Japan in Lights: Illuminated Trails & Lantern Festival 2025 at Jardin d'Acclimatation – Photos

Whenwinter sets in and the night drags on, the Jardin d'Acclimatation rekindles the flame. From December 10, 2025 to March 8, 2026, the historic Bois de Boulogne park unfurls the third edition of its Lantern Festival, "Le Japon en Lumières". After the crackling of dragons in 2023 and the roar of dinosaurs in 2024, it's time for a Japanese odyssey told through 2,000 glittering paper lanterns.

Here, a stroll becomes a real journey: a one-way ticket to the Land of the Rising Sun, without passport or jet lag. From the heights of Mount Fuji to the hectic streets of Tokyo, we cross a thousand years of Japanese traditions, legends and poetry. From Kyoto to Tokyo, the journey is illuminated in three stages, each offering a unique, flamboyant atmosphere.

• The Empire of Traditions beckons you to walk through towering torii gates—traditional gateways—to explore ancient Shintō and Buddhist temples, and to follow the whisper of kimonos swaying in the breeze, all while footsteps of samurai guide your way to the renowned Senso-ji.

• Odyssée Pop-Modern shimmers with a mix of manga, kawaii heroes, urban facades, and neon lights reminiscent of Shibuya — a near-replica of Tokyo in every way — designed to enchant both kids and adults alike, complete with XXL arcades.

• The Garden of Dreams offers a peaceful respite, with blooming sakuras, miniature bonsais, graceful koi ponds, and the distant silhouette of Mount Fuji.

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Each lantern becomes a work of art, each step a perfect shot for your Insta feed! And when the stroll whets the appetite, head for the Parisian matsuri-style food court. Here, visitors can sample 100% authentic Japanese fare: steaming ramen, golden gyozas, crispy yakitori, melting mochi, as well as the Parisian winter must-haves - mulled wine, pretzels and hot chocolate - to marry Asian flavors with local delicacies.

Before setting off again, we climb onto the 20-metre Ferris Wheel for a final salute to Paris, glittering under a sky of illuminations.

Let yourself be carried away by the magic of the lanterns and experience a winter in the colors of Japan, just a stone's throw from your home!

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.