The Illumination at Toki no Sumika at Gotemba Kogen Resort: Video Introduction

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This video shows the winter illumination at Toki no Sumika, a hotel at Gotemba Kogen Resort, located in Gotemba, Shizuoka in Japan's Tokai region, as well as Suichu Rakuen Aquarium (水中楽園アクアリウム, The Aquarium of Underwater Paradise), one of the largest aquariums for goldfish in Japan.

The illumination, which began with the simple "Tunnel of Light," has grown in scale and popularity to the point that it is now a winter tradition at Gotemba Kogen. Before you visit this shining attraction and surrender yourself to a maze of lights, be sure to check out the video to see what it's actually like!

Toki no Sumika – Attractions of the Facility at Gotemba Kogen Resort

Photo：Slow House Twinkle, Toki no Sumika

Toki no Sumika is located about 10 minutes by car from the Susono Interchange on the Tomei Expressway at Gotemba Kogen Resort. The grand, open-air site, with a total area of approximately 82 acres (about 7 Tokyo Domes), is fully equipped with natural hot springs, lodging facilities, a variety of restaurants, stores, and sports facilities. It's a resort complex with a variety of activities for guests to enjoy. The winter illumination is especially popular, and many bus tours are available as well. If you're staying at the resort, you can receive a coupon for booking early.

There is a wide variety of ways to have fun and spend time at Gotemba Kogen Resort's Toki no Sumika, including fountain illuminations, the Bell of Love, a mini-futsal court, bouldering (reservations required), and the meditation hall (reservations required). It's a great place for day trips and one-night stays. It's also a destination that we recommend for family trips, holiday trips with a loved one, or an enjoyable athletic trip with friends, as you can choose from different types of lodges to suit your needs.

Photo：Goldfish

Among the many photogenic spots at Toki no Sumika, we recommend Suichu Rakuen Aquarium, one of the largest goldfish aquariums in Japan. This fantasy space decorated with lights is open until 7:00 p.m., so guests can relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing around Mt. Fuji.
[Video] 2:12 - Suichu Rakuen Aquarium, Goldfish Town

In the museum there are a number of interesting aquariums where visitors can view the goldfish. The various aquariums allow visitors to enjoy a unique atmosphere. Admiring the individuality of each aquarium is sure to make for a memorable time.

We also recommend visiting Tree Forest (ツリーの森, Tsuri no Mori), where events in which visitors can participate are held. Visitors write their wishes on the leaves provided and tie them to the tree, in a winter version of the Tanabata Festival. Many visitors enjoy the illuminations while writing their wishes on the leaves.

Highlights of the Toki no Sumika Illumination and the Fountain Show

Photo：The tunnel of lights at Toki no Sumika

On October 8, 2022, the lighting ceremony for the Toki no Sumika illumination was held at Gotemba Kogen Resort. The theme for 2022, the event's 21-year anniversary, is "ROYALROAD." The illumination will be held until March 12, 2023.

One of the reasons why the Toki no Sumika illumination "Hikari no Sumika" is so popular is that it can be viewed free of charge even by those not staying at Toki no Sumika or Gotemba Kogen Resort. Another great point is that free shuttle buses to the event are available from nearby JR stations (Mishima Station, Susono Station, etc.). Even if it rains on the day you visit, visitors can still enjoy viewing the dazzling illuminations.

Royal Hill – A Recommended Paid Attraction at the Toki no Sumika Illumination

Photo：The fountain show at Toki no Sumika

The Light of Versailles, the largest fountain laser show in Japan, is performed at the fountain square of Royal Palace Hill (王宮の丘, Oukyu no Oka), a paid area, and the fountains shoot up to an astonishing 150 meters in the air, the highest of any fountain in Japan. A typical building is said to be about 3 meters tall per floor, making it equivalent to the height of a 50-story building. It's truly an incredible display! The dazzling lights light up the splashing water, created an awesome sight that will have you forgetting to blink!
[Video] 4:38 - The Dazzling Fountain Show

The fountain shows are held every 20 minutes and may be cancelled or rescheduled depending on weather conditions, such as strong winds, etc. It's recommended to check the schedule before visiting in case of inclement weather. If you're aiming to take some photos for Instagram, we recommend leaving some distance between yourself and the fountains to capture the entirety of the show.

Summary of Toki no Sumika, a Gotemba Kogen Resort Illumination

Photo：Toki no Sumika, Gotemba Kogen Resort

Gotemba Kogen Resort Toki no Sumika, a resort offering a spectacular view of the World Heritage Site Mt. Fuji, has tons of activities for guests to enjoy. Because of the vast area where it's located, many dog lovers enjoy coming here with their pets. Do keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in the restaurants, hot spring facilities, and other buildings, but you can rent cages (available for a fee, even for day trip guests) or stay at a pet-friendly hotel, so you can have a good time with your best friend.

The Toki no Sumika Illumination is a fantastic sight that can only be seen during the winter months in Gotemba, Shizuoka. It's a place where you can forget about the chill in the air and enjoy gazing at the illuminations for as long as you like. Be sure to add it to your winter travel plans and enjoy some time with your loved ones. It's an experience you won't regret!

◆Gotemba Kogen Resort Toki no Sumika Illumination 'Hikari no Sumika'◆
Theme: ROYAL ROAD – In Search of Excitement
【Address】719, Koyama Gotemba-shi, Shizuoka-ken 412-0033, Japan
【Event Period】10/8/2022 (Sat.) - 3/12/2023 (Sun.)
【Lighting Hours】(1st schedule) 10/8 - 1/9, 4:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
(2nd schedule) 1/10 - 3/12, 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
【Access】
Train: 5 minutes by taxi from JR Iwanami Station, 50 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Mishima Station.
Car: Approximately 10 minutes from the Susono IC on the Tomei Expressway
【Parking】Available
【Admission Fee】Free (Some paid areas)