Wakatake-no-Mori Wakayama Farm in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, will hold its winter illumination event "Bamboo Winter Lights 2026" from Saturday, November 28, 2026, to Sunday, February 28, 2027. This winter marks 10 years since the farm began its tourism business, so a commemorative ceremony and lighting ceremony will be held on opening day, November 28, as an expression of gratitude.
The commemorative concert will feature SINON, a singer known for Carpenters covers and other songs. The Japanese traditional instrument ensemble 五人衆 (Goninshu) will perform, and a ninja show by EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura will also take place to open the illumination.
The farm's Bamboo Sea of Clouds (竹雲海) will be suspended from December through February to prevent freezing. As a result, only on November 28 (Sat) and 29 (Sun) can visitors see the Bamboo Sea of Clouds together with this winter's illumination.
Bamboo Winter Lights 2025
About Bamboo Winter Lights 2026
On a clear winter night, a bamboo grove emerges from the darkness in the glow of the lights. The soft light of bamboo lanterns paints a nostalgic scene, and works by bamboo artists add to it, creating a fantastical view that differs from the usual bamboo grove illumination.
Visitors can enjoy a special winter evening to mark the 10th anniversary.
Bamboo Winter Lights 2025
November 28 (Sat) Commemorative Ceremony and Lighting Ceremony Schedule
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 4:00 PM | Commemorative ceremony: SINON commemorative concert |
| 5:15 PM | Lighting ceremony: 五人衆 (Goninshu) Japanese traditional instrument performance / EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura ninja show |
| 8:00 PM | Closing |
Meals and drinks will also be sold from food trucks.
The Bamboo Sea of Clouds does not operate in winter to prevent freezing. The combination of the Bamboo Sea of Clouds and Bamboo Winter Lights 2026 is a special feature available only on this weekend.
Bamboo Winter Lights 2025
Bamboo Winter Lights 2025
Performer Profiles
SINON (シノン)
Born on the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture, SINON was exposed to a wide range of music from childhood, including the Carpenters and oldies. SINON has released many works with guests including 佐藤竹善, K, 広沢タダシ and 一青窈. SINON performs concerts across Japan singing covers, mainly of the Carpenters, as well as original songs, and has steadily gained fans through the gap between the singing and the character.
五人衆 (Goninshu): Japanese Traditional Instrument Performance
Formed in Utsunomiya in 2005, the group has a distinctive worldview, performing original pieces centered on Japanese taiko drums and shinobue flutes as well as being well versed in Japan's regional folk performing arts. They have performed with a wide range of artists, not only musicians. All members are also active as soloists, with a variety of musical specialties. It is an "itookashi" (delightfully charming) ensemble.
EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura: Ninja Show
Ninjas from Nikko Edomura will perform dynamic sword fights. Watch for the tense exchanges with their enemies, their swift movements and their well-coordinated teamwork. With the bamboo grove as the stage, the show offers a lifelike feeling of having wandered into a world of stories.
Event Overview
| Event Name | Bamboo Winter Lights 2026 |
| Dates | November 28 (Saturday), 2026 to February 28 (Sunday), 2027 |
| Hours | Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays during the period, from sunset to 8:00 PM (last entry 7:30 PM). Closed December 30 (Wednesday) to January 3 (Sunday) |
| Commemorative Ceremony and Lighting Ceremony | November 28 (Saturday), 2026, from 4:00 PM |
| Venue | Wakatake-no-Mori Wakayama Farm, 2018 Takaragi Honmachi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi (栃木県宇都宮市宝木本町2018) |
| Organizer | Wakayama Farm Co., Ltd. (株式会社ワカヤマファーム) |
Admission
Night Bamboo Grove Walk (Admission)
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥1,500 |
| Elementary and junior high school students | ¥1,000 |
| Preschool children (ages 3 to 5) | ¥500 |
- Free for ages 2 and under.
- The night admission fee also allows entry during the daytime on the same day.
November 28 Commemorative Concert Reserved Seat Admission
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥3,000 |
| Elementary and junior high school students | ¥2,500 |
| Preschool children | ¥2,000 |
- Seats are not provided for general admission, but visitors can still enjoy the concert.
- Reservations for the November 28 commemorative concert seats and general admission are taken on dedicated reservation pages.
Commemorative concert reserved seats
Access
- By car: Get off at Utsunomiya IC on the Tohoku Expressway / Nikko-Utsunomiya Road and drive about 10 minutes toward central Utsunomiya (about 1 hour 30 minutes from central Tokyo).
- By public transportation: The farm is about 9 km from JR Utsunomiya Station. Take a Kanto Bus route 52, 56 or 58 bus (Platform 8) and get off at "Wakatake-no-Mori Wakayama Farm" (about 25 minutes), then walk about 300 m (about 5 minutes). By taxi, it takes about 20 minutes.
