During December, the larger cities of Japan go all out when it comes to Christmas lights. Over here, they call them Winter Illuminations and generally run from mid November through mid January. Some of them, such as those of Nabana no Sato run into Spring. Its an amazing way to get into the holiday spirit. Click here to view our latest video on Nagoya’s light displays.
Stepping out of the JR Gate Tower complex at the enormous Nagoya Station, you’re immediately greeted by a 30 foot tree decked out in lights synchronized to music by the likes of Michael Bluble and others. It sets the tone for the rest of one’s visit in Nagoya, one of the most underrated cities of Japan. Be sure to watch our full length video on Nagoya. Stepping out onto the sidewalks you’ll see hundreds of trees lit up and across the boulevard on the fifth floor of the Dai Nagoya Building is the open air Sky Terrace illuminated with thousands of lights and displays. Best of all, its free to enjoy and not overrun with tourists!
On the outskirts of town is Nabana no Sato, a huge botanical garden that features more than 6 million lights. Its beautiful in the daytime, but it really comes alive during the night. There are tunnels of light (one that is 700 feet long) and lakes and ponds with lights out in them. There’s a rotating observation platform you can ride up to 150 feet into the air for a bird’s eye view. Then there is the massive annual display put to music, this year being a tribute to Mt. Fuji. There are eight restaurants, shops and even a natural hot spring foot bath to rest your weary soles. And if you come in late November, you may enjoy the bonus of the autumn leaves changing color and seeing them illuminated at night.
Nagoya is a one of the most amazing cities in Japan that is not overrun with tourists and yet offers as much fun as Tokyo and Osaka. But its even more amazing during the Christmas season. So be sure to watch our latest video on Nagoya by clicking here.
