Ah, winter outings. Nothing says “let’s freeze our butts off for fun” quite like standing under a billion twinkly lights. Because who needs warmth when you’ve got overpriced hot cocoa and enough LEDs to light up the moon, right?
Okinawa knows how to do it big with these illumination events. They’ve got spots so lit, you’ll feel like you’re walking through an electric kaleidoscope. So, bundle up, grab your camera, and get ready to stare at glowing trees like a kid seeing fireworks for the first time.
And these illuminations? They’re not just pretty—they’re “holy-crap-is-this-even-real” stunning. You’ll feel like a deer in headlights, but in the best possible way. Hit up a few places, soak in the glow, and remember: nothing says winter magic like pretending your toes aren’t completely numb.
Stardust Fantasia 2024-2025
Date November 1, 2024 (Friday) – February 14, 2025 (Friday)
Hours Typically from sunset to 10:00 PM
Cost Free admission
Location Kanehide Kise Country Club, Nago City
This annual illumination event transforms the cityscape into a starlit fantasy world with thousands of LED lights. Visitors can enjoy themed light displays, interactive installations, and seasonal decorations that create a magical atmosphere for all ages.
Official website https://www.kise-cc.jp/
Kariyushi Dream Fantasy
Date November 1, 2024 (Friday) – February 28, 2025 (Friday)
Hours From sunset until 12:00 AM
Cost Free admission
Location Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa, Onna Village
Hosted by Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa, the event features enchanting illuminations throughout the hotel premises, including the poolside and entrance areas, creating a romantic and festive ambiance.
Official website https://kariyushi-oceanspa.jp/
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Moonlit Wonder Illumination
Date November 16, 2024 (Saturday) – February 28, 2025 (Friday)
Hours Typically from sunset to 10:00 PM
Cost Free admission
Location Ryukyu Hotel & Resort Nashiro Beach, Itoman City
Held at the Ryukyu Hotel & Resort Nashiro Beach, this event celebrates the hotel’s 2nd anniversary with approximately 300,000 lights illuminating the main and pool areas, creating a fantastical atmosphere. A 34-meter-long, 7-meter-high “Ryukyu Castle” light installation serves as the centerpiece.
Official website https://www.ryukyuhotel-nashirobeach.jp/
Patio Illumination
Date November 1, 2024 (Friday) – February 28, 2025 (Friday)
Hours From sunset until 12:00 AM
Cost Free admission
Location Hotel Nikko Alivila, Yomitan Village
Hotel Nikko Alivila adorns its courtyard, poolside, and entrance with candle-colored LED lights powered by eco-friendly solar energy. During the Christmas season, a 6-meter-tall Alivila Tree enhances the festive mood.
Official website https://www.okinawa-nikko-alivila.jp/
Yomitan Night Lights: Ryukyu Lantern Festival 2024-2025
Date December 1, 2024 (Sunday) – March 31, 2025 (Monday)
Hours 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Last admission at 9:30 PM)
Cost Adults: ¥1,200; High School Students: ¥800; Elementary & Junior High Students: ¥500; Children under 6: Free
Location Murasaki Mura, Yomitan Village
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this festival at Murasaki Mura recreates the streets of the Ryukyu Kingdom era illuminated by over 3,000 lanterns, including Chinese lanterns and washi paper lamps. Designated as a “Japan Nightscape Heritage” site, it offers a nostalgic and enchanting experience.
Official website https://lantan.ryukyu/
Okinawa Inspired Holiday Gifts Now On Sale
Find the perfect Okinawa-inspired holiday gifts in our online shop and share the island spirit with loved ones!
Okinawa Tropical Illumination 2024-2025
Date October 25, 2024 (Friday) – May 25, 2025 (Sunday)
Hours 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last admission at 9:30 PM)
Cost Adults: ¥1,800; High School Students: ¥1,100; Elementary & Junior High Students: ¥500; Children under 6: Free
Location Southeast Botanical Gardens, Okinawa City
Hosted by Southeast Botanical Gardens, this event was awarded 2nd place nationwide in the “International Illumination Awards.” Themed “Tropical Flowers Shining in the Garden of Light,” it features grand lotus flower illuminations, lit palm trees, and other plant-inspired displays unique to the botanical garden setting.
Official website https://www.southeast-botanical.jp/en/illumination2024/
29th Okinawa Zoo & Museum Christmas Fantasy
Date December 21, 2024 (Saturday) – December 31, 2024 (Tuesday)
Hours December 21-30: 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM; December 31: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Cost December 21-30: Advance ¥2,500, Door ¥2,800; December 31: Advance ¥3,000, Door ¥3,500; Children under 15: Free
Location Okinawa Zoo & Museum, Okinawa City
This annual event at Okinawa Zoo & Museum features dazzling light displays, interactive attractions, and festive decorations, creating a magical Christmas atmosphere for families and visitors of all ages.
Official website https://www.okzm.jp/event/2672/
Illumibanta: Seaside Night Lights
Date December 1, 2024 (Sunday) – February 28, 2025 (Friday)
Hours 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost Free admission
Location Hoshino Resorts Banta Café, Yomitan Village
Held at Banta Café by Hoshino Resorts, this event combines the Okinawan term “Iyumi Banta” (cliff where fish can be seen) with illuminations to create a unique seaside experience. The event features illuminated beaches, forests, and cliffs, with new installations like “Ma-ni and Kuba Lamp Shades.” Visitors can enjoy jazz live performances, night markets, and special picnic sets on the beach.
Official website https://banta-cafe.com/illumibanta/
Mihama Town Resort American Village Illumination
Date November 15, 2024 (Friday) – March 15, 2025 (Saturday)
Hours Typically from sunset to 10:00 PM
Cost Free admission
Location Mihama American Village, Chatan Town
American Village is adorned with vibrant illuminations, creating a festive atmosphere. The event includes various light displays and decorations, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists during the holiday season.
Official website https://www.okinawa-americanvillage.com/
Winter Elegance 2024-2025
Date November 1, 2024 (Friday) – February 14, 2025 (Friday)
Hours Typically from sunset to 10:00 PM
Cost Free admission
Location DMM Kariyushi Aquarium, Tomigusuku City
This event features elegant winter-themed illuminations that transform the cityscape into a sparkling wonderland. Visitors can enjoy beautifully lit installations and decorations that capture the essence of the winter season.
Official website https://kariyushi-aquarium.com/
2024 Kumoji Illumination
Date November 8, 2023 (Friday) – Late January 2025
Hours Typically from sunset to 10:00 PM
Cost Free admission
Location Palette Kumoji, Naha City
Kumoji area in Naha City is illuminated with festive lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The event includes various light displays and decorations, making it a popular destination during the holiday season.
YONABARU Illumination
Date December 8, 2024 (Sunday) – January 11, 2025 (Saturday)
Hours Typically from sunset to 9:00 PM
Cost Free admission
Location Yonabaru Seaside Park, Yonabaru Town
This seasonal illumination event at Yonabaru Seaside Park features artistic light displays that capture the essence of winter in Okinawa. The serene setting offers a tranquil experience for visitors.
Official website https://yonabaru.okinawa/
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Disclaimer
⚠️Disclaimer: Our passion for supporting local businesses drives us to share information about events in the Okinawa area. Please note that Oki Social is not responsible for hosting this event. It’s important to be aware that the event’s host reserves the right to make changes or even cancel the event without prior notice. Some photos and videos may come from various sources on the internet, whether official or unofficial. It is possible that some photos and videos may have been taken from the same event in previous occurrences.
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