Mini Post: Illumination in Ibaraki

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!
Christmas in Japan is filled with stores and restaurants playing Wham's Last Christmas, Kentucky Fried Chicken and pizza, and most of all Christmas lights that the Japanese call "illumination." In the U.S. we usually hang Christmas lights outside of our homes. It is a bit different in Japan. Instead of putting lights up outside our homes, there are illumination spots. These spots are found in parks, train stations, and city centers. Here are a few illumination spots around Ibaraki that are worth checking out during the holidays.

Tsuchiura Kasumigaura Suigo Park Illumination

This free illumination spot is located at Tsuchiura's Suigo Park. When you get to the park, just look for the huge lit-up windmill by Lake Kasumigaura.
This illumination spot is open until January 13th. Check out the lit-up windmill, the field of tulip lights, the lily pad lights, and this year's new entry, the Tawnese lanterns tunnel. This is a great illumination spot for the whole family to enjoy. I do recommend bundling up. The wind from the lake can get quite cold.
Suppose you want a bite to eat while enjoying all the lights. There are plenty of food trucks by the windmill area. My buddy Drool Diner is often at this event serving some tasty cheeseburgers. Hope you can enjoy this great illumination spot before it's over.

Suigo Park Illumination
https://www.city.tsuchiura.lg.jp/kanko-bunka-sports/sangyobunkajigyodan/event-info/suigosakura-illumination/page016508.html

Kawachi Fureai Park Illumination

The Kawachi Fureai Park in Inashiki is the biggest illumination site in Ibaraki. Getting there is a bit of a pain since you need a car to get there and it is located in the middle of nowhere. But there is plenty of parking.
Once you get to the park, you will see all the lights shining from the road. Park your car and walk up to the first section of the park which is the winter section. The sections of this illumination site represent different seasons. It starts with winter and ends with fall. All the trees are lit up in different colors which is beautiful. The summer section has an ocean part that moves with the wind to make it look like waves. This is an amazing illumination spot that should be experienced by everyone.
If you are feeling a little peckish after walking around the whole park. There are food trucks by the parking area. Arthur Meshi is usually there serving up delicious tortillas. This event is open till February 16th and it is free!
Enjoy!

Kawachi Fureai Park Illumination
https://inzaiparque.com/kawachi-illuminations/

Ibaraki Flower Park Illumination

The Ibaraki Flower Park is located in Ishioka City close to Yasato Town. It is quite a drive but you can take a bus to the flower park from Ishioka Station.
Once you park your car, buy a ticket, and head inside. While walking around inside the park, you will be surrounded by hundreds of lit-up roses and different colored lights. It is an amazing view. Walking around the park, don't forget to check out the many different activities that the park has like perfume making, flower arrangement, and more! If you are with your kids, make sure they get a turn on the lit-up swing. The swing is full of lights and it is great fun.
If you are feeling hungry, there is a restaurant and food trucks around the park. The restaurant has outside fire pits where you can roast marshmallows or sausages.
This isn't a free event. It costs around 1,200 yen per person and the event ends on January 13th. Hope you get to enjoy this beautiful flower park.

Ibaraki Flower Park
https://www.flowerpark.or.jp/Illumination/

I hope this list helps give you some ideas of where to enjoy a nice evening full of beautiful lights.
Happy Holidays!