Yomiuriland Illuminations

By the time I took four trains and a bus to the gates of the aging amusement park Yomiuri Land, I had already decided that no illuminations could possibly be worth the schlep. Good thing I was SO WRONG!

Hats off to whoever produced this kerbillion-light extravaganza – it totally exceeded expectations. Best ¥1000 entertainment I’ve seen in ages. I’m sure my impression was helped by the wickedly warm winter Japan is experiencing right now – I’m the world’s biggest weenie when it comes to shivering my oshiri off while ogling the sparkly bits – but even if the weather turns subzero, I’d say GO, if you’re in Tokyo!

The Jewelumination show at Yomiuri Land runs until Valentine’s Day, and if you’d like to go, a map is on my website, The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had. (Note: Yomiuriland-mae station is not at all right in front of Yomiuri Land as the name so falsely suggests – you have to take a bus to get to the park. It takes about 20 minutes, and there are helpful red-jacketed Yomiuriland employees at the station to guide you to the nearest bus stop down the street. You can use cash or your regular Suica or Pasmo card on the bus, same price as in Tokyo.)

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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had