An enchanting immersive art experience combining light and sound is currently captivating visitors in the forests of Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture. The "Chibamura Land Light Kirigami Night Walk" at Chibamura Auto Campers Resort (formerly Takahara Chiba Village) has launched its autumn/winter seasonal version as of October 3, 2025.
Now in its fourth year, this popular nighttime event has attracted over 15,000 visitors, establishing itself as one of Minakami Town's signature evening attractions. This season features special autumn/winter themed installations centered around Halloween and Christmas motifs.
From October 24 to November 24, 2025, the event will welcome pets for the first time, allowing families to enjoy the magical forest illuminations with their furry companions.
The Story Behind Chibamura Land
Chibamura Auto Campers Resort holds a special place in the hearts of many. For over 50 years, it served as "Takahara Chiba Village," a beloved natural experience facility for Chiba City residents and locals alike. Generations of Chiba City junior high school students visited for outdoor education and ski trips, while city residents used it as a retreat center - making it a "second hometown" for countless visitors.
For residents of Minakami's Aimata district (formerly Niiharu Village), the name "Chibamura" carried decades of fond memories. After the facility's transfer in 2020, it reopened as "Chibamura Auto Campers Resort," preserving the cherished name while transitioning to private operation.
In fall 2021, while exploring ways to utilize the expansive forest and two buildings, the resort discovered the perfect collaboration: light kirigami artist Atsumi Sakai and musical saw performer Hajime Sakita, creators of the "Light Kirigami Night Walk" art event.
When both artists visited the snow-covered site in winter 2022, they were inspired by the natural beauty and decades of memories embedded in the landscape. From this inspiration emerged the concept: "What if imaginary creatures have always lived in this forest?" This imagination gave birth to the "Chibamura Land" worldview.
The experience of walking through light kirigami projections on buildings and trees provided quiet, moving moments during the pandemic when traditional fireworks festivals were limited - offering a unique "walk through the night forest" experience that continues to touch visitors' hearts.
Autumn & Christmas Forest Transformations
This year's night walk has evolved into an even more fantastical space with glowing lanterns, winter constellations, and Christmas motifs scattered throughout the forest. At "Kazanarikan" (Wind Sound Pavilion), special Halloween and Christmas themed displays welcome visitors.
Popular photo spots allow guests to step inside the light kirigami installations, offering new discoveries and moments of wonder with each visit.
New Interactive Experience: "Hunt for Chibamura Traces!"
This year introduces an exciting new exploration activity. Participants receive special UV lights to search for hidden "Chibamura traces" throughout the night walk course.
These mysterious markings might appear on building walls, tree trunks, or behind stones - where they appear remains a surprise. This adventure-style nighttime activity engages both children and adults in an exciting treasure hunt.
Limited Time: Pet-Friendly Dates
From October 24 to November 24, 2025 (final day), pets are welcome to join the night walk experience.
Pet Participation Guidelines:
Leash Required: Please keep pets on leashes (maximum 2m length) at all times. Avoid behaviors that disturb other guests.
Waste Responsibility: Owners must bring bags and water for proper waste disposal.
Vaccination Required: Only vaccinated pets may enter (proof not required, self-declaration acceptable).
Indoor Carrier Rule: In indoor facilities (reception, shop, Otoemaaki Museum), pets must be carried or placed in carriers.
Owner Responsibility: Owners are responsible for managing any incidents between pets or with other guests.
Pets are cherished family members. By following these guidelines, everyone can create memorable moments under the forest lights.
Extend Your Experience with Camping
For those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the night walk experience, staying at Chibamura Auto Campers Resort is highly recommended.
Located at approximately 800m elevation, this quiet campsite surrounded by forest and river offers various accommodation options including auto sites, powered sites, and dedicated solo camping areas.
Enjoy stargazing by the campfire or savoring warm drinks after the event - a luxurious way to extend your evening.
Main Facilities:
- Bungalows, auto camp sites, permanent tent sites
- "Kamoshika no Yu" hot spring (natural sulfur spring)
- Shop and reception building
- Kitchen facilities, toilets, heated showers
- Pet-friendly sites available
Reservations: Available through the camping reservation site
👉 https://www.nap-camp.com/gunma/10781
Event Information
Dates: October 3 - November 24, 2025
Operating on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, plus October 26, 27, 28 (Gunma Prefecture Citizens' Day special)
Hours: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM (Last entry 8:30 PM)
Location: Chibamura Auto Campers Resort (2325 Aimata, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma)
Admission:
- Same-day tickets: Adults ¥1,600 / Elementary-Junior High ¥1,000 (Preschool free)
- Lantern Set: Adults ¥2,000 / Elementary-Junior High ¥1,500
- Pets: Free
Weather: Operates in light rain; cancels during severe weather (when warnings issued)
Organizer: Light Kirigami Night Walk Executive Committee (Gunma Snow Alliance Co., Ltd.)
Supporters: Minakami Town, Minakami Tourism Association, Minakami Chamber of Commerce
Planning/Production: CREA Co., Ltd.
Cooperation: Bamboo Light Artist Yuri Fukuda
Free Shuttle Bus Service
TO GO: Hotel Juraku 7:20 PM → Minakami Station 7:30 PM → Night Walk Venue 7:50 PM arrival
TO BACK: Venue 8:45 PM → Minakami Station 9:05 PM arrival → Hotel Juraku 9:15 PM arrival
※Reservation required (online booking)
https://norn.co.jp/camp/chibamura/news/info/nightwalk_free_shuttle_bus/
Official Website: https://norn.co.jp/camp/chibamura/nightwalk/
Advance Tickets: Available on KKDAY / Yahoo! Digital Tickets / JTB Convenience Store Tickets / Seven Ticket / Asoview! / Iko-yo
