9 must-see illuminations to see during spring in Japan

Famous for its wisteria, Ashikaga Floral Park is home to veritable tunnels of flowers when spring arrives. At night, illuminations highlight the richness of the park, offering an immersive experience through a play of light and sound. Cafés and restaurants line the walkways for a gourmet break.

Further information:

Address: 607 Hasamado, Ashikaga, Tochigi 329-4216

Flowering period: Mid-April to early May for wisteria

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Hitachi Seaside Park is famous for its hills covered with nemophilas and tulips. In spring, the park organizes night-time illuminations that transform the fields into an ocean of color! With its long walks alongside the flowers, it's the ideal place to take some pretty pictures!

Further information:

Address: Mawatari, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki 312-0012

Flowering period: Late March to late April for nemophilas; late March to early May for tulips

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Huis Ten Bosch is a Dutch theme park famous for its tulips. When the tulips are in full bloom, the park organizes seasonal illuminations, with flower tunnels and light projections on the buildings. Note that certain varieties of cherry trees mingle with the tulips, much to the delight of festival-goers!

Further information:

Address: 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch Machi, Sasebo, Nagasaki 859-3243

Flowering period: March to May

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It's one of Tokyo's most emblematic gardens! In springtime, the cherry blossoms are illuminated as the sun sets. Sound and light effects dress up the garden, and food stalls are set up near the central pond. Beware, the site attracts crowds on weekends and on public holidays!

Further information:

Address: 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0021

Flowering period: Late March to early April

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Nagoya Castle lights up at dusk when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. It's a beautiful sight, highlighting the castle's unique architecture. Food stalls and activities are also set up around the castle to complete the event.

Further information

Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031

Flowering period: Early April

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One of the most beautiful gardens in Japan! In spring, the Korakuen garden lights up its cherry trees as night falls. They are reflected in the ponds, creating a poetic atmosphere ideal for a stroll or a photo shoot. We also appreciate that its tea houses offer a relaxing pause to sip matcha in the shade of cherry blossoms.

Further information

Address: 1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama 703-8257

Flowering period: Late March to early April

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The Kobe Luminarie is a winter illuminations festival created in Kobe in 1995 to commemorate the earthquake. Famous for its spectacular arches of light, inspired by European architecture, it sometimes offers a spring edition to sublimate the season's flowers. A not-to-be-missed artistic experience for fans of light and sound.

Further information

Address: Downtown Kobe, Hyogo

Flowering period: April (variable depending on the year). Please consult the official website of the event

In spring, nighttime illuminations highlight the sakura trees , offering a photogenic stroll along the main pond, littered with food stalls. A stone's throw away, the Tokyo Dome City leisure center also boasts spring-themed illuminations.

Further information

Address: 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo, Tokyo 112-0004

Flowering period: Late March to early April

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Every spring, the Yomiuriland theme park organizes flower-themed illuminations. These are highlighted by thousands of colorful lights, creating a magical, immersive spectacle for the whole family.

Further information

Address: 3-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi, Tokyo 206-8725

Flowering period: Late March to early May

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