Story Still in Time! Winter Illuminations in Kyushu from January to March by JNTO on 19 December 2019

From late November to December, this is the season when towns appear to shine at their brightest at night as the skies are usually very clear. The sparkling illuminations are seen at many visiting spots and main streets, bringing the festive mood in various parts of Japan. These splendid illuminations usually end up after Christmas or New Year, while in this article we are going to look at some popular illumination events in Kyushu that are held from mid-January to March. No need to worry about overlooking them!     

 

 

Explore Illuminations All over Kyushu, Including the Biggest Ones in Japan!

There are many popular illumination events in Kyushu (the third largest island of Japan, and Consists of seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Miyazaki, Kumamoto and Kagoshima)!

 

Many of these are comparable to those big ones in Tokyo and Osaka, such as the headline-making “HIKARINOMACHI HAKATA” project with as many as 800,000 glittering light bulbs in the plaza of Hakata station. The “Kingdom of Light” lighting in Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch in 2019 features the biggest sparkling tree and the “Canal of Lights and Fountain” whereby you can see lights of rainbow colours and illumination show!

 

 

There is also a huge number of light up events in theme parks, such as “Winter Illumination - Starry Sky on Land” in Kumamoto Greenland. In Saga station, you can also find “Saga Light Fantasy”, whereas in central Oita, “Oita’s Light Fantasy 2019 - the Stories of Starry sky” will be available until 14th February. If you love illumination, you should schedule these into your travel plans!

 

Popular Illumination Events in Kyushu!

“Fantasy of Light & Hills of Happiness” at Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima (Kagoshima)

Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima is a onsen (hot spring) resort famous for its open-air bath with breathtaking views of Sakurajima. Even though Sakurajima is an active volcano, it is also the iconic symbol of Kagoshima. And at this hotel, in addition to the scenic view of the volcano, you can also stroll along the 350-metre long spectacular illumination “Fantasy of Light & Hills of Happiness” which is located at its entrance!

 

 

Highlights include the "dancing splashing live” show with water being shot up in sync with the rhythm of famous songs and Christmas rhymes and, the 10-metre tall Christmas tree at the fantasy garden. You will also be amazed by photo spots like the angel wing installation and the romantic Cinderella carriage.

 

SHIROYAMA HOTEL Kagoshima

  ●Address: 41-1, Shinshoincho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture

  ●Access: 5-minute walk from Kagoshima Chuo Station or 35-minute Shiroyama Shuttle Bus from the West Exit of Kagoshima Chuo Station.

  ●Event period: 27th October 2019 – 29th February 2020
  ●Light up time:5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  ※Facility closes on 18th and 19th February

 

“Illumination Flower Garden 2019- Spectacular Flower Garden ～ Melody of Flowers and Lights～” at Florante Miyazaki (Miyazaki)

 

Florante Miyazaki is a botanical garden with lovely flowers and greens to watch in any season. This garden will mesmerize you even in winter with over 1 million light bulbs in this spot! This year, illumination has been extended to the grass field for the first time with snowmen and photo spots!
Furthermore, the musical light show “Feast of Lights and Flowers” is presented twice an hour, and as pansies and violas are blooming one after another from early winter to early spring, they simply come together to bring visitors magical and romantic moments!

 

 

Florante Miyazaki
  ●Address: 414-16, Hamayama, Yamasaki, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
  ●Access: 10- minute drive from JR Miyazaki station
  ●Event period: 6th December 2019 – 13th January 2020
  ●Light up time: from around 6:00 p.m.
  ※ Close on 31st December and 1st January

 

Colourful Lights in a Reminiscent Port!
“Mojiko Retro Romantic Illumination 2019” at The Mojiko Reminiscent Area (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka)

 

Mojiko is a big harbour in Japan- it is one of the three biggest port alongside Yokohama Port and Kobe Port. JR Mojiko Station is the first railway station to be designated as important cultural treasure in 1988,the historic architectures in the Mojiko Station reminiscent area,combined with the light up with 300,000 sparkling light bulbs gives off a romantic ambience.

 

 

There are also enjoy Valentine’s Day events and concerts here.So you may be immersed in the special atmosphere!

 

The Mojiko reminiscent area
  ●Address: 5-1, Minatomachi, Moji, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka (Mojiko Kaikyo Plaza)
  ●Access: Change to Kagoshima main line at JR Kokura station and get off at Mojiko station. Walk for 2 minutes.
  ●Event period: 16th November 2019 – 15th March 2020.
  ●Light up time: 5:30 p.m.- 12:00 a.m.