyama Park to see stunning spring cherry blossoms

Ashikaga Flower Park

Giant wisteria trellis and winter light show

This garden north of Tokyo moved to its current site in 1997 and is known for its wisteria. In winter millions of lights turn the garden into a glowing flower display. A tunnel of light and glowing trees are the favorite spots for photos. A station named Ashikaga Flower Park makes the visit easy.

Highlights:

🌟 Enjoy evening illuminations highlighting blossoms
📸 Photograph vibrant seasonal flowers across the park
🌸 Walk beneath the stunning wisteria tunnel in bloom

Odaiba

Tokyo Bay waterfront with Rainbow Bridge views

7.9

Compared with the dense lights of Shinjuku, the lights here are open and set beside Tokyo Bay. Rainbow Bridge is lit at night. A replica of the Statue of Liberty stands on the waterfront. Large Christmas trees and glowing shopping malls add to the view.

Highlights:

🌉 Walk or view the illuminated Rainbow Bridge at night
🗽 Stroll along Odaiba Seaside Park and see the Statue of Liberty replica
🤖 Admire the life-sized Unicorn Gundam at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Best winter illumination destinations in Asia