How to Enjoy the Light Festival at Japan’s Largest Illumination Display “Nabana no Sato” – 7 Must-See Highlights

▲The 2016 main illumination at Nabana no Sato – “Heidi, Girl of the Alps.”

▲Full version of the 2016 main light show “Heidi, Girl of the Alps.” (Photo by reporter Tsai Wen-jun, same below)

Reported and photographed by Tsai Wen-jun / Mie Prefecture, Japan

Nabana no Sato, a large-scale theme park in Mie Prefecture that boasts numerous Japan-firsts, is an unmissable nighttime attraction in Central Japan. This article takes readers deep into the park and compiles seven must-see highlights of the light display. Whether you’re planning to visit Japan to see this, the country’s largest illumination display, or considering adding it to your travel list for next year, this guide gives you a sneak peek in advance.

＞＞＞How to Get to Nabana no Sato? Click here for the complete transportation guide.

＞＞＞Different Perspectives of Nabana no Sato – Blank Scenes Like Starry Rivers Beneath Your Feet

▲The entrance concept art of Nabana no Sato in 2016.

This year, the nighttime light display at Nabana no Sato is divided into 11 illuminated zones. In line with the changing seasons, there are also seasonal limited-time light designs. Among them, five major themed zones are not to be missed, in the order of the park route: Light Cloud Sea, Water Illuminations, the 200-meter-long Light Tunnel, the Main Light Area, the 100-meter-long Blue Tunnel added in 2016, and Mirror Lake.

The reporter visited in late February, during the most beautiful season of plum blossoms. The park also set up nighttime illuminations in the Plum Garden, allowing visitors to walk along a path lined with 300 pink and white plum trees, enjoying the fragrance of plum blossoms and a romantic “plum” view that’s completely different from the daytime after the lights come on.

＞＞Click here to see more photos of the nighttime light display at Nabana no Sato

▲One of the illuminated zones – Light Cloud Sea.

▲Real video footage of Light Cloud Sea.

Highlight 1: Light Cloud Sea

After passing through the ticket gate and walking just a few steps under the darkened night sky, before you know it, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a sea of blue lights. Countless bulbs glowing with deep blue light form a vast ocean, and light archways are also built among the “sea,” captivating many visitors.

▲Japan’s Largest Water Illumination Is Right Here at Nabana no Sato.

Highlight 2: Water Illuminations

The water illuminations at Nabana no Sato are said to be Japan’s largest water-based light display. Using LED lights to create flowing light trails across the water surface, coupled with gentle and melodious music that shifts colors dynamically, the view is even more breathtaking when seen from above aboard the Mount Fuji Island, resembling a celestial river in motion.

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