Tokyo German Village Illumination 2026–2027 from October 31; A Journey Across America for the Park’s 25th Anniversary

Tokyo German Village in Sodegaura, Chiba Prefecture, will hold “Winter Illumination 2026-2027” from Saturday, October 31, 2026 to Sunday, April 4, 2027. The lights are on from sunset until 20:00. Because the park’s 25th anniversary in 2026 coincides with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, this season takes America as its theme, with a route through New York, Las Vegas, Texas and outer space in light. In the park’s Lake Area, the “Tokyo Lantern Festival 2026-2027” is held at the same time.

A theme combining two milestones: the park’s 25th anniversary and America’s 250th

According to the official website, 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of Tokyo German Village’s opening and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. In the year these two anniversaries coincide, the park chose America as this season’s theme. The official website describes it as a “cross-country journey” through America, a land of dreams and challenges, in light.

In winter, Tokyo German Village offers a double bill: the illumination and the Tokyo Lantern Festival, which lines up colorful Chinese lanterns. Both share the same dates and lighting hours. The park is about 45 to 60 minutes one way by car from the Tokyo metropolitan area (an estimate using expressways), and parking for about 3,000 cars surrounds the park.

Highlights: five areas from New York to outer space

The journey begins in the NEW YORK area, depicted as a city sparkling with the Statue of Liberty, yellow cabs and the neon of Broadway; visitors set off on their journey by passing through a gate. The TIMES SQUARE area is staged on the Marktplatz, which recreates skyscrapers and the subway. A light and sound show incorporating Western pop music is held there, with American comic-style characters singing in chorus.

In the LAS VEGAS area, a giant roulette wheel and slot machines are depicted in light. The participatory “VEGAS JACKPOT SLOT,” in which pulling a lever sets a slot machine drawn on the ground spinning, is the area’s interactive spot.

The TEXAS and SPACE FRONTIER areas are presented as ground pictures. Cowboys on horseback galloping across the wilderness, as well as astronauts and rockets, are drawn on the ground in light. The official website recommends enjoying them together with the winter starry sky above.

As of October 19, the official website did not list the times or number of the light and sound shows or the number of bulbs. The limited-time food menu “American Foods” is also listed as coming soon.

The Tokyo Lantern Festival 2026-2027 at the same time

The venue is the Lake Area (total area about 50,000 square meters), on the left after entering the park. Colorful Chinese lanterns, crafted by artisans with attention to every detail, are lined up, and the light of giant lanterns is reflected on the surface of the pond. The route passes through three zones: the “Japan Zone,” the “Water Zone” and the “Illumi Avenue.”

A food stall area serving authentic Chinese cuisine is also planned. The official website notes that the content listed is still being planned and may change without notice depending on production progress and other factors.

Prices, access and avoiding the crowds

Admission during the illumination period (October 31, 2026 to April 4, 2027) is 1,500 yen for adults and 800 yen for children (age 4 through elementary school). On showing a disability certificate with a photo or Mirairo ID, the holder and one companion pay 1,000 yen (adults) or 600 yen (children). Parking costs 1,500 yen per car until December 31, 2026, and 1,000 yen from January 1, 2027.

Cash and credit cards are accepted at the entrance gate, and WAON is the only electronic money accepted. To re-enter, bring your admission receipt to have a re-entry pass issued.

The park is located at 419 Nagayoshi, Sodegaura, Chiba Prefecture. By car, it is about 3 km (5 minutes) from the Anegasaki-Sodegaura IC on the Tateyama Expressway and about 6 km (10 minutes) from the Kisarazu-higashi IC on the Ken-O Expressway. By train, take the highway bus “Capina” from JR Chiba Station (about 40 minutes) or the “Nozomino/Hiraoka Line” route bus from Sodegaura Station on the JR Uchibo Line (about 35 minutes). When there is no direct bus, the park is an 11-minute walk from the nearest stop, “Hiraoka-sho-mae.”

According to the official website, on weekends and holidays, especially during Golden Week and from Christmas through the New Year, traffic jams and other factors may make entering and leaving take time, and admission may be restricted. To avoid the crowds, plan around these periods. The park is large: it is 1 km, or about a 15-minute leisurely walk, from the entrance gate to the Market area (according to the FAQ).

Frequently asked questions

Is the park open over the New Year holidays?

Yes. According to the FAQ on the official website, hours over the New Year holidays are 9:30 to 20:00. The park may close temporarily due to snow, disasters or other reasons, and no New Year’s Eve countdown event is held.

How much are admission and parking?

Admission during the illumination period is 1,500 yen for adults and 800 yen for children (age 4 through elementary school). Parking costs 1,500 yen per car (until December 31, 2026) or 1,000 yen (from January 1, 2027).

Are there other illuminations in the Kanto region that run until spring?

Yomiuriland Jewellumination 2026 in Inagi, Tokyo, runs until Sunday, April 4, 2027, and Sagamiko Illumillion in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, until Sunday, May 9. Others are introduced in our [2026–2027] Winter Illuminations in Tokyo and the Kanto Region.

Overview

Name: Winter Illumination 2026-2027
Dates: Saturday, October 31, 2026 – Sunday, April 4, 2027
Lighting hours: Sunset–20:00
Venue: Tokyo German Village (419 Nagayoshi, Sodegaura, Chiba Prefecture)
Admission: During the illumination period: adults 1,500 yen, children (age 4 through elementary school) 800 yen. Parking: 1,500 yen per car (until December 31, 2026), 1,000 yen (from January 1, 2027)
Concurrent event: Tokyo Lantern Festival 2026-2027 (Lake Area, lit from sunset to 20:00)
Official website: https://t-doitsumura.co.jp/illumination/
*Information as of October 19, 2026. Please check the official website for the latest information.

*Top image: from a press release by Meiwa Kosan Co., Ltd., Tokyo German Village Division

*This article was compiled by the TOKYO ART SPHERE editorial team based on information on the official website of Tokyo German Village (as of October 19, 2026).

Text: TOKYO ART SPHERE Editorial Team