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December 9, 2025 at 4:30 pm
Event date:
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January 8, 2026 at 1:00 am
Event end:
History
Odate Shining Street is an annual winter illumination event held in Odate City, Akita Prefecture. It was first organized to bring a festive atmosphere to the local community during the cold winter months. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved holiday tradition, attracting residents and visitors from surrounding areas.
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Contact Jasumo Now →The illumination is designed to create a magical winter avenue, with hundreds of LED lights decorating the trees along the main street leading to Odate Municipal General Hospital. The event is known for its long nightly display hours, making it accessible for both early evening visitors and late-night strollers.
This event not only adds sparkle to the city streets but also fosters community engagement, as locals often participate in maintaining and decorating the lights each year. The long-running tradition has helped Odate gain recognition as one of Akita Prefecture’s key winter attractions.
Overview
The Odate Shining Street 2025-2026 will run from early December 2025 to early January 2026. The main highlight of the event is an 800-meter avenue lined with 82 beautifully illuminated trees. Each tree is decorated with bright white LED lights, creating a festive tunnel effect that is perfect for walking, photography, and family outings.
One of the unique features of this event is that the illumination is left on through the night until sunrise on New Year’s Day, providing a magical welcome to the New Year. The event is free to attend, making it an accessible activity for everyone visiting Odate during the holiday season.
Highlights
- 800-meter avenue decorated with 82 LED-lit trees
- Lights turned on daily from 4:30 PM to 1:00 AM, with extended hours until sunrise on New Year’s Day
- Perfect for family walks, photography, and late-night strolls
- A community-driven event that has been running for many years
- Free entry, making it accessible for everyone
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- One of Akita Prefecture’s most charming winter illumination displays
- Long nightly hours allow flexible visiting times
- Beautiful avenue of trees perfect for holiday photos
- Free entry makes it budget-friendly for families and tourists
- Ideal for experiencing local winter culture and festive community spirit
If you are visiting Japan or already in the country, Jasumo can assist with custom tours, transportation, ticket booking, and more. Contact us via our Contact Us page.
Schedule
- Dates: Saturday, December 9, 2025 – Wednesday, January 8, 2026 (estimated based on past years)
- Time: Daily from 4:30 PM (16:30) to 1:00 AM (01:00); extended until sunrise on New Year’s Day
- Location: Avenue from Akita University of Nursing and Welfare to Odate Municipal General Hospital
Pricing
- Admission: FREE (Public street illumination event, no charge for visitors)
Location
Venue: Odate Shining Street, 3-1 Yutakacho, Odate, Akita 017-8550, Japan
How to Get There:
- By Train: Accessible via JR Odate Station, served by the Ou Main Line and Hanawa Line
- By Car: Near National Route 7; no official parking available, but street parking may be possible nearby
Accommodation Options
Visitors can stay in Odate City or nearby areas, with budget hotels and guesthouses available from ¥4,000–¥6,000 per night.
Mid-range hotels offer additional amenities and comfort, typically priced ¥7,000–¥12,000 per night. For those who want a more luxurious experience, select accommodations in Akita City or resorts in the region are available, ranging ¥15,000–¥25,000 per night, though early booking is recommended for the holiday season.
FAQs
When is Odate Shining Street 2025-2026?
The illumination is expected to run from early December 2025 to early January 2026, likely around December 9 to January 8.
How long are the lights turned on?
Daily from 4:30 PM to 1:00 AM, with extended hours until sunrise on New Year’s Day.
How do I get to Odate Shining Street?
By train, take the JR Odate Station on the Ou Main Line or Hanawa Line. By car, the site is near National Route 7.
Is there an admission fee?
No, entry is completely free for this public street illumination event.
Are there nearby accommodations?
Yes, budget hotels start from ¥4,000–¥6,000, mid-range from ¥7,000–¥12,000, and luxury options are available for ¥15,000–¥25,000 per night.
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