The Splendid Ice Christmas at Lake Haruna – A Romantic Winter Festival Begins

As the year draws to a close, dreamy neon lights illuminate various parts of Japan, with colorful decorations transforming winter nights into a fantastical wonderland. Nestled in Mount Haruna, Gunma Prefecture, Lake Haruna each winter turns into a dazzling spectacle centered around the Lake Haruna Rest Area, where over 500,000 lights are illuminated, along with laser shows and fireworks over the lake. The usually tranquil Lake Haruna transforms into a radiant, magical world on winter evenings.

This year’s Lake Haruna Winter Festival will run for 20 days from December 6 to December 25, 2013, featuring a light exhibition. During the festival, a Christmas tree and large illuminations will be set up in the center of the lake. A spectacular blend of lasers and lights invites visitors into a fantasy realm — and you might even spot Santa Claus if you’re lucky. The best vantage point to admire this brilliant scene is from the top of Mount Haruna, where you can take in panoramic views of heart-shaped lights, pyramids, peace domes, and underwater trees decorating the lake surface bridges. Visitors can take the cable car up the mountain, which will extend its operating hours until 9:00 PM during the festival (weather permitting).

The lights are turned on daily at 5:00 PM. As dusk falls but before the moon rises, the pitch-dark venue suddenly illuminates with 500,000 bulbs, ushering visitors into a glowing winter celebration. Then, starting at 5:30 PM, there is a laser show every hour. Visitors can also apply to have laser messages displayed — whether it's a blessing, confession, or marriage proposal — at a cost of 2,000 yen per message. Additionally, don’t miss the large-scale fireworks displays during the festival, scheduled for 5:30 PM on December 6, 9, 12, and 21:00 on December 16 and 25, totaling five shows.

	Takasaki Station		Lake Haruna		Takasaki Station
Weekdays	4:00 PM	→	6:30 PM	→	7:30 PM
Weekends & Holidays	3:30 PM	→	6:00 PM	→	7:00 PM
4:30 PM	→	19:00	→	20:00