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Dazzling and Moving – Sendai’s “Melody of Light” Festival

Published: 2026-09-25 👁 100 views

Last updated 2026-09-25 — In Sendai, in Japan’s northeastern Tohoku region, the annual “Melody of Light” festival attracts people from across the country to enjoy the city’s romantic and colorful nights. This year’s “SENDAI Melody of Light” runs from December 3 (Fri...)

In Sendai, in Japan’s northeastern Tohoku region, the annual “Melody of Light” festival attracts people from across the country to enjoy the city’s romantic and colorful nights. This year’s “SENDAI Melody of Light” kicks off in grand style from December 3 (Friday) to December 31, with nearly one kilometer of ginkgo trees along Jozenji-dori Avenue adorned with vibrant lights that illuminate the entire street.

The “Melody of Light” festival adds a splash of brilliance to the cold winter atmosphere. (Photo provided by Sendai Convention Bureau)

Jozenji-dori Avenue, stretching 800 meters and lined with ginkgo trees — an iconic symbol of Sendai — will feature a nearly one-kilometer light display during the Melody of Light festival. At each scheduled lighting time, bursts of cheers erupt from the crowd.

Sendai hosts many festivals throughout the year, as shown here at the Sendai Tanabata Festival.

The lighting takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., while the “A Starlight Wink” — where neon lights suddenly shut off and then instantly come back on — occurs at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 p.m. every evening. Starting December 10 (Friday), a special ice-skating rink will also be available for visitors’ enjoyment, with free admission.