Christmas Day in Japan is just another working day, for the most part. The most exciting facet of the Christmas and holiday season in Japan is that all traces of it are gone by morning on December 26. Without fail, every bell, light, garland, and decoration will come down, and the music stops. However, this disappearing act does not hold for one of Japan’s most interesting holiday traditions; “illumination.”

Illuminations are roughly equivalent to the western tradition of putting up Christmas lights. Rather than putting lights up on their own houses, cities or businesses will set them up, and the people will come to them. This is a trendy event for couples, and many illumination displays are set up and run from November straight until Valentine’s Day.

Here are some popular places to experience illumination in and around Nagoya.

Nabana no Sato

The best place to see winter illumination is 10 minutes from Kuwana Station in Mie. Nabana no Sato is the closest thing you will get in Japan to a neighborhood decked out by friendly competition in lights visible from space. There are 8 million lights spread out all over the entire amusement park, divided into seven different sectors, including the 120m Great River of Lights, two 100m long Tunnels of Lights, a main area with a different theme each year, and a shimmering Mt. Fuji that represents the changing of the seasons. It is a magical place for couples to stroll and woe to any soul who neglects to suggest to their significant other that they meander romantically through the lights.

Perhaps the best way to spend Christmas Day might be to take in an early Christmas dinner and then head to Mie to see the lights. If you have a special someone, it is the perfect place to walk off your meal and enjoy each other’s company. This event is now open for almost seven months out of the year!

Where: Nagashimachokomae-Urusibata 270, Kuwana, Mie (Map)
Website: Nabana no Sato

Hisayaodori Park Flarie

A convenient place to see illumination is Hisayaodori Park Flarie, located between Sakae and Osu. Illumination at Flarie offers a Christmas tree and lights throughout the garden during the Holiday Season. The garden will also host a series of Christmas concerts in early December as of this writing (2025-11-28).

Where: 4 Chome-4-1 Osu, Naka Ward (Map)
Website: Flarie

Kiso-Sansen & 138 Tower Park, Ichinomiya

The theme of Ichinomya’s 138 Tower Park illuminations for 2025 is “The Future: Yesterday, Today and Always” There are 13 spots in the park that are lit up with the concepts of “see,” “feel,” and “experience,” with each expressing hope for a bright future.

Various mini-events are being planned this holiday season, so check their website and use browser translation to see what else is in store.

Where: 255-3 Kaizucho Aburajima, Kaizu, Gifu (Map)
Website: Kiso-Sansen Park

Nagoya Port

Nagoya Port usually holds an annual Christmas illuminations with lights and a wealth of attractions. In previous years, there have been sights like a towering 85 meters high Ferris Wheel or a classic carousel. As of this article’s writing (2025-11-28), the exact details of the light up highlights have not been posted on the event website, but it will host a photography contest and the event itself will begin from December 5th. The website offers browser translation services to help as well.

Where: Minato Ward, Nishikuracho, 1−51 (Map)
Website: Very Merry Christmas  (Japanese)

Higashiyama Sky Tower

While in previous years, the Sky Tower would host something wintery and festive, there is no information on the official website for 2025.

Where: Kameiri-1-8 Tashirocho, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya (Map)
Website: Higashiyama Sky Tower (Japanese)

Nagoya Station Area

Each department store tends to have a festive approach to the winter months and shoppers can expect lovely visual sights to accompany their winter purchases.

If that isn’t enough for you, the streets around the station and along Hirokoji-Dori combined to make the largest illumination display in Nagoya.

(Map)

Nagoya TV Tower

The TV Tower area has undergone a phenomenal redevelopment over the last few years, but not everything has changed. Remaining is the Tower, the symbol of Nagoya, and as every year, it will be lit up to celebrate the season.

Where: 3-6-15 Nishiki, Naka-Ku (map)
Website: nagoya-tv-tower.co.jp

—

Lastly, please note that information is subject to change. We recommend visiting each website for the latest information before going out to an event.

Other Links

Image by Carlos Honda (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via flickr.com (modified)
Image by Christoph Rupprecht [CC BY-SA 2.0], via flickr.com (modified)
Image by kinpi3 [CC BY-SA 2.0], via flickr.com (modified)
Image by Carlos Honda [CC BY-SA 2.0], via flickr.com (modified)
Image by kinpi3 [CC BY-SA 2.0], via flickr.com (modified)