Residents and visitors to Saitama’s Iwatsuki Ward can look forward to a new winter attraction this year as the city launches its first-ever “Chill Illumination [Chillumination] Iwatsuki 2026” illumination event. The new display will bring colorful lights and seasonal photo opportunities to the area around Iwatsuki Station’s east exit from November 1st, 2026, until March 15th, 2027. However, visitors to the October Watsu Street Market on October 17th can experience an exclusive preview when they will hold a Switch On Ceremony.
Chill Illumination [Chillumination] Iwatsuki
The very cleverly named ‘Chillumination’ will light up the station plaza and Crescent Mall daily between 5 pm and 11 pm. They designed the illumination to create a relaxed atmosphere to encourage people to spend more time in the town during the colder months.
Before the main installation officially begins, the city will hold a special lighting ceremony on Saturday, October 17th at the October Watsu Street Market. The switch on ceremony is from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Crescent Mall. The lights will remain illuminated until 11:00 p.m. on the evening of the ceremony, giving visitors an early preview of the display.
Seasonal Photo Spot
In addition to the illumination itself, organisers plan to install a seasonal photo spot that will change throughout the event period. Themes are expected to include Halloween, Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day and a special Iwatsuki-themed display. The Halloween photo spot will be up from October 17th to 31st.
Known as the “City of Dolls”, Iwatsuki has become increasingly popular for seasonal events and festivals in recent years, and the new illumination aims to add another reason for visitors to explore the area after dark.
Event Information
Event: Chillmination Iwatsuki 2026 “チル”ミネーションいわつき 2026.
Lighting Ceremony: October 17th, 2026, 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m, illumination until 11 pm on the night.
Illumination Period: November 1st, 2026 to March 15th, 2027.
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily.
Admission: Free.
Location: Around Iwatsuki Station East Exit and Crescent Mall, Saitama City.
Access: It is easiest to come by public transport – Iwatsuki station is on the Tobu Urban Park Line, Noda line. There are some coin parking lots in the area if you come by car.
Official event page: さいたま市／～癒し（チル）と感動のイルミネーション～ “チル”ミネーションいわつき2026を開催します
2026.10.14 98785