Winter Exclusive: 13 Dreamy Light Festivals in Japan & Korea — Must-Have Pocket List

Japan’s 5 Most Popular Winter Events. (Photo/DailyView Network Thermometer)

As temperatures drop and winter vibes intensify, signaling the upcoming Christmas season, what are the must-visit hotspots this year? DailyView Network Thermometer, through the "KEYPO Big Data Key Engine," analyzed netizens' discussions about Christmas and winter festivals, curating 13 of the most popular winter events in Japan and Korea. Perfect for photos, these events are not to be missed by those planning to go or already heading there soon.

% Degree Felt Is Also a Popular Winter Event

TOP5 Gifu: Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Illuminations

The Shirakawa-go Gassho Village, with its traditional gassho-style houses (thatched roofs shaped like praying hands) that are part of Japan’s cultural heritage, becomes even more magical under snow in winter. However, the nighttime illumination events are limited-time only, with dates and regulations varying each year. There are also traffic restrictions on illumination days, making a visit during this time quite a challenge.

Event Dates: January 21, 28, February 4 & 12, 2018

TOP4 Mie: Meihana-no-Sato Illumination Festival

Located at the Nagashima Spa Land in Mie Prefecture, just a 30-minute drive from Nagoya and next to the Mitsui Outlet, this destination combines hot springs, an amusement park, and shopping — making it a popular spot for Nagoya visitors. In winter, the entire park is adorned with colorful lights and has been ranked as Mie Prefecture’s No. 1 night view. Best of all, unlike most winter events that end by February, the Meihana-no-Sato Illumination Festival runs until May next year, so you still have time to plan your trip.

Event Dates: October 14 – May 6, 2018

TOP3 Tokyo: Marunouchi Tokyo Station Illuminations

Aside from Tokyo Tower and Skytree, Tokyo Station is undoubtedly another iconic landmark. The surrounding area of Tokyo Station and Marunouchi Nakadori has even been recognized as one of Japan’s night view heritages. This year, there’s a 1.2-kilometer-long “sea of lights” boulevard. If you’re visiting Tokyo, don’t just pass through the station — step out and enjoy this stunning view.

Event Dates: November 9 – February 18, 2018

TOP2 Osaka: Universal Studios Japan “Fantastic Christmas”

Two must-visit theme parks in Japan — in this survey, Universal Studios and Disney took the top two spots. Universal Studios’ Christmas event has always been spectacular, featuring the “Miracle of the Angels” show beside a magnificent 30-meter-tall Christmas tree, and the iconic Hogwarts area will also be decked out in Christmas lights. Most excitingly, the Minion Park, which opened this year, will host a Christmas-themed Minion parade.

Event Period: November 10 – January 8, 2018

TOP1 Tokyo: Disney Christmas Special Events

The champion is Tokyo Disneyland, loved by both kids and adults. As you know, Tokyo Disney consists of two parks — Disneyland and DisneySea — and it’s almost impossible to cover both in one day. Each park offers unique winter activities, including various Christmas parades, musical shows, and fireworks. After Christmas, there’s also a limited-time “Frozen” event to look forward to.

Event Period: November 8 – December 25 (Christmas Events) / January 11 – March 19, 2018 (Frozen Event)

% End Here Are the 13 Japanese & Korean Light Festivals

1. Tokyo: Ao no Dokutsu SHIBUYA

Every Christmas season, Tokyo’s 23 wards are lit up with decorations, but how do you choose the best ones to visit? Check out this blue tunnel — Ao no Dokutsu in Shibuya. Previously held in Nakameguro (but canceled due to overcrowding), it moved to Shibuya in 2016 and remains there this year. With 600,000 LED lights stretching along an 800-meter path, this vibrant blue tunnel adds a fairytale-like charm to the bustling district.

2. Ao no Dokutsu SHIBUYA

Event Dates: November 22 – December 31

Tokyo: Shiodome Caretta

The Shiodome Caretta shopping mall in Tokyo’s Minato Ward draws attention every year for its Christmas light displays, and this year is no exception. Themed around Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the mall’s front area features dazzling lights, including the iconic rose from the movie. Different themed light shows play at various times, and the display ranks 8th among Tokyo’s most popular night views. Inside, you can also find displays of costumes and props from the film — a must-see for fans.

Event Dates: November 16 – February 14, 2018

3. Tokyo: Roppongi Tokyo MidTown

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Roppongi Tokyo MidTown (Tokyo Midtown) has unveiled an incredibly gorgeous Christmas light display. Various street trees and themed Christmas trees illuminate the area, but the highlight is the Starlight Garden — a planetary-themed light show that changes color daily from Monday to Sunday. Quite the labor of love, isn’t it?

Event Period: November 15 to December 25

4. Kyoto: Kyoto Snow & Lights Festival

It’s not entirely fair to only talk about Tokyo — what about must-visit light festivals in the Kansai region including Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe? One you shouldn’t miss is the Kyoto Snow & Lights Festival, held at Rurikei Onsen in the suburbs of Kyoto. This year marks its sixth edition, making it one of the largest light festivals in the Kansai area. It has even been ranked the number one winter light display in Japan on a well-known Japanese winter lights website. The biggest reason to go this year? It’s the final edition — once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.

Event Period: October 28 to January 8, 2018

5. Kobe: Luminarie Light Festival

The Luminarie in Kobe was originally held as a memorial event for the victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, but since its inception in 1995, it has become one of the most important end-of-year celebrations in the city. Alongside Osaka’s Luminarie and Kyoto’s Arashiyama Yozakura Road, it is known as one of the “Big Three” light festivals in Kansai. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of Kobe’s port opening, so there are many commemorative events — definitely a light festival worth visiting.

Event Period: December 8 to December 17

6. Seoul: Chunjin Arboretum Five-Colored Starlight Garden Exhibition

Many people traveling to Korea love to visit filming locations from Korean dramas. Chunjin Arboretum, which served as a backdrop for shows like “Love in the Moonlight” and “You’re Beautiful,” is one such place. During the event, the serene daytime arboretum transforms into a vibrant illuminated garden at night, using up to 3 million bulbs — making it Korea’s largest Christmas light display.

Event Period: December 8 to March 25, 2018

7. Seoul: Petite France Le Petit Prince Starlight Festival

Another popular drama filming spot is Petite France, a theme park inspired by the beloved story “The Little Prince.” It was also a filming location for “My Love from the Star.” During Christmas, in addition to festive lighting that creates a magical evening atmosphere, the site hosts events like puppet parades and musical performances. If you’re planning to visit for its daytime charm, consider staying longer to enjoy its nighttime allure.

Event Period: December 1 to February 28, 2018

8. Busan: Christmas Tree Culture Festival

In southern Korea, Busan also hosts an impressive Christmas celebration. The city center is decorated with elaborate and adorable Christmas trees and colorful lights, with the main tree being a massive 20-meter-high installation on Gwangbok-ro, featuring LED lights that change colors and patterns. There are also various exciting street activities such as live singing and treasure hunts.

Event Period: December 2 to January 7, 2018