Gotemba Kogen / Tokinosumika night illumination – Hikarinosumika
We have been visiting the Tokinosumika resort annually for years. At first the illumination at the resort wasn’t that well known although its always been an elaborate display. In recent years, it has received the acclaim it deserves.
Gotemba Illumination
Tokinosumika (sometimes written Toki no sumika) is also known as Gotemba Kogen. It is located in Gotemba City in Shizuoka. This visit we split our stay between the Blueberry Lodges and the Hotel Tokinosumika. They are just two of several accommodation choices available at this activity and attraction packed resort.
They have had illumination for years, from at least 2008. Furthermore, you can see illumination most of the year. They only take a break for a few weeks in spring and autumn to change the displays. This year, as always, the summer night illumination was stunning and the fountain show, which originated in Tokinosumika, was as breathtaking as ever.
This year the central walkway that links the Blueberry Lodges to the village area, have the lights done like the Milky Way. Among the lights are windchimes and also tanabata wishes written on prayer plaques.
Furthermore, there are night illumination displays in many other areas of the resort. My favorite view was the view of the Blueberry Lodges set behind the merry-go-round:
Water Fountain Show
Tokinosumika / Gotemba Kogen was the first place in the world to create a fountain performance using light and projection mapping, set to music. You can see the show three times a night on weekends . It is on twice a night on weekdays. The show is on beside the Bell of Love at the Big Bang Playground. This year the show started out like fireworks. At one point the water shoots 70 meters into the air.
Tokinosumika
You won’t read much about Tokinosumika in guide books in Japanese or English, as they have such a regular custom from loyal customers they have little need for print advertisement. Most of their custom comes from word of mouth.
There is a range of accommodation available at Tokinosumika. Moreover, there is a broad choice of activities that there is something for everyone. For more detail please see the general blog post on it: Shizuoka, Gotemba. Family resort with Accommodation, Hot springs, Dining, Shopping, Sports and Much much more.
Well done, my friend! It always makes me happy when someone writes about our Shizuoka Prefecture. Gotemba does have some great secrets to be revealed!
Thank you Robert. As you know, I am a big fan of your website, you have incredible information – it is a fantastic resource.
The pleasure is all mine!
Recently tourism has been going through the beginning ofa real boom in Shizuoka Prefecture, what with the increasing numbers of cruise ships passengers alighting in Shimizu and many more tourists landing at the Shimada International Airport! What of Saitama?
I think Saitama is experiencing a decline in tourism. However, Kawagoe is always buzzing with tourists. A lot of money has been invested so I hope it lasts !
Shizuoka is a gorgeous part of Japan. I always thought it was under appreciated, but glad to hear things are on the up.
Thanks Robert
Hi,
I am so interested in the winter illumination. I will be going to Tokyo in Feb 2017 and through Japanican, I noticed that they included a tour to Tokinosumika for the night illumination. However, the tour departs there at 6pm. My question is will I get to see the night illumination at 6pm? If the night falls early and the lights come on, then I will book the tour. Many thanks.
Hi WK Loke,
Thank you for reading and for your comment. Winter Illumination is indeed very beautiful and there are some really lovely spots all over Japan. I am a little biased towards Tokinosumika as it is one of our favourite places to vacation with our small children, but the good news is that the illumination there is very well renowned. The resort is also popular with people of all ages for different reasons.
In my experience they turn the illumination at 5 pm. It maybe earlier in February as the sunsets around 5.10 pm at that time of year. I think you will have at least 40 minutes of the illumination to the back drop of the night sky and possibly another 20 to 30 minutes (or so) as day turns to night. 🙂
Enjoy your trip.
Regards,
Lynda
Just been to Tokinosumika Illuminatoon. Parts of the illuminated tunnel were dark because the lights were broken. Worst of all there was a trained monkey show with a poor monkey dressed in a suit being dragged around from trick to trick on a long lead and being whacked when he didn’t perform properly. Am really concerned about owls and hedgehogs living in cafes and animals being used for entertainment generally.
Thank you so much for your comment. I am very surprised to hear about that, I have never seen anything like that on any of our visits.