2026 Yugawara Station-Front Arch Illumination: A Full-Day Course

Spend a day walking through the hot spring town of Yugawara, then enjoy the arch of lights at the Grand Roof Plaza in front of Yugawara Station in the evening. The Yugawara Station-Front Arch Illumination is typically held from mid-December to late January, and viewing is free. Last year it ran from December 19, 2025 to January 30, 2026 (the 2026-27 schedule has not yet been announced; please check the official website). In the early afternoon, head to Fudo Falls deep in the hot spring town. Take in the 15-meter waterfall, then take a break at the foot bath of the waterfall-viewing teahouse. Next, head to Manyo Park along the Chitose River. It's recommended to stroll through this park, one of Japan's '100 Selected Historical Parks,' which is planted with flowers and plants associated with the Man'yoshu poetry anthology, and warm up at the foot bath facility, 'Doppo no Yu.' In the evening, return to Yugawara Station and watch the arch of lights come on at sunset. Winter nights in the hot spring town get cold, so be sure to dress warmly.