イルミネーション

いるみねーしょん
noun
illumination; decorative lighting display
1. illumination; decorative light display; Christmas lights
Decorative electric lighting displays, especially the large-scale LED light installations that appear at parks, shopping areas, and tourist spots in Japan from autumn through winter. Particularly associated with Christmas-season decoration and romantic date spots.
イルミネーションがきれいだ。
The light display is beautiful.
(ふゆ)になるとイルミネーションを()()くのが(たの)しみだ。
I look forward to going to see the light displays in winter.
公園(こうえん)のイルミネーションは毎年(まいとし)11(がつ)から点灯(てんとう)され、(おお)くのカップルが(おとず)れる。
The park's light display is illuminated every year from November, attracting many couples.

From English "illumination". In Japan イルミネーション refers specifically to large decorative LED light installations at public spaces and attractions, particularly popular in winter.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • イルミネーションを()()く: to go see the lights
  • イルミネーションが点灯(てんとう)される: the lights are turned on
  • イルミネーションスポット: popular spot for light displays
  • クリスマスイルミネーション: Christmas lights

CULTURAL NOTE:
Winter illumination events are popular date destinations in Japan. Famous ones include Nabana no Sato in Mie, Shinjuku's Terrace City, and Caretta Shiodome.