As the festive season approaches, Tokyo transforms into a sparkling city of lights, with dazzling illuminations adorning its streets, parks, and known landmarks. These winter illuminations have become a cherished tradition in Tokyo, captivating both locals and visitors with their magical, radiant displays.
From bustling shopping avenues to serene riversides and iconic structures, the entire city seems to glow with a warmth and charm that brightens even the chilliest nights. Each illumination spot brings a unique atmosphere and theme, adding to Tokyo’s enchanting holiday spirit.
Tokyo is glowing brighter than ever this year, ready to welcome you to its breathtaking winter displays. Here are the top illuminations in and around Tokyo you shouldn’t miss in 2024!
Mesmerising Illuminations in and Around Tokyo
1. Tokyo Midtown Christmas 2024
Step into a winter wonderland at Tokyo Midtown’s MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS 2024 event, where you’ll be surrounded by a magical display of lights and snow. From November 14th to December 25th, 2024, the garden transforms into an enchanting Christmas scene with approximately 240,000 bubble lights and special effects like floating bubbles and snowfall. The theme ‘Ensemblewrap’ promises layers of captivating light displays, creating a festive atmosphere that will delight visitors of all ages. The Promenade of Lights area will stay lit up until February 24, 2025.
Event Information:
- Period: November 14, 2024 – February 24, 2025
- Location: Tokyo Midtown
- Lighting hours: 17:00-23:00
- Link: https://www.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/event/7163/
2. Roppongi Hills Christmas 2024
“Roppongi Hills Christmas 2024” offers four distinct illumination areas: Keyakizaka, 66 Plaza, Mori Garden, and West Walk. Keyakizaka’s 700,000 white and blue lights create a stunning view, complete with Tokyo Tower in the background.
Event Information:
- Period: November 7, 2024 – December 25, 2024
- Location: Roppongi Hills
- Lighting hours: 17:00-23:00
- Link: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/ev129/index.html
3. Yebisu Garden Place
The Yebisu Garden Place is pulling out all the stops to celebrate its 30th anniversary with its most extravagant Christmas Illumination event yet! From 9th November 2024 to 25th December 2024, visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting glow of approximately 100,000 champagne-gold LED lights, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere across the promenade. The event features a breathtaking 10-metre Christmas tree adorned with over 300 red ornaments at Clock Plaza, adding festive charm to the venue. The iconic Baccarat Eternal Lights Display, showcasing one of the world’s largest chandeliers with 250 radiant lights, symbolises luxury and hope for the season.
This year’s expanded Christmas Market will be hosted across both Clock Plaza and Chateau Square, offering festive treats, unique handmade ornaments, and gourmet delights. Visitors can also enjoy a special illumination show every 30 minutes from 4 PM to 11 PM, where vibrant lights and music transform the promenade into a magical spectacle, perfect for creating unforgettable holiday memories.
But the magic doesn’t end with Christmas! The stunning Baccarat chandelier and promenade illumination will continue to light up Yebisu Garden Place until 13th January 2025, giving everyone an extended chance to enjoy this winter wonderland.
Event Information:
- Period: November 9, 2024 – January 13, 2025
- Location: Yebisu Garden Place
- Lighting hours: 16:00-23:00
- Link: https://gardenplace.jp/special/2024christmas/
4. Marunouchi Illumination 2024
The Marunouchi area in Tokyo is hosting the Marunouchi Bright Holiday 2024 event from November 14th, 2024, to February 16th, 2025. This festive celebration features dazzling champagne gold illuminations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The event includes Christmas markets, food trucks, and an ice rink, adding to the seasonal charm and offering visitors a delightful holiday experience.
Event Information:
- Period: November 14, 2024 – February 16, 2025
- Location: Marunouchi Naka-dori Avenue
- Lighting hours: 16:00-23:00
- Link: https://www.marunouchi.com/en/pickup/event/4830/
5. Blue Cave SHIBUYA 2024
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Blue Cave SHIBUYA illumination event, which will run from December 6th to 25th, 2024. This year’s special theme, Blue Cave – THE SNOW DOME, will transform Shibuya into a magical winter wonderland with stunning blue illuminations. The event features around 600,000 LED lights along Shibuya Koen-dori and Yoyogi Park Keyaki Namiki. Participants can share photos with designated hashtags on social media to receive special pasta sauce gifts. This enchanting spectacle promises to captivate all visitors with its mesmerizing scale and charm.
