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October 11, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Event date:
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March 8, 2026 at 10:00 pm
Event end:
History
Toki no Sumika Illumination (officially “Hikari no Sumika”) began in 1996 as a modest winter light display at Gotemba Kogen Resort. What started with a few hundred thousand bulbs has grown into one of Japan’s largest and longest-running illuminations, celebrating its 30th anniversary in the 2025-2026 season.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Over three decades, the event has pioneered large-scale LED technology, synchronized fountain shows, and projection mapping, earning recognition as part of Japan’s Night View Heritage and winning the International Illumination Award in 2024. Each year brings a fresh theme—2025-2026’s “Magic Forest” honors the milestone with a redesigned 20-meter Mt. Fuji-inspired symbol tree and enhanced storytelling elements.
From a local winter attraction, it has evolved into a national destination, drawing millions beneath the shadow of Mt. Fuji with ever-more spectacular displays of light, water, and sound.
Overview
The Toki no Sumika Illumination 2025-2026 “Magic Forest” will run from October 11, 2025 to March 8, 2026 at Gotemba Kogen Resort, featuring 5.5 million LED bulbs across the vast grounds. The main outdoor areas—including the iconic 400-meter Tunnel of Light—are completely free, while premium experiences like the 150-meter fountain laser show require tickets.
New highlights include a reimagined projection-mapping story inside the cherry-blossom chapel, an upgraded Royal Palace Hill light walkway, and limited Night Bubble collaboration performances. With on-site hot springs and a craft beer brewery, it’s perfect for a full evening or overnight winter escape.
Highlights
- 400-Meter Tunnel of Light: Japan’s longest illuminated tunnel, draped in millions of twinkling LEDs.
- 20-Meter Magic Forest Symbol Tree: A towering centerpiece shaped like Mt. Fuji, newly designed for the 30th anniversary.
- 150-Meter Fountain Laser Show: Award-winning spectacle with water, light, and music (paid area).
- Projection Mapping Chapel: Immersive storytelling inside the glowing cherry-blossom church.
- Royal Palace Hill & Photo Spots: Blue-lit walkway, illuminated merry-go-round, and the giant swinging Bell of Love.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- 400-Meter Tunnel of Light: Japan’s longest illuminated tunnel, draped in millions of twinkling LEDs.
- 20-Meter Magic Forest Symbol Tree: A towering centerpiece shaped like Mt. Fuji, newly designed for the 30th anniversary.
- 150-Meter Fountain Laser Show: Award-winning spectacle with water, light, and music (paid area).
- Projection Mapping Chapel: Immersive storytelling inside the glowing cherry-blossom church.
- Royal Palace Hill & Photo Spots: Blue-lit walkway, illuminated merry-go-round, and the giant swinging Bell of Love.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can help with timed-entry tickets for the fountain show, private Mt. Fuji-view transfers, onsen reservations, and full-day illumination packages. Just contact us using the contact page.
Schedule
October 11, 2025 – March 8, 2026
- October: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- November – January: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- February – March: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Lights turn on at the listed time; last entry usually 30 min before closing)
Pricing
- Main Illumination Areas (Tunnel of Light, grounds, symbol tree): Completely FREE
- Fountain Laser Show & Special Areas: ¥1,500–¥2,000 adults (varies by date; advance tickets recommended)
- Parking: Free for over 2,000 vehicles
Location
Gotemba Kogen Resort Toki no Sumika 719 Koyama, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
How to Get There
- By Train + Taxi/Bus: JR Gotemba Line to Fujioka Station → 5-minute taxi (~¥1,000) or free resort shuttle (check schedule).
- From Tokyo: Shinkansen to Mishima → bus, or direct highway bus from Shinjuku (~2 hours).
- By Car: 10 minutes from Gotemba IC or Susono IC (Tomei Expressway); massive free parking.
Accommodation Options
Toki no Sumika Hotel & onsen resort on-site offers illumination-view rooms from ¥25,000–¥60,000 per person including dinner, breakfast, and unlimited hot-spring access—perfect for enjoying the lights after dark.
Nearby Gotemba Premium Outlets area has business hotels from ¥9,000–¥18,000. Hakone (30 min drive) luxury ryokan start at ¥30,000–¥80,000. Book early for Christmas–New Year and February weekends.
FAQs
Is the entire illumination really free?
Yes—the vast majority (Tunnel of Light, symbol tree, grounds) is 100% free. Only the premium fountain show and a few indoor attractions require paid tickets.
When is the best time to visit?
November–January for earliest sunset and longest viewing hours; clear winter nights often give bonus Mt. Fuji views silhouetted against the lights.
Are fountain show tickets available on the day?
Limited same-day tickets are sold, but advance online purchase is strongly recommended—especially weekends and holidays.
Can I see Mt. Fuji from the illumination?
On clear nights, yes—especially from higher points like Royal Palace Hill. The 30th-anniversary symbol tree is designed to complement Fuji’s silhouette.
Is the resort open during the day?
Yes—hot springs, restaurants, and some activities operate daytime. Many visitors arrive early, enjoy onsen, then stay for the lights.
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