Florante Miyazaki Illumination Flower Garden
Miyazaki, Miyazaki
In Japan, ‘illuminations’ are roughly equivalent to the Western practice of putting up lights for the Christmas season. Local businesses and governments often set up large-scale displays in late autumn that last well into the New Year. They are almost always free to attend.
The Japanese tradition of decorating public facilities dates back to the 1890s, when locals took inspiration from foreign ships berthed at Kobe Port that were adorned with lights. In 1903, Osaka’s Tsutenkaku Tower was lit up for the National Industrial Exposition, and the following year the high-end import grocer Meiji-Ya set up a lighted Christmas tree in Ginza, Tokyo to commemorate the country’s victory against Russia.
The Florante Miyazaki Illumination Flower Garden is the prefecture’s biggest illumination event, boasting more than 1.1 million lights. The entire botanical park is adorned with beautiful displays that include a two-story Christmas tree and a fully-functional illumination train.
There are also food stalls selling winter treats, like hot chocolate, and different events scheduled for the duration of the festival. Visitors who arrive early can see the lights being switched on at 18:00.
Date
- 1 December ～ 8 January
Hours
- 15:00~21:30 (lights are switched on at 18:00)
Price
- ¥150(-age 16 and Junior high school )
¥310 Adults
Venue
- Florante Park, Miyazaki-shi, Miyazaki-ken
Hi, I'm Simone! I was born in New York, raised in Johannesburg, South Africa and spent 4 years living in Miyazaki. As a writer and photographer, I enjoyed travelling all over Japan's sunniest prefecture, but my favourite places would have to be Nichinan, the entire Koyu-gun area, and Nishimera. Canoeing down the sacred Takachiho Gorge, walking with wild horses in Cape Toi and setting lanterns alight on the steps of Takanabe's old castle are some of my most memorable experiences. The beauty of Miyazaki, and the warmth and kindness of its people, will always have a special place in my heart.
