A park less than an hour away from Misawa Air Base is currently lighting up the night with beautiful illuminations.

Atago Park’s “Hikari Monogatari” runs through Sept. 14 in Noheji Town. Though illuminations are usually a winter attraction, visitors can enjoy the mid-summer brilliance.

Noheji’s illuminations feature 130,000 LED lights with more than 10 different color hues. It spans an 8,000 square meter area and is themed after the four seasons of the Noheji Town, including spring’s cherry blossoms, the blue sea of Mutsu Gulf, autumn leaves of Mt. Eboshidake and the snowy scenery of Noheji Town.

There is an observation tower in the park where you can look down at the illuminations from above, according to Yoshihito Morita, a Misawa Commissary employee who recently visited the illumination event.

“It is a fantastic experience to see a fully illuminated park with colorful LEDs,” Morita said. “But be sure to bring bug spray.”

On Aug. 23-24 and Aug. 30-31, visitors can enjoy snacks from food trucks set up during those nights. Atago Park is only a 50-minute drive from Misawa Air Base, so brighten up your summer evenings with some beautiful illuminations!

Noheji Illumination “Hikari Monogatari” (the story of Light) 2024

• Location: Atago Park (56 Teranosawa, Noheji Town, Kamikita-gun, Aomori Prefecture)

• Period: Until Sep. 14

• Hours: 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Admission: Free

• URL

• Tel: 0175-64-2111 (Noheji Town Office)

Misawa Air Base

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