What happens when 8 million LED lights illuminate Japanese town
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Japan seems to be way ahead of the rest of world when it comes to experimenting with lights. It is a culture throughout the country to have impressive light festivals over winter. Other than showcasing the creativity of new talent every year, such festivals give life to the boring weather of winter. It is no wonder that most people love to extend these displays well into spring.
First time visitors will find the numerous festivals captivating but natives and frequent visitors will agree that the Nabana no Sato is the highlight of them all. The festival is a creation of the Nagashima hot spring resort located in Mie prefecture. Setting up the light display takes a record four months and involves thousands of workers to fix the over 8 million LED lights. The most outstanding feature of this festival is the stunning tunnel of lights which spans 100 meters. Every year, so as to make it feel like a new experience for visitors, a detail of the tunnel is magnified and this year is not different. If you were in Nabana no Sato in any other year, you will not see the red, green and orange color change at the tunnel of lights.
To someone who has never been to Japan over the winter season, it is hard to imagine that the flowers on display in the various festivals are real. It is easy to get lost in the marvel of the seasonal flower shows but even more captivating are the winter illuminations. Every year, there is an increase in the number of visitors who tour Japan for the winter illumination festivities and in 2017 alone, it is estimated that a total of 2 million visitors will tour the Nabana no Sato for the festivities.
Nabana no Sato is within proximity to the Nagashima Spa Land and for visitors travelling by public means, the location is accessible by bus or train services. This is an excellent location for a weekend away from the busy city life; a great stress relief activity is strolling through the grounds that are alive with shrubs and seasonal flowers. Many people find that there is something new to see regardless of what season it is. The next time you are close by over November to March, do not forget to drop by and when you do, you better have your camera ready to snap away. The beauty of the winter illumination festival is nothing to describe in words but a picture will capture it all!
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
Winter Illumination at Nabana no Sato, Kuwana, Japan
