Nabana no Sato gardens at Nagashima Spa Land in Kuwana, Japan

© Julian Krakowiak/Alam

Winter illuminations. Seasonal lights dazzle in Japan

This is just a glimpse of the elaborate light display at Nabana no Sato, a flower park located in the garden of Nagashima Spa Land in Kuwana, Japan. Millions of LED light bulbs are used here to illuminate the grounds and create shimmering pathways, tunnels and patterns. Winter illuminations like this have grown in popularity at Japan’s parks, and they often stay up long after Christmas, providing a bright distraction from winter’s long nights. And if you’re chilled after wandering among the colourful lights, consider a trip to the rest of Nagashima Spa Land, where a huge complex of onsen baths await. In these traditional Japanese hot spring baths, you can spend a relaxing soak in hot-water pools, both indoors and out, some with aromatic herbs floating in the gentle current.