The "TWINKLE JOYO Pageant of Light" illumination event in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, is being held at the Joyo City General Athletic Park Recreation Zone (Logos Land) in Terada, Joyo City. Handmade artwork by local residents, themed around "great adventures" such as ancient Egypt, the open sea, and dinosaurs, brightens up the winter night.
Organized by the Joyo City Tourism Association, this year marks the 24th time the event has been held. Last winter, a total of 140,000 people visited. This year, a total of 650,000 LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs were used, and 21 artworks created by local companies, Nishi-Joyo High School, and the Kyoto Prefectural Police Joyo Police Station were displayed.
Walking through the venue, visitors will notice the gleaming golden Egyptian sphinx, pyramids, and giant snake. After passing through a recreated ancient temple, visitors will enter the zone where colorful dinosaurs await. Visitors can climb into the driver's seat of a dinosaur truck or step inside a dinosaur's gaping mouth for photo opportunities.
The lighting ceremony was held on December 1st, attracting many families. Masuyama Teruaki, chairman of the Joyo City Tourism Association, said in his speech, "I hope the world will become brighter and people will feel happier." After the countdown, the lights were all turned on at once, eliciting loud cheers.
Yumi Tatsumi (83 years old), from Joyo City, who visits with her family every year, said, "It's interesting with lots of intricate artwork and big dinosaurs. My grandchildren seem to enjoy it, too."
The lights are on from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. There will also be food stalls and food trucks. A contribution of 100 yen per person is required. A free parking pass for the park's parking lot costs 1,000 yen. Free parking is also available in the vicinity, including at Sanga Town Joyo. Special bus services are available from Kintetsu Terada Station and JR Joyo Station.
For inquiries, please contact the Joyo City Tourism Association at 0774 (56) 4029.
