Illuminations at Aore Nagaoka

If you've ever visited Nagaoka, it's very likely that you've seen the Aore Building before. It was designed by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma, and it serves as a venue for the city hall, the local basketball team, and more.

It's also home to a seasonal illumination event at the moment, which goes by the name Aollumination. Now in its 10th year, the event includes an impressive 70,000 twinkling lights which are displayed as if they're raining from the ceiling. There is also a massive Christmas tree which serves as a bit of a centerpiece for the event, and it definitely brings some festive cheer to this time of year.

The Aollumination event at Aore Nagaoka sees around 70,000 twinkling lights and a large Christmas tree decorate the venue.

The illuminations will be running right up until February 19th, 2023, so even if you can't visit before Christmas you still have plenty of time to check them out. The lighting takes place from 4pm until 10pm every day.

Although they're not the biggest or fanciest illuminations you'll see in Japan, they definitely had their own elegance and charm which I appreciated. Also, you're not going to be battling crowds when you visit -- we basically had the place to ourselves when we stopped by around 7pm.

I loved the appearance of the lights raining down -- it was charming! Best of all, this wasn't a crowded event at all.

One of the nicest things about this event is how easy it is to get to. Aore Nagaoka is literally a minute or so from Nagaoka Station, so if you're in the area it's so convenient to reach by public transport. Alternatively, if you choose to drive, it's only 15 minutes or so from the Nagaoka IC of the Kanetsu Expressway, and there are numerous paid parking lots in easy walking distance.