Transportation Guide to Japan’s Largest Light Display “Nabana no Sora” – Only ¥830 Including Admission & Dinner

▲ One of the iconic attractions at Nabana no Sora in Japan – a 200-meter-long light tunnel.

Reported and photographed by Tsai Wen-Jun / Nagoya, Japan

If you’re in Nagoya and want to enjoy spectacular lights comparable to Huis Ten Bosch, Japan’s largest light display, “Nabana no Sora” (なばなの里), located in neighboring Mie Prefecture, is an absolute must-see. During the light festival period, the private Japanese railway – Kintetsu Railway (short for Kinki Nippon Railway, or Kintetsu for short) – also offersthe “Nabana no Sora Kintetsu Train & Bus” discount package, wherea single package covers round-trip transportation from Nagoya to Nabana no Sora, park admission, and dinner, making it a very practical choice for travelers. Below, we’ll explain how to purchase and use it – a useful reference for those planning to visit soon.

＞＞＞ Aerial View of Japan’s Largest Light Display “Nabana no Sora” – As if Walking on the Starry Sky

▲ The discounted transportation package for taking the Kintetsu train to Nabana no Sora can be purchased at the manned ticket counter at Kintetsu Nagoya Station.

▲ The package includes a total of 6 tickets.

The “Nabana no Sora Kintetsu Train & Bus” discount package (Japanese: なばなの里近鉄電車&バス割引セットきっぷ)must be purchased at the manned ticket counter at Kintetsu Nagoya Station. Each package costs 2,890 yen (approximately NT$838). If you don’t understand Japanese, you can write down or show the Japanese name of the package mentioned above to the ticket staff. The package can be purchased and used on the same day.

Each package contains 6 tickets, which are as follows:

1. Round-trip train ticket from Kintetsu Nagoya to Kintetsu Nagashima Station

2. Round-trip shuttle bus ticket from Kintetsu Nagashima Station to Nabana no Sora

3. Nabana no Sora park admission ticket

4. Two vouchers worth 500 yen each (total 1,000 yen) for use at select park facilities (some facilities may not accept these vouchers)

What are the benefits of this package? As you can see, it includes round-trip train tickets to and from Nagoya, round-trip shuttle bus tickets, park admission, and 1,000 yen in discount vouchers. Buying all these items separately would cost 3,340 yen, so you can save some money. However, this package is more suitable for travelers who simply want to enjoy the nighttime light display at Nabana no Sora.

Step 1: Take the Kintetsu Train from Kintetsu Nagoya to Kintetsu Nagashima Station

▲ The Kintetsu train ticket from Nagoya to Nagashima Station.

▲ Insert the ticket into the ticket gate to pass through.

▲ A local train heading to Kintetsu Nagashima Station.

The journey from Nagoya to Kintetsu Nagashima Station takes about 17 minutes by express train or around 33 minutes by local train. Travelers can check the train schedules in advance on the Kintetsu official website (http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/).

Step 2: Take the Shuttle Bus from Kintetsu Nagashima Station to Nabana no Sora

▲ Right outside the exit of Kintetsu Nagashima Station is the bus stop.

▲ The direct shuttle bus to Nabana no Sora will have “直通なばなの里” written on it.

▲ This is the round-trip shuttle bus ticket. You need to show it to the driver both when boarding and alighting. The driver will not take it back when you return to Kintetsu Nagashima Station as you’ll need it for the return trip.

After arriving at Kintetsu Nagashima Station, the bus stop is right outside the exit. There is a shuttle bus service from Nagashima Station to Nabana no Sora, with a journey time of about 10 minutes. Show your round-trip shuttle bus ticket to the driver when getting off. Since you’ll need the same ticket for the return journey, the driver will not take it back.

The bus stop for getting off at Nabana no Sato is also where you board the return shuttle to Kintetsu Nagashima Station. It’s recommended to check the schedule for the last shuttle before disembarking so you can plan your visit and avoid missing the return bus.

Step 3: Enter Nabana no Sato to Enjoy the Illuminations

▲ Nabana no Sato Admission Ticket.

Since this package includes the Nabana no Sato admission ticket, travelers do not need to purchase an additional entry ticket. Simply present the village entry voucher to the gate staff upon entering. However, please note that according to Nabana no Sato regulations, once you exit the park, you cannot re-enter. Also, outside food is not allowed inside.

▲ A 1,000-yen gold voucher that can be used for meals or certain facilities within the park.

The 1,000-yen gold voucher included with the package can be used for discounts at select facilities and some restaurants in the park. Restaurants will display signs indicating which menu items the voucher can be applied to. Therefore, travelers can use the 1,000-yen voucher towards food expenses, but it is non-refundable and cannot be used for the “Mt. Fuji Island” attraction.

Step 4: Take the Shuttle Bus Back to Kintetsu Nagashima Station

▲ The bus stop for the round-trip shuttle between Kintetsu Nagashima Station and Nabana no Sato.

On the day of our visit, the last shuttle bus from Nabana no Sato back to Kintetsu Nagashima Station departed at 21:05. After boarding the shuttle and arriving at Kintetsu Nagashima Station, the driver will collect the round-trip bus ticket. Finally, use the Kintetsu Nagashima Station → Kintetsu Nagoya train ticket to take the train back to downtown Nagoya.

Step 5: Use the Kintetsu Nagashima → Kintetsu Nagoya Train Ticket to Return to Nagoya by Train.

▲ Train ticket for returning to Nagoya.

If you want to first go shopping at Jazz Dream Nagashima Mitsui Outlet or soak in Nagashima Spa Land, it’s recommended to purchase the following at the Meitetsu Bus Center:“Meitetsu Bus Round-Trip Ticket ゆったりバック” (2,000 yen)This package includes round-trip bus tickets for Meitetsu Bus Center ↔ Nagashima Onsen, Nagashima Onsen ↔ Nabana no Sato, and Nabana no Sato ↔ Meitetsu Bus Center, making it ideal for those planning a one-day trip. However, this transport ticket does not include admission to attractions and must be purchased separately.

Nabana no Sato Light Sea (Nabana no Sato)
Address: 270 Kurogake, Kurage, Nagashima-cho, Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Hours: Until May 8, 2016
Illumination Viewing Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (varies by date; checkhttp://www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp/page.jsp?id=15529for details)
Admission: 2,100 yen (includes a 1,000-yen voucher redeemable for meals at designated restaurants within the park)