It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas ~ 🎄❄️ ~
Everywhere you’ll go, there are stunning illuminations that will make your Tokyo trip all the more worth it.
Visiting illuminations is one of Japan’s best ways to enjoy the winter season. Many exhibitions were cancelled last year, but with the state of emergency lifted, there is no better time to go out and enjoy the radiant lights and festive shows around town.
Every year as the Christmas season approaches, the city is decorated with colourful, shimmering lights. They are so gorgeous that it is one of the most popular winter outings. There are many places where you can see the illuminations in Tokyo, and we have gathered a list to make things easier for you 😉
So without further ado, here are the top 8 illuminations in Tokyo you should visit!
One of the best ways to explore Tokyo is to visit the local areas and immerse yourself in the local culture. If you want to explore local areas, we have created scavenger hunt adventures personalised to your interests, filled with fun facts, clues and puzzles. If you’re curious, you can check out the games here! Check out the Flip Japan Games here! |
Check out what to do in Winter, best illuminations in Tokyo, best illuminations in Japan, illumination day trips, best ski resorts, winter festivals, best onsen spots and ways to escape the cold in winter in Japan.
Illuminations in Tokyo
1. Tokyo Midtown Christmas 2023
This year, Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi holds “MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS 2023.” Under the concept of “Meets Christmas,” you can enjoy an array of glittering lights covering the entire facility, including the inside of the building and the outside garden.
The annual MIDTOWN WINTER LIGHTS “Walkway of Lights” illuminates the city’s trees with gorgeous golden illuminations. Keep an eye out for the giant snow globe, “SNOW LIGHT GLOBE,” that shines fantastically.
Another highlight of the Tokyo Midtown illumination is the “PARTY POPPER TREE.” The colourful ornaments and other pop-up decorations, reminiscent of crackers at a Christmas party, add to the festive atmosphere. Also, when you hold out your hand to the “tree Santa,” a cracker string is pulled, and the ornaments and lights on the Christmas tree shine brightly. This illumination is recommended for those who want to experience the excitement of Christmas in an interactive way.
Tokyo Midtown Illumination Information
- Period: November 16, 2023 – December 25, 2023
- *Once every 6 minutes starting at 00 minutes past the hour
- Location: Tokyo Midtown
- Lighting hours: 17:00-23:00
- Access: Direct connection from Roppongi Station
2. Roppongi Hills Christmas 2023
The illumination “Roppongi Hills Christmas 2023” is held at Roppongi Hills from November 6th, 2023 to December 25, 2023.
You will find four distinct illumination areas: Keyakizaka, 66 Plaza, Mohri Garden, and West Walk. To give you a brief image of what to expect, Keyakizaka dazzles with approximately 700,000 sophisticated urban white and blue lights that light up the endless rows of Japanese zelkova trees.
Apart from that, you can also see the view of Tokyo Tower gleaming in the background alongside the illuminations. Only Tokyo can offer this magnificent view that will definitely put you in the holiday spirit.
Roppongi Hills Illumination Information
- Period: November 6th, 2023 – December 25th, 2023
- Place: Roppongi Hills
- Lighting hours: 17:00 – 23:00
- Access: Direct connection from Roppongi Station
3. Yebisu Garden Place
Ebisu is one of the most popular adult date spots in Tokyo. Yebisu Garden Place holds a light show event every winter under the concept of “Baccarat ETERNAL LIGHTS – Shape of Joy.”
The main attraction is the Baccarat Chandelier, a real-life piece of art.. Its presence and brilliance alone will overwhelm you (in a good way).
The Baccarat chandelier is approximately 5 metres high and 3 metres wide, with a total of 8,500 crystal pieces and 250 lights, making it one of the largest in the world.
A French-themed Christmas market is temporarily set up at the Clock Square. It is filled with cute Christmas goods, hot wine, hot chocolate, and other items for sale, creating a warm and merry atmosphere for you to enjoy solo or with your loved ones.
Yebisu Garden Place Illumination Information
- Period: Saturday, November 11th, 2023 – Monday, January 8th, 2023
- Location: Yebisu Garden Place Center Square
- Lighting hours: 11:00 – 23:00
- Access: 5 min. walk from Ebisu Station via Sky Walk
4. Marunouchi Illumination 2023
Marunouchi is the business centre of Tokyo. The light exhibition for this year will be displayed specifically on Marunouchi Naka-dori Avenue, a bustling shopping hub.
