Winter Magic in Tsuruga: Miraie Illumination Becomes a Top Attraction for Japanese and International Tourists

Published on November 30, 2025

The Miraie Illumination event is lighting up the winter skies once more, this year at the Kanegasaki Park close to the historic Tsuruga port. This dazzling display boasts more than 650,000 LEDs and has been captivating audiences since its debut in 2014. This event, recently made more accessible with the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension, is part of the growing tourism potential for the city. Fukui Tsuruga boasts a growing tourism potential due to the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension.

The event has become an emblem of modernity fused with the Tsuruga port’s rich historical past. With the lights depicting Kanegasaki Park’s oceanic ambience, the winter event is a festive cultural showcase of the port. Visitors are treated to the sparkling ocean below and winter sky above and an illumination display celebrating the port’s historical and contemporary cultural value.

Tsuruga: A City Steeped in History

Tsuruga has a long history, especially as a transport point between Tokyo and Europe and a coastal city in Japan’s central region. Subsequently, the city developed as an important stop on the travel route (rail and sea) between Japan and Europe. Tsuruga Port, known as “Port of Humanity”, received Jewish refugees fleeing Europe before the Second World War. The city has a reputation of being an important humanitarian port and has not forgotten the city’s rich and complex history. Tsuruga flees the European continent

The Tsuruga Port Museum displays records and artefacts documenting the rescue efforts on Jewish refugees. The museum has become an important centre for culture and contemplation, especially for the visitors of Tsuruga. The city has also provided the visitors with the natural beauty, modern attractions and the opportunity to think about the place in the history of the civilisation.

Impressing the modern energy of the city and the depth of the history at the same time ignites the Illumination of Miraie. This makes Tsuruga one of the rare places in Japan to travel in.

The Miraie Illumination as Modern Day Art

Residents and tourists alike are drawn to one of Mihara’s winter lighting events and are attracted to the Miraie Illumination, an event hosted at Kanegasaki Park (along the Tsuruga Port). Overlooking the ocean, the park and the surrounding area is converted into an amazing sea of glittering lights, providing an incredible visual experience that reflects the illumination’s beauty.

Walking throughout the park, visitors of all ages can enjoy the different themed light art installations that capture the beauty and mystery of the sea. Also, family and child-friendly activities are inclusive as to accomodate all ages. The glowing lights are incorporated into the parks natural landscape, enhancing the port’s modern melding of nature and technology.

Miraie Illumination reflects the community’s marketing of the city as a cultural and leisure tourism destination. With the ongoing improvements of the Shinkansen, the event has become an established attraction on the winter tourism circuit, as it part of a growing series of winter events and winter activities in Tsuruga and Fukui and it part of a growing series of winter events and activities in Tsuruga.

Fukui Prefecture Shinkansen Extension Effects

Following the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga Station in December 2020, Tsuruga and Fukui Prefecture have experienced a steady tourism growth. The Shinkansen allows domestic and international tourists better access to Tsuruga. The Illumination event, work in conjunction with other activities and festivals, assists in the growth of local businesses and tourism.

Tsuruga’s modern tourism infrastructure and historical importance make Tsuruga an inviting city for tourists seeking to experience the modern and historical cultural attractions of Japan. The city has clearly positioned Tsuruga as a growing center for cultural tourism in the area with its commitment to developing the modern tourism infrastructure while preserving the rich historical cultural heritage.

Besides winter activities, Tsuruga takes advantage of Tsuruga Bay, Kehi Shrine, and the Echizen Coast, offering tourists year-round access to beautiful venues. The winter tourism attraction, Miraie Illumination, offers a beautiful visual attraction to winter tourists and further enriches Tsuruga’s cultural tourism.

Sustainable Development of Tourism and Community Participation.

With the increase in tourists visiting Tsuruga, the Miraie Illumination presents an example of the city’s commitment to sustainable tourism development. The eco-LED lights reduce energy consumption while providing a spectacle of light and color. Community integration with local business and organization sponsorship helps to guarantee the event provides economic development to the community.

Integrated tourism in Tsuruga is focused on the community and the eco-sustainable and cultural preservation initiatives. These practices of responsible tourism, which serve the community and environment, are an example of responsible tourism integration.

Conclusion 

The Miraie Illumination in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, is an example of the increasing popularity of the city as a tourism spot. With the integration of modern technology with history, Tsuruga can provide a one of a kind traveling experience that incorporate the aspects of culture, nature, and entertainment. As the Hokuriku Shinkansen and tourist infrastructure improvements continue, Tsuruga is about to become a very sought travel destination for people looking for tourism that features historical and modern activities. The Miraie Illumination is one of the top attractions in the winter and is highly valued in the tourism of Japan. People come far and wide to see the illumination and the delights the city of Tsuruga has to offer.