Travel by Season logo
Travel by Season
Travel by Season logo
Travel by Season

Best Free Light Displays in Beppu City 2026

January 3, 2026
By Editor
Best Free Light Displays in Beppu City 2026

Guide to the Best Free Light Displays in Beppu City

Beppu city transforms into a magical wonderland when the sun sets during the cold winter months of 2026. You can find the best free light displays in Beppu city scattered across various convenient central locations. These festive installations offer a wonderful way to experience the local culture without spending any extra money.

Best Free Light Displays in Beppu City Station

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Beppu travel info.

To plan your trip, review Beppu travel info.

The main gateway to the city features spectacular light displays right outside the east and west exits. You will see the iconic statue of Shinyakumano surrounded by thousands of twinkling blue and white LED bulbs. This central location makes it very easy for tourists to enjoy festive cheer immediately upon their arrival.

The displays at the station usually begin in late November and run until the middle of January 2026. Visitors can take beautiful photos with the glowing trees while waiting for their next train or local bus. Local musicians often perform near the lights to create a lively atmosphere for everyone walking through the square.

You should check the Beppu Station winter illumination display dates 2026 before planning your evening visit to the city. The lights typically turn on at five in the evening and stay bright until nearly midnight every night. Walking around both sides of the station allows you to see different themes and unique light sculptures annually.

  • Twinkling LED trees
  • Interactive light sculptures
  • Festive holiday music

Beppu Park Festive Light Displays

Beppu Park offers a peaceful setting for one of the most popular free light displays in the city. The large pine trees are decorated with colorful lights that reflect beautifully off the small ponds and streams. This park is a short walk from the city center and provides a quiet escape from the crowds.

Families often visit this location because there is plenty of space for children to run and play safely. The walking paths are well-lit and guide you through various sections of the park featuring different light colors. You can find more details about the Beppu Park winter illumination opening hours 2026 on our website.

Entry to the park remains free for everyone throughout the entire winter season for both locals and tourists. Most visitors spend about forty-five minutes exploring the different light installations placed among the traditional Japanese gardens. The combination of nature and modern LED technology creates a truly unique atmosphere for your evening winter walk.

Suginoi Hotel Public Light Walk

The Suginoi Hotel hosts one of the largest and most impressive light displays in the entire Oita Prefecture. While the hotel is a private resort, the outdoor light walk is open for the general public to enjoy. You can walk through a long tunnel of lights that changes colors as you move through the display.

The display includes massive light sculptures of animals and famous landmarks that are perfect for your holiday photos. It is located on a hill which provides a stunning view of the Beppu city lights below you. Check our Suginoi Hotel winter illumination 2026 guide for the best times to visit this spot.

The hotel provides free shuttle buses from Beppu Station which makes reaching this hilltop display very easy and convenient. There is no cost to walk through the main illumination area located outside the hotel's various building entrances. The lights are usually active from sunset until ten at night during the peak of the winter season.

Matogahama Beach Winter Lights

Matogahama Beach is located along the coast and offers a different perspective on the best Beppu Winter Illumination Spots. The boardwalk area is decorated with festive lights that sparkle against the backdrop of the dark ocean waves. This location is particularly romantic for couples looking for a scenic place to walk after a nice dinner.

The beach area is also the main site for the spectacular Christmas fireworks display held every December in Beppu. You can see the lights reflecting on the water which adds a magical quality to the entire coastal area. Many people enjoy bringing a warm drink from a nearby convenience store to enjoy while watching the lights.

The Beppu Winter Illumination Spots along the coast are easily accessible by foot from the downtown shopping district. There are several benches along the path where you can sit and enjoy the cool winter sea breeze. The display at the beach is usually smaller but much more intimate than the larger displays at the station.

Tips for Visiting Beppu Light Displays

Winter temperatures in Beppu can drop significantly after the sun goes down during the months of December and January. You should wear several layers of warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the displays without feeling cold. Many travelers find that using heat packs from local drugstores helps keep their hands warm while taking photos.

The best time to start your tour is right at sunset to see the lights come to life. Weekdays are generally much less crowded than weekends when many local families come out to see the festive displays. You can find more information about the region on the Japan National Tourism Organization website for your trip.

Most of the free light displays in Beppu city are within walking distance of each other in the downtown. Using a local map or a navigation app will help you find the smaller hidden displays in side streets. Be sure to charge your camera battery fully because the cold weather can make it drain much faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best free light displays in Beppu city for families?

Beppu Park and the Suginoi Hotel light walk are the best choices for families visiting the city this winter. Both locations offer plenty of space for children and have very impressive large-scale displays that everyone will enjoy. You will find these spots easy to navigate with a stroller or for young children on foot.

Do I need to book tickets for Beppu winter illuminations?

You do not need to book any tickets for the free light displays located at the station or park. These events are open to the public and you can simply walk up and enjoy them at your leisure. Most of these festive areas remain open until late at night for all visitors to enjoy.

How long do the winter lights stay on in Beppu?

Most light displays in Beppu city turn on at 5:00 PM and remain lit until at least 10:00 PM. Some central locations like the station square may stay illuminated until midnight for the benefit of late-night travelers. You should always check the specific closing times for each individual park or hotel display.

Beppu city offers many wonderful opportunities to enjoy the best free light displays in Beppu city during the winter. Plan your route carefully to see as many of these beautiful free light displays as possible in 2026. Be sure to bring a warm coat and your camera to capture the magic of this Japanese city.

Official resources

Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.