More than 200 trees along the 1.2-kilometer-long avenue are illuminated in champagne-gold tones, creating a spectacular sight of the cityscape. The warm, and elegant lighting will take your date to the next level with its undeniable charm. It is no surprise that it is registered as a Japan Nightscape Heritage Site.
In addition, “Gates of Light” will be set up in the Yurakucho area (in front of the Kokusai Building and the New Kokusai Building), and Otemachi Naka-dori Avenue will also be illuminated.
The Marunouchi Illumination is attracting attention as an eco-friendly light display. In addition to the “Eco-Illumination,” which uses about 65% less electricity by controlling the power consumption of LED bulbs, the “NEW Eco-Illumination,” employs about 30% less electricity.
Marunouchi Illumination 2023 Event Information
- Period: November 16th, 2023 – February 18, 2023
- Location: Marunouchi Nakadori Avenue, Tokyo Station area, Otemachi Nakadori Avenue
- Lighting hours: 15:00 – 23:00 (15:00 – 24:00 in December)
- Access: 1 min. walk from Marunouchi Exit, Tokyo Sta.
5. Tokyo Michi Terrace 2023
The Tokyo Michi Terrace light show is held in the Marunouchi area of Tokyo, the heart of Japan. The entire area of Tokyo Station Marunouchi Station Building, Marunouchi Central Square, and Gyoko-dori Avenue will be gradually transformed and tinted with a colour scheme that expresses “sunrise over the night (dawn of the heart) from dusk to dawn.”
Tokyo Michi Terrace in 2020 was established as a new illumination that could be viewed on-site or remotely. Visitors were able to watch the light displays virtually from the website without having to go to Marunouchi.
Tokyo Michi Terrace Illumination Event Information
- Period: Late December
- Location: Tokyo Station Marunouchi Station Building, Tokyo Station Marunouchi Station Square, Gyoko-dori Avenue
- Lighting hours: 15:00 – 21:00
- Access: A short walk from Tokyo Station Marunouchi Exit
6. Blue Cave SHIBUYA 2023
The “Blue Cave SHIBUYA” light-up occurs from Shibuya Park Avenue to Yoyogi Park Zelkova Avenue, and has become a well-known winter date spot in Tokyo since its inauguration in 2016.
About 800m of the zelkova trees from Shibuya Koen-dori to Yoyogi Park are decorated in blue lights with about 600,000 LED bulbs. The 300-metre-long zelkova tree-lined avenue in Yoyogi Park, in particular, offers a fantastic atmosphere, making you feel as if you have wandered into a magical blue cave.
Blue Cave Illumination Information
- Period: December 1st, 2023 – December 25, 2023
- Location: Shibuya Park Avenue – Yoyogi Park Zelkova Avenue (approx. 800m)
- Lighting hours: 17:00 – 22:00 (lighting hours are subject to change)
- Access: 5 min. walk from Shibuya Sta. Hachiko Exit or Exit 7
- Harajuku Station: 10 min. walk from Omotesando Exit
7. Omotesando Fendi Illumination 2023
Omotesando is a popular date spot in Tokyo, but it becomes evermore precious during the holiday season. The 1.1-km stretch of Omotesando is wrapped in gentle, shimmering light, creating the perfect romantic atmosphere. The 150 zelkova trees lining the street from the Jingu-bashi intersection to the Omotesando intersection radiate with approximately 900,000 golden LED bulbs.
Omotesando Fendi Illumination 2023 Event Information
- Period: December 1st, 2023 – December 28th, 2023
- Location: Jingu-bashi intersection – Omotesando intersection (about 1.1 km)
- Lighting hours: Sunset to 22:00
- Access: 4 min. walk from Omotesando Exit, JR Harajuku Sta.
- 1 min. walk from Tokyo Metro Omotesando Station, Exit A3
8. Meguro River Illumination
Meguro River is one of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. In fact, you can enjoy the river during the cherry blossom viewing season in spring and winter. The “Meguro River Illumination for Everyone” lights up the Meguro River with approximately 340,000 LED bulbs. In the past, pink and gold LEDs decorated the rows of cherry trees in winter.
