Kawahaku Light-up

About this event

At the Saitama Museum of Rivers (Kawahaku) in Yorii Town, Saitama Prefecture, the annual "Kawahaku Light-up" is held. At this event, the museum's symbolic giant water wheel—boasting the largest size in Japan—emerges magically in the darkness. The water wheel has a diameter of 24.2 meters and is made using cypress wood from the prefecture. In addition to the giant water wheel, the distinctively designed main building and the large ceramic board painting "Yuku Haru" (Departing Spring) installed beside it are also beautifully illuminated. Street lamps on the premises are lit as well, allowing visitors to enjoy a quiet, tasteful ambiance different from daytime. The illumination runs from dusk until closing time; regular closing time is 17:00 (admission until 16:30), but since days are short in December, the brief twilight window is the recommended time for viewing. After enjoying the indoor exhibits, viewing the lit-up water wheel outdoors is recommended. No advance registration is required, and anyone can participate.

Venue

Saitama Museum of Rivers

39 Kozono, Yorii, Osato District, Saitama 369-1217