If you were looking for a place that makes winter illuminations more scenic than they already are, Tochigi prefecture’s Nasu Rindo Lake View park might just be the place for you. Located three-and-a-half hours away from Tokyo, this lakeside leisure park is dotted with ranches and amusement parks that can guarantee there’ll be something fun for everybody.

In keeping with the holiday spirit during this year-end and New Year’s, they’re making your visit feel a lot more special with colorful illuminations and a delicious winter menu that are perfect for the season.

The 300,000 square meter leisure park is located right next to Rindo Lake, which means that when night rolls around, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the lake glittering with reflections of the park’s illuminations.

You can even choose how you want to enjoy this view -- if you’re more of a thrillseeker, the park offers daily zipline rides for 1,000 yen where you get to zoom across the lake, but if you like to take it slow, you can also choose to take a night-time lake cruise for just 400 yen.

The bright lights and decorations extend to almost all areas of the park, so if you decide to do some night go-karting or carousel rides, you’ll be greeted by illuminations there as well. They also have an interactive display.

What’s more, the illuminations will continue until January 5th, 2020.

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Now if you’re a fan of animals, you have an adorable surprise waiting for you. Nasu Rindo Lake View holds daily animal parades for those who want to make new fluffy or feathery friends, and guests are allowed to approach the animals and take selfies with them. They even had their alpacas wear Santa hats, as you can see here:

Park and Restaurant Information

For more information on specific days and park hours, you can check the park’s calendar on their website here.

Entrance tickets to the park are 1,600 yen for adults and 800 yen for children ages 3 and up. Night-time tickets are available until December 25 as well; you can enter the park from 17:00 and receive a discounted price of 1,000 yen for adults 400 yen for children. You can see more details and purchase tickets online here.

Nasu Rindo Lake View

• Hours: 9:30 to 21:00 (until December 25)
• Address: 414-2 Takakuhei, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi 325-0397
• Tel: 0287-76-3111

Mekke! is open for lunch from 11:00 to 15:00, and reopens again for dinner from 17:00 to 21:00. The fee on weekdays is 2,700 yen for adults and 1,800 yen for children, and on weekends is 3,000 yen for adults and 2,000 yen for children. This fee is for a 90-minute eat-all-you-can course in the restaurant. Reservations can be done online here.

Mekke! (Buffet Restaurant)

• Hours: 11:00 to 15:00 (Lunch), 17:00 to 21:00 (Dinner)
• Buffet price: Adults 2,700 yen (Weekdays) 3,000 yen (Weekends) / Children 1,800 (Weekdays) 2,000 (Weekdays)
• Tel: 0287-76-3111