This light-up is also known for its eco-friendly system. It uses waste cooking oil collected from nearby homes and stores to generate its own electricity to power the LED lights.
Meguro River Illumination for Everyone Event Information
- Period: November 10th, 2023 – January 8th, 2024
- Location: Gotanda Fureai Waterside Plaza and along the Meguro River
- Lighting hours: 17:00 – 22:00
- Access: 6 min. walk from JR “Osaki” or “Gotanda” station
9. Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination
The 2023 Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination theme is “Gifts” while the concept is “to make you want to take a picture with someone or show it to someone.” In other words, it is a light show worth the trip. The decorations are designed to keep children and adults alike entertained.
The start of the show, a huge Christmas tree, is decorated with 5,000 shiny smiley face ornaments and a variety of light effects. It even projects its own festive tunes!
Make sure to stop by the photo spot portraying a story about “Happy Rabbit,” a rabbit that has been associated with happiness and good fortune since ancient times, to send your best wishes to your loved ones. In the LaQua area, a 140-metre-long “Milky Way” corridor of light will make its debut.
Altogether, the park will be enveloped in a glittering atmosphere that will make your time and connection with your loved ones even brighter!
Tokyo Dome City Illumination Event Information
- Period: November 21st, 2023 – February 29th, 2024
- Location: Tokyo Dome City
- Lighting hours: 17:00 – 24:00
- Access: Short walk from Suidobashi Station on the JR Chuo and Sobu Lines
10. Tokyo Tower Winter Fantasy 2023
Tokyo Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Tokyo. The beautiful lights of Tokyo Tower, which shine brightly at night, have captivated many people. Tokyo Tower holds a special illumination event in addition to the light-up during the Christmas season.
In 2023, the “Symbol Tree” will be lit by 20 candles, 150 lanterns, and approximately 700 full-colour LEDs, creating a soothing space gleaming in 600,000 colours.
Tokyo Tower Illumination Information
- Period: December 2nd – December 25th, 2023
- Location: In front of the main entrance on the 1st floor of Tokyo Tower
- Lighting hours: 16:00-23:00
- Access：5 min. walk from Subway Akabanebashi Station.
11. Odaiba Winter Illumination
Themed light displays are held all year round at DECKS Tokyo Beach in Odaiba. In the limited-time winter version, you can enjoy the twinkling lights centring on the “Memorial Tree,” one of the largest trees in Tokyo at approximately 20 metres high and 10 metres wide. It’s truly a treat for the eyes 👀
Known as one of the best night view spots in Tokyo, the illumination shining against the night view of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge is a fantastic and romantic sight. It is a recommended spot for couples.
The “ODAIBA” art spot on Seaside Terrace is also a popular photo spot.
Odaiba Illumination Event Information
- Period: 24th November 2023 – 25th December 2023
- Location: DECKS Tokyo Beach 3F Seaside Deck
- Lighting hours: Sunset – 24:00
- Access: 2 min. walk from Yurikamome Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station.
12. Shinjuku Southern Terrace Illuminaton
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most popular downtown areas. This trendy town overflowing with people daily is also decorated with winter illuminations. In addition to Shinjuku Southern Terrace in the Shinjuku South Exit area, Takashimaya Times Square and Suica’s Penguin Plaza will hold their first illumination events in three years since 2019.
The theme for 2023 is “Jewels in my Heart.” The entire Shinjuku Southern Terrace sparkles and shines bright like a diamond jewel, and Suica’s Penguin Plaza is transformed with golden light bulbs, a snow globe-like house, and a statue of the Suica penguin. The pathway in the centre of the terrace is embellished with interactive illuminations that respond to your movements, allowing you to experience an engaging variety of light displays throughout the area.
Shinjuku Southern Terrace [Shinjuku Minami Lumi] Event Information
- Period: November 17th, 2023 – February 14th, 2024
- Location: JR Minami-Shinjuku Building / JR Shinjuku Mirina Tower / Suica Penguin Plaza / Takashimaya Times Square / Shinjuku Maynds Tower / Shinjuku Southern Terrace
- Lighting hours: 17:00 – 24:00 (varies depending on the time of year and facilities)
- Access: 1-minute walk from Shinjuku Station South Exit
13. Oi Racecourse TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI
One of the largest-scale illumination events in Tokyo is “TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI 2023-2024,” held at Oi Racecourse in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo. The entire Oi Racecourse is wrapped in colourful, vivid lights, and visitors can enjoy illumination on a grand scale at this event.
