I went on a fun trip to nearby Kuwana to see the lights at Nabana no Sato recently. It was beautiful, and well worth the hour-long train ride each way.

The theme for the lights this year was sakura blossoms, so the entire park was dressed up accordingly. There were two tunnels of light, wherein all the lights were in the shape of flowers, creating a kind of flower tunnel! It was gorgeous and, obviously, very well-lit. That made the tunnels prime selfie-location, and they were very crowded for most of the night. At the other end of the tunnels was the main light show of the night: a transitioning landscape scene of a field of sakura trees. The trees changed color with the seasons to a well-choreographed musical accompaniment, even simulating different weather conditions like fog, snow, or rain. It was awe-inspiring. And also, unsurprisingly, hella crowded.

Myself and five others went to the park together, and we wandered about, enjoying the lights and the also very enjoyable food at our leisure for many hours. Finally, as closing time approached, the park emptied. The crowds dissipated. And we could enjoy all those amazing sights all over again, largely by ourselves. It was almost like our own, personal light show! The first trip through the tunnels was awesome, as we crowded in with everyone else, taking everything in for the first time. The second time was even better. We were all absolutely freezing to death by that point, the sun long since set, and without the warming crush of people, the cold very easily settled into our bones. But now we could see the lights unhindered by the crowds, and it was like seeing them for the first time all over again!

It was a really nice night. I’m told the actual, living flowers are also very beautiful. Maybe I’ll go again when they’re in bloom?