Event Information:
- Period: December 6, 2024 – December 25, 2024
- Location: Shibuya Park Avenue to Yoyogi Park
- Lighting hours: 17:00-22:00
- Link: https://shibuya-aonodokutsu.jp/
6. Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination
Tokyo Dome City is hosting the Winter Illumination 2024 from November 18, 2024, to February 28, 2025. The event features enchanting displays, including a 15-meter Wonder Snow Tree adorned with 650,000 LED lights, and other interactive installations like the Sparkle Tunnel and Snowflake Dome. The entire area is transformed into a magical winter wonderland, offering visitors a sparkling and immersive experience.
Event Information:
- Period: November 18, 2024 – February 28, 2025
- Location: Tokyo Dome City
- Lighting hours: 17:00-24:00
- Link: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/illumination/
7. Tokyo Tower Orange Illumination 2024
This year, Tokyo Tower presents the “Orange Illumination 2024” as a special winter display. The tower will glow with vibrant orange lighting, symbolising warmth and togetherness throughout the holiday season. Set against the night sky, this brilliant orange light transforms Tokyo Tower into a symbol of hope and unity. The illumination also includes a “Symbol Tree” decorated with intricate lights and ornaments, adding a magical touch to Tokyo’s iconic skyline.
Event Information:
- Period: November 15, 2024 – December 25, 2024
- Location: Tokyo Tower
- Lighting hours: 16:00-23:00
- Link: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/event/Orange-illumination2024/
8. Odaiba Winter Illumination
From November 13, 2024, to February 16, 2025, Decks Tokyo Beach is hosting its Winter Illumination event. The venue will be adorned with beautiful illuminations, transforming into a winter wonderland from the Christmas season through Valentine’s Day. Highlights include the Seaside Terrace art spot “ODAIBA,” which will feature blue-themed decorations inspired by the sea, and a special collaboration with the “Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks 2024” on December 21st. Visitors can enjoy a magical atmosphere along with a variety of restaurants offering stunning night views of Odaiba.
Event Information:
- Period: November 13, 2024 – February 16, 2025
- Location: DECKS Tokyo Beach
- Lighting hours: Sunset – 24:00
- Link: https://www.tokyo-odaiba.net/en/event_tourism/decks_illumination2024/
9. Oi Racecourse TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI 2024-2025
One of Tokyo’s most expansive illumination events, “TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI 2024-2025,” is held at Oi Racecourse in Shinagawa Ward. The entire venue is adorned with vibrant lights, offering visitors a grand-scale illumination experience.
The event features two main areas:
- Twinkle Area: This section showcases dynamic performances, including the “Aurora Forest” and the “Great Tree Playing with Light,” where advanced lighting technology creates an immersive aurora borealis effect.
- Wa no Kirameki Area: Highlights include the “Great Fountain of Rainbow-Colored Lights,” a spectacular display of dancing lights and water columns synchronized with music and lasers.
Additionally, attendees can interact with miniature horses and ponies, capturing memorable photos—a unique experience available only at a racecourse.
Event Information:
- Period: November 2, 2024 – January 12, 2025
- Location: Oi Racecourse
- Lighting hours: 16:30 – 21:00
- Link: https://www.tokyomegaillumi.jp/
10. Yomiuri Land Jewelmation
Yomiuri Land, spanning Inagi City in Tokyo and Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture, hosts its annual grand-scale illumination event, “Yomiuri Land Jewellumination.” Renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii produces this event, creating a unique “jewel-colored” luminescence.
The theme for 2024 is “LIGHT is LOVE,” celebrating the park’s 60th anniversary. The wave pool at Tropical Jewelry Island features fountain shows at 15-minute intervals, with the pool illuminated to create a fantastic and elegant glow.
Visitors can interact with the lights, experiencing the illumination in a multifaceted way.
Event Information:
- Period: October 24, 2024 – April 6, 2025
- Location: Yomiuri Land
- Lighting hours: 16:00 – 20:30
- Link: https://www.yomiuriland.com/en/jewellumination/
Experience Tokyo’s Winter Magic Through Illuminations
Tokyo’s winter illuminations transform the city into a luminous wonderland, offering enchanting experiences for all. From the vibrant displays at Oi Racecourse’s TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI to the jewel-toned brilliance of Yomiuri Land’s Jewellumination, each event provides a unique spectacle.
These illuminations not only light up the city but also warm the hearts of visitors, making Tokyo’s winter season truly magical.
