Places · 4 min read
Tokyo
Meguro river with paper lanterns, Chidorigafuchi moat, Rikugien garden's weeping cherry and Roppongi's Tokyo Midtown are the city's best evening displays.
Kyoto
Maruyama park, Gion Shirakawa, Nijo castle and Toji temple's five storied pagoda all hold special illuminations, some with separate night tickets.
Elsewhere
Hirosaki castle in Aomori, with its moat full of floating petals, and Matsumoto castle are among the most spectacular light ups outside the big cities.
Tips
Most light ups run from sunset until 9 or 10 pm. Bring a warm layer, since spring evenings can be cold, and expect the busiest crowds on Friday and Saturday nights.