In Japan's Nikko and Kinugawa-onsen areas, 2 Hours North of Tokyo along the Tobu Railway Nikko and Kinugawa Lines, Special Moon-Viewing Festivities with Autumn Light-ups will be held from September to November.
There is a Japanese expression Aki no Yonaga, which literally means "long autumn night." This year, despite Covid-19, two popular, annual, celebratory light-up events, illuminating the autumn night, will be held in the Nikko-Kinugawa area, along Tobu Railway's Nikko and Kinugawa Lines.
The Tsukiakari Hanakairo "Moonlight Flower Gallery," September 25 – November 30, 2021, 6-9 pm at Kinugawa Onsen.
This illumination event, originated and hosted by the local community, is now registered as one of the best moon-viewing experiences by Nihon Hyaku Meigetsu "Japan's 100 Best Moon Viewing Places Project." This year's event will be smaller in scale than previous years, due to Covid-19. It will be held in town under the title Machinaka Tsukiakari, meaning "Moonlight in the Town." In addition to viewing the actual moon in the night sky, the event offers dreamlike illuminations of washi umbrellas, lanterns using children's art, a moon-lit fountain decorated with floral arrangements, lucky owls, and more.
In addition to the light-up, a food event, Machinaka Shiawase Gourmet, meaning "Happy in Town Gourmet Event," will be held from October 1 – November 30, 2021, at select Kinugawa restaurants. This video shows the 2020 event (in Japanese).
*The schedule and content of the event are subject to change due to a COVID-19 state of emergency. See the website for more details.
"Light-up Nikko," November 5 – November 7, 2021, 7-9 pm at the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nikko: Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple
Nikko has attracted both pilgrims and tourists since bygone days. This is another magical event for enjoying Aki no Yonaga. In addition to illuminations of torii gates, temple buildings, art and grounds, usually there will be Free guided tours, music concerts and a food court. Photos of the 2019 event are displayed on the homepage (in Japanese). This video shows the 2018 event (in Japanese).
*The schedule and content of the event are subject to change due to a Covid-19 state of emergency.
Make a trip more convenient and fun with Tobu Railway's NIKKO PASS ALL AREA!
The NIKKO PASS All Area includes free rides on trains and buses in the Nikko-Kinugawa region, as well as discounts on Limited Express fares and compartment room fares between Tokyo and Nikko. There are additional discounts for theme parks, souvenirs, restaurants and more. *Event schedules and contents may be changed or cancelled without notice.
*Explore other Tobu Railway destinations at Tobu Railway's official Site: https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/
About Tobu Railways
TOBU Railway Co., Ltd. is a major Japanese corporation consisting of approximately 90 companies. The Tobu Railway covers the longest operating distance in Metropolitan Tokyo, leading to numerous tourist attractions including: Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa-Onsen, famous for its world heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, known for their blooming flower fields; and Kawagoe and Tochigi City, where the atmosphere of the old Edo era lives on. Tobu is also invested in a portfolio of hotels, including the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko and FUFU Nikko Onsen Resort.
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