Depending on a season of the year, Japan offers many various seasonal attractions and festivals. Regardless of a region, it’s worth to check actual events, that take place in the area, which you are planning to visit. When Christmas is coming, many Japanese squares change into Christmas illuminations. Last time, I visited ‘Toki no sumika Winter Illumination’ in Gotenba.

I haven’t ever been in Gotenba before, then I was afraid, that I won’t find the place easily. However, the biggest building in a front of the entrance was shining very brightly and was well seen even from far. In front of the building, there were two high Christmas trees and many restaurants, shops and cafes. Also, food tracks were very popular. Walking around all illumination area take quite long time and when you get cold, you can come to cafe and get worm by drinking a cup of hot chocolate, because it’s one of the most famous products there. I can confirm, that it’s really delicious! After, my attention was attract by stage performances. Dozens of people observed dogs sat on a platform, that where called in by their trainers and did many various tricks. All of them were very talented and funny. Also, dogs were decorated with Christmas accessories, what made them very cute!

Then, I came into the long shining tunnel, that was decorated with thousands gold stars. Probably it was the most impressive and incredible part of illumination’s free of charge section. When you walk through this tunnel, you can feel a real magic, because except of beautiful surroundings, you can hear a background music. In the middle of the tunnel, are set shining installations, like sledges with unicorns and snowmen.
When I went out from the tunnel, I saw many installation, that you can sit on. Unlike Christmas in Poland, where it’s celebrated mainly with family, Japanese Christmas are popular especially among couples. Due to that fact, Christmas illuminations are usually visited by couples, who go there on dates. Installation, that you can sit on, seemed to be prepared especially for them to take a romantic picture with a nice background.

After, I came on the ‘fountain light show’, that charged a fee, but it was definitely worth paying! I’m a big fan of fountain shows and from all shows I have seen untill now, this one was the most incredible! Music and colors were perfectly co-ordinated with shooting water. Sometimes it shot up to the dozens of meters! Show took approximately 20 minutes and all the viewers were really impressed by the fountain.

Summary

Toki no sumika Winter Illumination is a great attraction for couples, families with children and everyone who would like to feel a christmas atmosphere. Most of the areas are free of charges, then you can spend really great time and take incredible pictures without spending a yen. Walking around all the lluminated areas takes quite a long time, then don’t forget to dress warm clothes!

Weronika Golubska

Information

*Please check for the latest information before visiting.

* This article was written by a trainee from overseas. Please note that there might be spelling and grammar mistakes.