Dual winter snow country light sculpture experiences—visit Japan’s Mitsui Outlet Park and enjoy it all in one trip

Visit Japan in the cold winter to experience outdoor snow igloos. (Photo provided by Mitsui Outlet Park Japan)

The featured “Cute Penguin Parade” event attracts both kids and adults to join in. (Photo provided by Mitsui Outlet Park Japan)

Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima has set up a pop-up store for “TOTTI CANDY FACTORY.” (Photo provided by Mitsui Outlet Park Japan)

Mitsui Outlet Park Hokuriku Oyabe creates a Christmas romantic atmosphere with a fantastical light wall. (Photo provided by Mitsui Outlet Park Japan)

Not sure where to spend the holidays as Christmas approaches? Mitsui Outlet Park Japan is hosting a variety of events including nighttime fantasy light sculptures, snow igloo experiences, and penguin viewing to ensure you don’t spend the season alone.

Travelers looking to experience the northern winter vibe shouldn’t miss the snow festival “SNOW FANTASIA!” hosted by Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima. Designed around snowscapes and food themes, it is tentatively scheduled to take place from February 2 to February 28, 2018. The “KAMAKURA Snow Igloo Festival” features an outdoor giant snow slide and food stalls offering delicious dishes made with selected Hokkaido ingredients—perfect for warming up with hot meals during the cold season. The beloved “Cute Penguin Parade,” enjoyed by both kids and adults, sees groups of penguins freely roaming the snowy grounds, allowing visitors to experience the joy of interacting with these adorable animals up close.

Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima has collaborated with Tokyo’s popular “TOTTI CANDY FACTORY” to create a limited-time pop-up store. Open from February 2 to 28, 2018, the store sells colorful giant cotton candy, attracting numerous fans. A “Hello Kitty stage event” is also held on weekends, adding fun to your shopping trips.

Heading to the Hokuriku region in central Japan? Mitsui Outlet Park Hokuriku Oyabe is nationally known for its “Digital Projection Scroll—Wall of Light Art.” This year, it has specially created a Christmas-limited edition show titled “Xmas & New Year,” with the lighting ceremony grandly held on the evening of the 23rd. The Japanese girl group SKE48 was invited to serve as lighting ambassadors to kick off the event. This light sculpture design exhibition collaborates with digital artist Hiroshi Hasegawa, using the exterior walls of Mitsui Outlet as a canvas and setting up over 50 large projectors. As night falls, ever-changing lights are projected onto the walls, offering visitors a brand-new visual feast. The event runs from the 23rd to January 8, 2018.