This year, Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi is all decked out for Christmas again.
目次
Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Station
The familiar “Carillon Bells” inside the ticket gates have gotten a Christmas makeover. I wonder if the Hanshin Racecourse illumination will be back this year too.
Kitaguchicho 1-go Park
The annual “Kitaguchicho Illumination.” This year, there’s been a small change.
ACTA Nishinomiya
The familiar “Santa House” is back again this year.
That Santa is still doing well too. Long time no see after a whole year.
By the way, here’s what the Santa House looked like two years ago. Now, what’s different? (We’ll reveal the answer at the end.)
There are illuminations on the circular deck.
The illumination at the Kofuen entrance on the 1st floor of the West Building feels like an image of falling snow.
Hankyu Nishinomiya Gardens
The Christmas tree at Nishinomiya Gardens. Actually, since December, it’s gotten a little upgrade. Now, what has changed? (We’ll reveal the answer at the end.)
阪急西宮ガーデンズのクリスマスツリー、何がパワーアップした？
Something has also been added to the atrium in the Welcome Garden.
Coffee House Dream
Coffee House Dream, familiar to fans of “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.”
“Mikuru-chan, you’re so cute! Have more confidence!” You can almost hear Haruhi Suzumiya’s voice.
FamilyMart Kofuen 1-chome Store
There’s a big Santa at the entrance! What a bushy beard.
Kobe Toyopet Nishinomiya Store
This is what it looks like this year.
This is what it looked like last year. Just like Nishinomiya Gardens, it seems to have gone back to its roots.
Nishikita Park
Commonly known as “Haruhi Park.” The blue lights really give it a fantastical winter feel.
Takamatsu Park (in front of the Hyogo Performing Arts Center)
The familiar scene that syncs with the Hyogo Performing Arts Center’s light-up display is back.
Here’s what it looks like inside the park. It really feels like “Christmas.”
The tree in front brings a Christmas tree to mind.
Quiz Answers
So, did everyone figure them out? Let’s check the answers. If you haven’t tried yet, scroll back up and give it a go.
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ACTA Nishinomiya
The answer was: “the positions of Santa and the reindeer change depending on the year.”
This is the 2025 and 2024 version.
This is the 2023 version. They’re actually reversed. This one feels more natural, honestly.
Hankyu Nishinomiya Gardens
The answer was: “the boxes were filled in with color.”
This photo was taken on November 2.
This photo was taken on December 3. Did you notice the difference?
Finally
The Christmas illuminations may look the same every year, but little details do change here and there without us even noticing. It’s fun to look at them from that perspective.
