Many people are excited for the winter holidays and winter illuminations are one of the reasons, too. The shining lights that guide us through the winter nights are at another scale here, in Japan, and I can guarantee it looks so magnificent that it feels out of this world. In this article, I will present you my top 4 Best Illumination spots in Japan and I will be starting with:

1. The Caretta Illumination in 2019 “Arabian Nights”

The Caretta Illumination this year is a release of MovieNex to commemorate one of the most beloved Disney Movies” Aladdin”. Besides the sparkling lights of approximately 250,000 bulbs, you can enjoy the Christmas mood while being surrounded by the most popular songs from Aladdin. Discover the magic lamp, enjoy the shows and glittering lights and a Disney-like Christmas in 2019 together with your favorite characters.

Also, don’t miss the 15 minutes performance of “A Whole New World” together with the dazzling show of lights. You will be able to take beautiful photographs in the “Magical Carpet Area” or “Heavenly Arabian Area”.

The Christmas Lights can be enjoyed from November 14, 2019 (Thursday) to February 14th, 2020 (Friday) from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. During January-February the lights will be on from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Don’t forget that during the 1st and 2nd of January, 2020, the venue will be closed.

Caretta Illumination Official Website

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2. The Wonder Experience “Illuminight Expo” 2019 (Iruminaito Banpaku 2019)

You can enjoy this “Eternal Kaleidoscope” of projection art and Christmas lights at the Expo 70s Commemorative Park . A mix of digital art and lights with no less than a million digital images slowly changing at the speed of the earth's rotation in combination with approximately 400,000 bulbs will make it a one of a kind experience for those who visit it.

Lighting period: 6th of December (Friday) to 29th (Sunday), 2019 (until 8.30 p.m.) * Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 24 (Tue)-26 (Thu) the venue will be closed.

Expo 70 Park Official Website

Event Information Expo70 Park (Japanese Only)

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3. Sendai’s Light Pageant 2019 Illumination (Hikari no Pejento)

Sendai City will change its appearance during winter nights and turn into a city of lights thanks to the “SENDAI Hikari Pageant Illuminations”. It is of the most popular illumination events this year and around 600,000 bulbs will light up the beautiful Japanese zelkova trees situated on Jozenji Street, giving off a warm and pleasant atmosphere.

Lighting period 6th of December (Fri) to 31st (Tue), 2019

Lighting time: Mon-Thu: 5.30 p.m.-10 p.m.

Friday, Saturday, 22nd, and 24th of December from 5.30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Also, on the 31st of December (Tue) from 5.30 p.m. to Midnight

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4. 2019 Illumination at Osaka Castle

The "Osaka Castle Illuminage" this year will have the theme of “Taisho Roman” and around 3 million light bulbs will bring color to the Maru Garden of Osaka Josai. With the beautiful Castle, a Japanese labyrinth and a huge screen that will bring you into the past, way back to the Taisho Period; you will get a beautiful Christmas gift and a memorable night.

Lighting period: November 22nd, 2019 (Friday) to 1st of March, 2020 (Sunday)

Lighting time: 5.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Illuminage Osaka Official Website

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These are my top four recommendations and I hope you will enjoy your winter holidays if you are coming to Japan during this wonderful season.