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the awesome lights tunnel where you can bathe while walking the aisle
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Had finally witnessed the magic at Nabana no Sato’s Winter Illumination and so glad we had it covered from the countdown itself and light switching on, firsthand! We always want to have a glimpse of it way, way back but the schedule won’t allow us, I am glad the opportunity came and grabbed and recorded it this time!
Also read: Nabana no Sato Flower Garden
The theme for this year is the famous character “Kumamon” of Kumamoto Prefecture. It is in the south-west islands of Kyushu and is known for its agriculture and rich land. The illumination perfectly presented the place with Mount Aso, the Kikuchi River, and the Shirakawa river.
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| Kumamon ( c) 2010 Kumamoto Prefectural Government |
“Kuma” in Japanese means bear thus the name “Kumamon” which translates as the bear thing. The character is being used to boost tourism in Kumamoto and it is successful up to this day, people from around the world love the character and buy products representing it.
Here is my take, why the character became the symbol theme for this year.
Kumamoto was hit by a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake on the day of April 14, 2016, that reportedly killed 49 people and sent thousands of people to flee for refuge in the streets!
Messages of concern all over Japan and across the world stating “Gambatte Kumamoto” (be strong Kumamoto!) Thus the theme of this years illumination. Nabana no Sato’s Nagashima Onsen may be considered as an “ouen” or a message of hope for the place and the people of Kumamoto. (note: this is my own opinion only)
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This is wonderful ♥ I want to see this ☺ ♥
When you come to Nagashima and Kuwana, Mie, be sure to see this 🙂
Wow, those lights look beautiful! What a cool experience!
this seems to be very nice to see firsthand! it looks too amazing perfect for the yuletide season.
This looks like a really cool event. Is there a certain time of year it takes place?
So pretty! I love when cities light up special areas. Makes it a completely different experience.
This looks so beautiful! I would like to go there too ❤
Blog de la Licorne
This looks so beautiful and like so much fun! So pretty, I love twinkling lights in cities!
Thank you Justine! Indeed! It was awesome and the Kumamon is so cute.
Yes, nothing can compare with the actual scenes 🙂
Hi EG! Yes, the illumination will last until May of 2018! It is a sight worth seeing when you come to the south of Japan particularly Kuwana, Mie Pref!!
Absolutely! Really special when yuletide holiday comes also!
Come over Gabrielle! You will love Japan, lots of interesting places and people too! 🙂
Thanks Harpreet, the lights are so pretty indeed and the Kumamon presentation, you will surely be entertained!
Beautiful! What a wonderful experience and very poignant
My God it looks Amazing. I have never known about this illumination. I would love to see it, mmm I have time until may 2018 so… who knows!?
Thanks Jem, yes, it was awesome and very nice presentation through lights!
Sure! You have lots of time! Come on over! ?
Wonderful photos! It looks super festive!
That looks amazing. I love a good light show
Light is definitely something that always attracts us. Even small kids and babies get attracted towards twinkling lights. And when it is presented in such a beautiful form as the nabana no satos, I am sure it's worth paying a visit. Beautiful pictures!
Japanese do love illumination festivals. There is an art in lighting stuff. Your article does show the magical side of the place. 🙂
hi
this is such a cool thing , i would like to experience this some day. do a lot of tourists come to see this or is it a local celebration
I recently came across a video about this on facebook and now I'm happy that I found your post, too. Bucket List item for next year 😉 What's the closest international airport to the site? Thx!
I like light shows and this one looks lovely! Makes me wanna go there with my camera.
What a beautiful display! I love the message of hope!
These lights are so beautiful! What a gorgeous show! You did a great job of capturing it!
I would love to be there and take some good photos. It seems wonderfulllll!
Thanks!
Thank you!
You are right Neha! And with the resourcefulness and creativity of the management, they come up with a very nice lights show work in Nabana!
Yes, very well presented through the light show! Commendable indeed! Thank you Kabayan! 🙂
This is a botanical garden and they have themes every winter for the illumination. Last year was Mount Fuji. 🙂
Really! Glad to hear it Dennis! Do come, you will love it for sure! Near airport is Nagoya Chubu. Just 20-30 minutes car drive from the airport!
Hi Alex, if you have the chance, let me know, would love to see your shots with this one..who knows, my schedule will be available 🙂
Hi Ashley! Yes, same here <3
This looks beautiful. If you had more full resolution photos that are wide, and have just the right light these images would look even more beautiful owing to the size. Is there a theme every year?
Thank you Mary, glad you liked it!
Yes, I agree to that, just captured most of it through Iphone cam and Android, more lovely with full resolution cameras. Yes, every year the illumination theme differs.
You will surely enjoy it 🙂
How pretty! We have something similar where I live and there is something magical about so many lights.
Thank you Shani! Yes, it is just wonderful!
This is gorgeous. It is like a magical night. Glad you were able to witness this and capture it through the video. I sure would not forget something like this for life
Wow that looks like such a beautiful event!!
Wow how a nice country hope I will visit jan! ?? nice one you're so lucky!
I love how each prefectures in Japan has a cute character! Kumamon is such a funny one. Hehe. Hope to witness this kind of illumination again.. I am loving Japan even more! 🙂
wow the light tunnel looks so majestic. Im kids and kid at heart all loved passing by it. Wish we also have this one in Ph.
This is so magcal 😀
http://itsbeyondimaginations.blogspot.com/
Woaah sends chills to my nape to see your photos !!! i remember when i went to mie to see the nabanano sato! it was indeed a magical experiecne for me. i felt iw as in a different world!!! did you try the spaceship? i forgot what it's called.. it would lift you to give you a better view of the park!!!
It is documented and kept inside my hard drive 🙂
This is a botanical garden and yes the winter illumination event is beautiful!
Thanks!
Kumamon as a character is a hit in Japan and outside Japan! 🙂
Hi, yes it is majestic reallY! Hope Pinas will host one too!
It is! Thanks for the visit and time 🙂
Glad you experienced it too! 🙂
Sugoi!!! There is always something to look forward no matter what season in Japan. Hopefully, someday I will get to see Japan's winter illumination.
Vanessa | Simply Vanessa
It really was Sugoi! 🙂 Of course, and I am sure you will enjoy it!
That place is so magical! Such a great experience po, sobrang ganda po ng paligid ?❤