Why do we want to see illuminations in winter?
Perhaps it is because the nights are longer, and we seek bright and sparkling things.
Did you know that you can see illuminations in front of Kasaoka Station in Kasaoka City, Okayama?
Cute works are lined up along the tree-lined avenue on Kencho Street from the Kasaoka Station square to the city hall.
I will report on the colorful winter scenery of Kasaoka.
The information provided is from January 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What are the illuminations in front of Kasaoka Station?
The illuminations in front of Kasaoka Station are characterized by warm and cute works created by high school students and citizens of Kasaoka City.
It is organized by Ekimae Collaboration in Kasaoka and is being held for the fifth time (2022 fiscal year).
They have been preparing with the desire to "bring comfort to hearts weighed down by the COVID-19 pandemic and create smiles for everyone."
The period is from December 17, 2022 (Saturday) to January 31, 2023 (Tuesday).
The lights automatically turn on from 5 PM to 12:30 AM the next morning.
The location is Kencho Street from Kasaoka Station to Kasaoka City Hall.
Students from the following five schools worked hard for months, holding meetings across high school boundaries to design, create, and install the works.
- Kasaoka High School
- Okayama Prefectural Kasaoka Commercial High School
- Kasaoka Technical High School
- Okayama Ryukoku High School
- Seibi Support School
On the day of the lighting ceremony, the cheerful voices of children from a local kindergarten echoed through the town.
A walk from Kasaoka Station square to in front of Kasaoka City Hall
As I approached Kasaoka Station by car, I soon saw the lights.
I parked while being surrounded by colorful lights.
I parked my car at the Kasaoka Station square parking lot, which is right next to the illuminations.
The Kasaoka Station square parking lot is free for the first 30 minutes, and after that, it costs 100 yen for every 30 minutes.
If it is full, there is also a nearby Times JR Kasaoka Station parking lot.
Now, let's take a look at each one.
High school students' shining ideas
▼ The "Star Dome" made with a pipe frame is from Kasaoka High School.
Inside, you can feel the glow up close.
▼ The mysterious-shaped light tube is from Okayama Prefectural Kasaoka Commercial High School.
Can you tell what it represents?
This is the shape of the Kasaoka Islands.
If you recognized it right away, you must be a true Kasaoka fan, even surprising a horseshoe crab!
▼ The clock tower symbol that stood out was from Kasaoka Technical High School.
It looks like a Christmas tree and is very beautiful.
The blue, fantastical light dyed the surroundings in blue.
▼ The flowing decorations at the bus stop are from Okayama Ryukoku High School.
It has a romantic atmosphere and is lovely.
▼ The transparent cups adorning the roof of the bus stop on the opposite side are from Seibi Support School.
The color patterns attached to the cups were shining.
Let's take a look at the works on Kencho Street
Next, I will walk straight from the station towards Kasaoka City Hall along the tree-lined Kencho Street.
There are small lights scattered among the zelkova trees and plantings.
Various organizations' works are scattered here and there, and I strolled around while looking around.
The sparkling cute objects made me feel warm inside.
There are more to see, so please take a stroll to Kasaoka City Hall, which is about a 5-minute walk from the station square.
Along the way, there are various shops such as supermarkets, okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes), set meals, and ramen.
The works displayed on Kencho Street are open for submissions from individuals and organizations.
It is wonderful to be able to enjoy seeing your own work.
The works will be installed at the venue by December, before the lighting ceremony.
If you would like to participate next time, please contact the organizer, Ekimae Collaboration in Kasaoka.
From the Writer
In the cold air of late January, the area around the Kasaoka Station illuminations was filled with sparkling warmth.
Visitors were gazing at the dazzling lights while holding their smartphones.
With the glow of the illuminations, everyone's expressions were also shining.
Seeing such a beautiful scene somehow warms the heart.
The earnest feelings of the high school students and citizens who wanted to bring joy to the visitors were conveyed, and even though my body was cold, my heart was filled with warmth.
The event will be held until January 31, 2023 (Tuesday).
Please enjoy a wonderful time in winter Kasaoka.
Kasaoka Station Front Illumination Information
| Name | Kasaoka Station Front Illumination |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 17, 2022 (Saturday) to January 31, 2023 (Tuesday) 5:00 PM to 12:30 AM the following day |
| Location | In front of Kasaoka Station, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Homepage | Station Front Collaboration in Kasaoka |
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