Nagoya (Part 1)
Nagoya: A World of Bright Lights
Winter, with its long nights and clear air, is the perfect time to enjoy night views. It is a season when colorful illuminations light up urban streetscapes and the verdant greens of nature. Head to Nagoya for an unforgettable night that lifts your spirits and soothes your mind.
Colorful Light Installations around Nagoya Station
The area around Nagoya Station is a tourist hotspot with many things to see and do. The bustling Sakae district is approximately five minutes away on the subway from the station, and the first landmark to greet visitors is the Chubu Electric Power Mirai Tower and its famous illuminations. In autumn of 2020, the tower was renovated for the first time since its opening in 1954, and the illuminations have evolved, too.
While retaining the symbolic external appearance of the tower, the lights have been replaced with LEDs that can create an impressive 16.7 million different colors. The lights create text and pictures depending on the season or relevant event, dazzling visitors all year round.
In 2021, the Meieki Illumination event, in which facilities and groups around Nagoya Station turn on their lights in unison, will be held from November 10 to December 25. The tree-lined boulevard stretching from the front of Nagoya Station to the Sasashima crossroads will shine a champagne gold, while among the many unique illuminations in the area, the Dai Nagoya Building in front of the station features romantic light installations, making it the ideal place to spend a moment with that special person.
The theme of the 2020 event was “love,” and featured gift box-shaped objects covered in roses, hearts, and other photo-worthy displays, all of which caused a stir on social media. Make your own way to Nagoya for a unique, dream-like experience.
Noritake Christmas Event
Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Nagoya Station is Noritake Garden, a multipurpose facility that shines a light on the world of Noritake, a world-renowned Japanese tableware brand. In addition to seeing the company’s porcelain collection, visitors can enjoy learning about its manufacturing processes. Elsewhere, this urban oasis is home to restaurants, a fountain plaza, and a brook.
From November 13 to December 25, the facility will host the Christmas Garden 2021 event. This year, too, a large model of Santa Claus and a 14-meter-high Christmas tree will decorate the grounds.
The event also features around 40,000 lights, and to really get into the Christmas mood, visitors can attend a painting workshop at the Craft Center with Santa and Christmas tree templates, and even ornaments. After strolling through the grounds, head to the shop to pick out some Christmas gifts.
*This page is referred to One Harmony Membership Magazine YAWARAGI Vol.40
Nikko Style Nagoya
Celebrating its first anniversary in August 2021, Nikko Style Nagoya is the first of the Nikko Style Hotels, a new lifestyle brand by Okura Nikko Hotels. Aiming to bring people together through food, music, and art, the hotel features a communal lobby, an all-day dining space, a café/bar, a DJ booth, and more.