Shinobi-Zato Introduces Lantern Event for Winter Guests

Published on December 4, 2025

A seasonal illumination program will be introduced at the NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato attraction within Nijigen no Mori Anime Awajishima Park. The event will run from December 6, 2025, through March 1, 2026. This limited experience will rely on lantern lighting, projection mapping, and themed encounters designed around the location’s existing features. Travelers visiting Awaji Island during winter will gain access to a nighttime setting shaped by light and anime-inspired design. The initiative will add extended evening activity options for guests exploring the area.

The program will begin on December 6 with a lighting ceremony that starts at 5:45 PM. The attraction’s Chi no Maki area will serve as the ceremonial zone. Lantern displays will activate at 6:00 PM daily and remain available until 10:00 PM. Visitors will be allowed to enter the venue until 8:00 PM. The event itself will not require a separate participation fee, though regular attraction admission will still apply. Each element has been structured to expand the park’s after-dark experience during the winter months.

Lantern Displays and Projection Mapping Shape the Night Experience

The Chi no Maki area will be illuminated with lantern installations throughout the event period. These lights will highlight the zone’s existing pathways and story elements. Guests will move through the space while the lanterns create atmospheric scenes that blend with the attraction’s narrative style. The illumination will be limited to the designated area, ensuring a focused layout centered on controlled paths and themed visuals.

Two projection mapping shows will also be included each evening. These shows will use Hokage Rock as the central projection surface. The displays will rely on light, movement, and structured effects that interact with the landmark’s shape. Visitors will be able to watch the sequences after sunset as part of their normal flow through the attraction. The mapping experiences will add a dynamic component that contrasts with the softer lighting of the lantern zones.

Ramen Ichiraku will also be available to visitors during the event period. The location aligns with the broader theme of the attraction. Guests may use this stop during their visit as part of their flow through the illuminated areas. Its presence supports a complete evening outing for travelers who want both visual and thematic elements.

How the Event May Influence Tourist Experiences

The winter program may shape tourist activity on Awaji Island by creating a seasonal nighttime draw. Travelers often seek controlled, reachable evening experiences when visiting themed destinations. This event has been structured to meet that interest through managed lighting, defined schedules, and consistent attractions. The lantern paths may appeal to guests who prefer calm environments, while projection mapping may attract those who enjoy visual effects.

Tourists who plan winter itineraries may include this illumination event as a scheduled nighttime stop. The set hours create predictability, which can help with broader travel planning. The extended operational window until 10:00 PM may provide visitors with more flexibility, especially those arranging day trips or multi-stop excursions on the island.

Travelers often value immersive spaces that maintain clear themes. The lantern installations and mapping shows will support that interest without expanding beyond the attraction’s established setting. This cohesion may enhance visitor satisfaction due to the unified design. Guests who enjoy anime-inspired environments may view the event as an additional incentive to visit during winter. The ceremonial start on December 6 may also appeal to guests who seek first-day experiences at seasonal attractions.

Event Schedule and Visitor Considerations

The event period spans nearly three months, covering early December through early March. This timeline offers travelers a long window to incorporate the attraction into their winter travel plans. The nightly lighting schedule begins after sunset, allowing visitors to explore other island sites earlier in the day before shifting to the illumination program in the evening.

The lighting ceremony on December 6 will begin at 5:45 PM near the Legendary Cave in the Chi no Maki area. This will be a one-time event marking the official start of the illumination season. Guests arriving later in the period will still be able to enjoy all other lighting elements and the projection mapping shows.

Participation is free, though a general admission ticket is still required for entry into the attraction. Travelers planning to visit should keep the final admission time in mind, which is set at 8:00 PM each day. The illumination will continue into the night until 10:00 PM, allowing visitors adequate time to move through each zone.

The attraction will maintain its established layout, ensuring that guests encounter the lantern displays, mapping shows, and available dining options in a predictable order. This may assist visitors who prefer simple navigation through themed environments, especially during darker hours.

Image Source: AI