Some of the illumination events that were held every year have been canceled this year to prevent the spread of infection. Also, depending on the situation, the event may be canceled as a preventive measure, so please check once before going out.
Kyoto Station Building Light Fantasy 2020-Light of Hope for the Future-
December is an illumination event where you can enjoy a gorgeous atmosphere with lots of Christmas-related content. The 22m huge Christmas tree is a must-see.
The Kyoto Station Building is characterized by long escalators and long stairs. When you climb the escalator to the top, the light production based on the concept of “Botanical Garden of Light” spreads all over the wall. From there, there is an aerial passage reminiscent of outer space. The aerial route above the central concourse of Kyoto Station is 45 meters above the ground and is a spot where you can overlook the cityscape on the north side of Kyoto City. At the observation corner in the middle, you can see the Kyoto Tower from the front, so be sure to check it out.
<Event information>
Holding period:
November 13th (Friday) -December 25th (Friday), 2020
Venue:
Kyoto Station Building 4F Muromachikoji Square, etc.
Lighting time:
5:00 pm to 10:30 pm
The aerial route lights up until 22:00
Access:
Directly connected to JR Kyoto Station
A 1-minute walk from Kyoto Municipal Subway Kyoto Station
Official HP:
https://www.kyoto-station-building.co.jp/graphical_illumination/
Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatouro-2020
Illumination of Togetsukyo Bridge illuminated by the Katsura River, which has become a winter tradition. Unfortunately, the “Bamboo Forest Path” will not be lit up this year, but the temples and shrines that normally close in the evening are now open for special night visits. Participating temples are Rakushisha, Jojakkoji, Nonomiya Shrine, Tenryuji, Hogonin, and Horinji. This is (Horinji).
At the Ikebana Promenade by the Kyoto Ikebana Association, much dynamic ikebana is exhibited along the road.
<Event information>
Holding period:
December 11th (Fri) to 20th (Sun), 2020
Venue:
Saga Arashiyama
Lighting time:
5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Access:
15 minutes walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (to the vicinity of Togetsukyo Bridge)
Official HP:
https://hanatouro.kyoto.travel/
Synastasia Hills (Sonobe-cho, Nantan City)
Although it is about an hour away from the city, the illumination event of Synastasia Hills in Rurikei Onsen is famous, and it is an illumination event that combines magnificent music and light art. There is a production where the aurora emerges in the clear air, and you can enjoy a fantastic view. The fantastic illumination created by the collaboration of the natural landscape and 1 million lights is not seen in the city, so it is a recommended scenic spot.
<Event information>
Holding period:
Open all year round, open all year round * Maintenance is closed twice a year, see HP for details
Venue:
1-14 Okawachi Hirotani, Sonobe-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture (Synastasia Hills (in Rurikei Onsen))
Lighting time:
Sunset ~ 10:00 pm (last reception at 9:30 pm)
Access:
Get off at “Sonobe” station on the JR Sagano line, and there is a free shuttle bus at each station
Official HP:
https://www.synesthesia-hills.jp/
Do you need more information?
You should receive such local information of Kyoto by an application “KoI APP”.
With this application, even if you don’t have Wi-Fi, you can find nearby stores and so on.
You can install the application from the following URL.