The grounds are divided into two main areas: the “TWINKLE Area” and the “Wa no Kirameki Area. The most noteworthy feature in the Japanese Kirameki Area is the renewed “Great Fountain of Rainbow-Colored Lights. The dancing lights and sparkling water columns are a must-see. The spectacular and dynamic display can also be enjoyed with joyful music and lasers.
The “Twinkle Area” is themed around “twinkle,” the symbol of Oi Racecourse at night, and offers an exciting and spectacular performance. Highlights include the “Aurora Forest” and the renewed “Great Tree Playing with Light.
With incredible music and the latest light technology, the aurora borealis appears in the sky as if you could reach out and touch it. The collaboration of the forest shining like platinum and the colourful aurora spreading above it provides a fantastic space that cannot be enjoyed anywhere else.
In addition, the Tokyo Mega Illumi also features a horse petting event. Visitors can interact with miniature horses and ponies and take their pictures with guide horses and carriage horses, an experience only possible at a racetrack.
Oi Racecourse Illumination Information
- Period: November 11th, 2023 – January 8th, 2023
- *Open only on Saturdays and Sundays in October.
- *Open on all days except Oi horse race days and January 1st
- Place: Oi Racecourse
- Lighting hours: 17:30 – 21:30
- Access: 2 min. walk from Tokyo Monorail Oi Keiba-mae Sta.
14. Yomiuri Land Jewelmation
Yomiuri Land, located across Inagi City in Tokyo and Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture, is holding its annual grand-scale illumination event, “Yomiuri Land Jewelmation.” This is also one of the largest-scale events in Tokyo.
As the name “Jewelmation” suggests, Yomiuriland’s light-up event is characterised by its “jewel-like” glow. Mikiko Ishii, a world-renowned lighting designer, is the event’s producer, creating a unique “jewel-colored” luminescence.
The theme for 2023 is “Light Is Happiness!” which is intended to make everyone who visits with their loved ones, including lovers, friends, and family, feel happy.
The wave pool at Tropical Jewelry Island will also feature three fountain shows, starting at 5:00 p.m. with 15-minute intervals. The wave pool is covered with illuminations, creating a fantastic and elegant glow.
Besides, when you visit the Jewel Illumination, you will not only witness the awe-inspiring lights and decor but also interact with the lights and experience the illumination in a multifaceted way.
Yomiuri Land Jewel Illumination Information
- Period: October 19th, 2023 – April 7th, 2024
- Place: Yomiuri Land
- Lighting hours: 16:00 – 20:30
- Access: 5-10 minutes by gondola from Keio Yomiuri Land Station on the Keio Sagamihara Line
15. Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas
The entire Tokyo Skytree Town will be decorated with glittering lights and an 8-metre-high snow-covered effect tree. You will also witness the Tokyo Skytree glowing with limited-time Christmas lighting.
Another exciting news is that projection mapping will return for the first time in four years!
Tokyo Skytree’s official character, Sorakara-chan, will dress up as a conductor and hold a “10th Anniversary Recital.” Also, for the first time in three years, a Christmas market will be held at the Sky Arena, where you can enjoy gourmet foods, foamy beers, delicious sweets, and more.
Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas Information
- Period/Date November 9th, 2023 – December 25, 2023
- Illumination lighting hours: 16:00 – 24:00 *Subject to change
- ［Projection Mapping] 17:30/18:00/18:30/19:00/19:30 (about 7 minutes each time)
- ［Christmas Market] 11:00-22:00 (LO 21:00)
- Admission Free *Drinks and food not included
- Venue: Tokyo Skytree Town® (Tokyo Skytree®, Tokyo Solamachi®), Sumida-ku, Tokyo
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These are the top illuminations in Tokyo this year and I hope you get to visit one or more of these beautiful places. Some of the illuminations are only available for a short period of time, so make sure to check the schedule listed above and plan your visits accordingly.
Check out what to do in Winter, best illuminations in Tokyo, best illuminations in Japan, illumination day trips, best ski resorts, winter festivals, best onsen spots and ways to escape the cold in winter in Japan.
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