Announcing Two Japan Evening "Light-up" Events in Autumn 2021
Washingtoner/10132644

NIKKO, Japan - Washingtoner -- There is a Japanese expression Aki no Yonaga, which literally means "long autumn night." This year, despite Covid-19, two popular, annual, celebratory light-up events, illuminating the autumn night, will be held in the Nikko-Kinugawa area, along Tobu Railway's Nikko and Kinugawa Lines.

The Tsukiakari Hanakairo "Moonlight Flower Gallery­," September 25 – November 30, 2021, 6-9 pm at Kinugawa Onsen.

This illumination event, originated and hosted by the local community, is now registered as one of the best moon-viewing experiences by Nihon Hyaku Meigetsu "Japan's 100 Best Moon Viewing Places Project." This year's event will be smaller in scale than previous years, due to Covid-19. It will be held in town under the title Machinaka Tsukiakari, meaning "Moonlight in the Town."  In addition to viewing the actual moon in the night sky, the event offers dreamlike illuminations of washi umbrellas, lanterns using children's art, a moon-lit fountain decorated with floral arrangements, lucky owls, and more.

More on Washingtoner

• Spokane: SPD is Seeking Public's Assistance in Locating Dangerous Offender
• Spokane: Flags to be Lowered for Memorial Day
• Color Card Administrator Highlights Growing Enterprise Demand for Operational Infrastructure in Business Card Identity Governance
• American Properties Celebrates Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Heritage at South
• Crosswalk Ministries USA Announces 2026 Child and Family Well-Being Conference in Stockbridge, Georgia

In addition to the light-up, a food event, Machinaka Shiawase Gourmet, meaning "Happy in Town Gourmet Event," will be held from October 1 – November 30, 2021, at select Kinugawa restaurants.  This video shows the 2020 event (in Japanese). The schedule and content of the event are subject to change due to a COVID-19 state of emergency. See the website for more details.



"Light-up Nikko," November 5 – November 7, 2021, 7-9 pm at the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nikko: Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple

Nikko has attracted both pilgrims and tourists since bygone days. This is another magical event for enjoying Aki no Yonaga. In addition to illuminations of torii gates, temple buildings, art and grounds, usually there will be Free guided tours, music concerts and a food court. Photos of the 2019 event are displayed on the homepage (in Japanese). This video shows the 2018 event (in Japanese). The schedule and content of the event are subject to change due to a Covid-19 state of emergency.



More on Washingtoner

• Research reveals "The Borderless Pay Standard," a 48-point gap between multinational employers and workers on transparent pay expectations
• Global.ai Appoints Freedomtech Solutions as Specialist Partner for Agentic AI
• Spokane: SPD Involved in a Use of Deadly Force on North Cincinnati St
• Spokane Police, Urban Native Organizations Sign MOU to Strengthen Relationships and Communication
• Tacoma: Murder Arrest Made in Connection to April Missing Person Investigation

Make a trip more convenient and fun with Tobu Railway's NIKKO PASS ALL AREA!

The NIKKO PASS All Area includes free rides on trains and buses in the Nikko-Kinugawa region, as well as discounts on Limited Express fares and compartment room fares between Tokyo and Nikko. There are additional discounts for theme parks, souvenirs, restaurants and more.

*Event schedules and contents may be changed or cancelled without notice.

*Explore other Tobu Railway destinations at Tobu Railway's official Site: https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/

About Tobu Railways
TOBU Railway Co., Ltd. is a major Japanese corporation consisting of approximately 90 companies. The Tobu Railway covers the longest operating distance in Metropolitan Tokyo, leading to numerous tourist attractions including: Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa-Onsen, famous for its world heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, known for their blooming flower fields; and Kawagoe and Tochigi City, where the atmosphere of the old Edo era lives on. Tobu is also invested in a portfolio of hotels, including the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko and FUFU Nikko Onsen Resort.