Tsuruga Port Illumination “Miraie”

The Tsuruga Port Illumination “Miraie” is a beloved winter tradition that transforms the entire Tsuruga Port area into a mesmerizing world of LED lights. The romantic air is said to draw countless visitors each year with its otherworldly charm and dazzling light displays.

Featuring an impressive 600,000-650,000 LED points of light, the event offers a a wealth of different installations that are all worth the visit. Must-see highlights include the 70-meter-long tunnel of lights, the event’s symbolic centerpiece; a blue-lit lawn inspired by the sea; train-themed light sculptures that pay homage to Tsuruga’s railway heritage; and photo spots where visitors can step inside glowing rings of light for stunning pictures.

The unique scenery of Tsuruga Port, where the red brick warehouses and illuminations shine together, adds to the enchantment. The way the lights reflect off the brick walls creates a mystical glow that transports you into another world. The fabled “magic hour” just after sunset as the lights are turned in is especially picture-perfect. When the sea is calm, the illuminations reflect vividly on the water’s surface, creating a poetic scene. Photographers will find it irresistible to capture the interplay of lights with the moored ships and lighthouse in the background.