Millions of lights bloom in Tochigi this winter

Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture will host its signature winter illumination event, Garden of Flowers of Light Flower Fantasy, from October 18, 2025 through February 15, 2026. Widely regarded as one of Japan’s most impressive seasonal light displays, the event transforms the expansive botanical park into a luminous landscape where flowers and light merge after sunset.

The Garden of Flowers of Light has earned a national and international reputation, being counted among Japan’s three most celebrated illumination events. In 2025 it received the Grand Prize at the Third International Illumination Awards, securing recognition as the country’s top illumination display. The event has consistently ranked first in national illumination awards for a decade, underscoring its enduring appeal and meticulous production.

Throughout the exhibition period, more than five million lights illuminate the park’s grounds, creating an immersive atmosphere that reflects the park’s floral identity. This edition introduces an added sensory dimension through the use of scent. In the Flower Castle, visitors are greeted by a blue rose inspired fragrance that enhances the fairytale like setting. At the park’s iconic Miracle Wisteria, the authentic scent of wisteria has been carefully reproduced, offering the uncanny sensation of standing beneath a fully blooming wisteria trellis regardless of season.

Among the highlights is the Garden of Roses of Light, where vivid illuminations are paired with rose themed fragrances at the observation deck, heightening the sense of immersion. Other installations celebrate flowers throughout the year, including Water Lilies of Light, inspired by summer blooming water lilies and glowing with a quiet, mystical presence. The Wisteria Flower Story of Light presents a dramatic sequence of colors, from pale pink to deep purple, white, and yellow, unfolding like a painted scroll across the night landscape.

Seasonal transitions play a key role in the event’s evolving atmosphere. Until mid November, amethyst sage in full bloom is illuminated, emphasizing the harmony between natural plantings and light art. From late November through late December, the park adopts a festive Christmas theme, filling the grounds with warm and celebratory illumination. Beginning January 1, 2026, the New Year Illumination introduces auspicious motifs alongside light displays of winter blooming peonies, fragrant wintersweet, and cold season red plum blossoms.

Adding a contemporary spectacle to the experience, a Flower Fantasy Drone Show is held during the event period. Five hundred drones animate the night sky, forming motifs such as flowers and butterflies that echo the park’s illuminated scenery below.

Event Information
Event name Garden of Flowers of Light Flower Fantasy
Dates October 18, 2025 to February 15, 2026
Hours 15:30 to 20:30 with extended hours until 21:00 on weekends and holidays
Lighting begins around 16:30 to 17:00
From early November to early January closing times are 21:00 on weekdays and 21:30 on weekends and holidays
Venue Ashikaga Flower Park
Address 607 Hasamacho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture
Admission Adults 1,400 yen Children 700 yen for ages four through elementary school
Closed December 31, 2025 only during the event period