Highlights
- More than 100 star objects in Amsterdam City (new for 2026–27)
- Star lights along the canal-side avenue
- The ~66 m-wide Waterfall of Light and the Aurora Garden of Light
- Grand Chandelier Tree during Christmas (6 Nov – 25 Dec)
Background & story
Huis Ten Bosch bills its illumination as No. 1 in Japan for 13 consecutive years. For winter 2026 it was renewed for the first time in 16 years as The Starlight Million, turning the whole park into a "town where stars dwell".
Huis Ten Bosch's 2026–2027 winter illumination is the new "The Starlight Million", running from Friday 6 November 2026 to Thursday 25 February 2027. The park says it has renewed its illumination, ranked No. 1 in Japan for 13 years in a row, for the first time in 16 years (official page, checked 2026-10-13).
This page used to cover the show as "Kingdom of Light"; the park's official name for the 2026 winter season is The Starlight Million.
2026–2027 season at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Name | The Starlight Million |
| Dates | 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 |
| Venue | Huis Ten Bosch, 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch Machi, Sasebo, Nagasaki |
| Entry | A park ticket is required (1 DAY Passport, or the After 3 Passport for entry from 3 pm, etc.) |
| Price | Varies by date — see the official ticket page |
| Lighting hours | Not listed on the official page as of 2026-10-13; check the opening hours before you go |
| Also on | European Holy Christmas (6 Nov – 25 Dec) |
Highlights (official announcement)
- A town of stars: in Amsterdam City, at the heart of the park, more than 100 star objects shine on building walls and underfoot.
- Canal-side avenue: the tree-lined avenue along the canal leading to the square is lit with star illuminations.
- Waterfall of Light and Aurora Garden: the roughly 66 m-wide "Waterfall of Light" and the "Aurora Garden of Light" have been updated.
- Grand Chandelier Tree: the crystal symbol tree returns for the Christmas period.
Getting there
The nearest station is JR Huis Ten Bosch Station: about 1 hour 45 minutes from Hakata Station on the Huis Ten Bosch Limited Express, or about 1 hour 30 minutes from Nagasaki Station on the Semi-Rapid Seaside Liner (official train access page, checked 2026-10-13). For routes from Kumamoto and Oita and the latest info, see the official train access page.
Tips
- To spend the evening under the lights, the After 3 Passport (entry from 3 pm) is an option — prices change by date, so check the official page before buying.
- From 6 Nov to 25 Dec the illumination overlaps with the Christmas event, so you can see the tree and the stars on one visit.
- The park notes that content and times may change; check the official page just before you go.
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- About a 5-minute walk from JR Huis Ten Bosch Station to the park entrance. About 1 hour 45 minutes from Hakata Station on the Huis Ten Bosch Limited Express, or about 1 hour 30 minutes from Nagasaki Station on the Semi-Rapid Seaside Liner (checked 2026-10-13). Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Check tickets and details on the official page (button above).
- Paying
- Park ticket required (1 DAY Passport, After 3 Passport, etc.). Price varies by date — see the official ticket page. Smaller venues in Japan are often cash-first — carry some yen (cards/IC not guaranteed).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- families, date night
Good to know
To enjoy the evening lights, the After 3 Passport (entry from 3 pm) is an option. Prices vary by date and lighting hours were not listed officially as of 2026-10-13, so check the official site before you go.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the Huis Ten Bosch illumination 2026?
- The 2026 winter illumination, The Starlight Million, runs from 6 November 2026 to 25 February 2027 (official site, checked 2026-10-13).
- Has the Kingdom of Light ended?
- For winter 2026 the park presents a new illumination, The Starlight Million, renewed for the first time in 16 years. As of 2026-10-13 the official pages do not use the name Kingdom of Light.
- What time does the illumination start?
- As of 2026-10-13 the official page does not list lighting hours. Park opening hours are published month by month at https://english.huistenbosch.co.jp/opentime/.
- How much are tickets? Can I see only the lights?
- The illumination is inside the park, so you need a park ticket such as the 1 DAY Passport or the After 3 Passport (entry from 3 pm). Prices vary by date — check https://english.huistenbosch.co.jp/ticket/.
- What are the highlights?
- According to the official announcement: more than 100 star objects in Amsterdam City, star lights along the canal-side avenue, the roughly 66 m-wide Waterfall of Light and the Aurora Garden of Light. During Christmas (6 Nov – 25 Dec) you can also see the Grand Chandelier Tree.
- How do I get there?
- Take JR to Huis Ten Bosch Station: about 1 hour 45 minutes from Hakata Station on the Huis Ten Bosch Limited Express, or about 1 hour 30 minutes from Nagasaki Station on the Semi-Rapid Seaside Liner (official site, checked 2026-10-13).
Getting there
Huis Ten Bosch — 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch Machi, Sasebo, Nagasaki