During wintertime, especially as the Christmas season nears, various illumination events light up the Tokyo cityscape. These famous spots, which continue adding something new annually, draw large crowds.
The following is a list of five illuminations in Tokyo held in December 2022 and early 2023.
1. Roppongi Hills
Photo by Pixta
Various locations in Roppongi Hills, such as Keyakizaka Dori, 66 Plaza, Mohri Garden, West Walk, and Tokyo City View, all offer a different type of lighting.
The Christmas Market, held at O-Yane Plaza, will be celebrating its 16th anniversary this year. The event re-creates the ambiance of Germany, which is famous for its Christmas festivities.
The market is modeled after a site in Stuttgart, the largest of its kind in the world. There will be eight stores handling Christmas items from Germany, including mulled wine and sausages. Get your fill of the warm Christmas feeling!
The Roppongi Hills Christmas Market will be held from Saturday, November 26 to Sunday, December 25.
Roppongi Hills is accessible from Roppongi Station (Exit 1C) via the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or Roppongi Station (Exit 3) via the Toei Oedo Line.
The following is a list of locations and their respective features:
Keyakizaka Hill
Photo by Pixta
At Keyakizaka, a street stretching about 400 meters, pedestrians can enjoy the spectacular scenery created by "snow and blue" lights.
Date: November 10 to December 25, 2022, from 17:00 to 23:00
66 Plaza
66 Plaza will be featuring an original Christmas tree by Cartier, the French luxury goods brand, in 2022.
The theme is "Love is All" and will feature a tree measuring eight meters in height that will light up the holiday season.
Date: November 28 to December 25, 2022, from 17:00 to 24:00
*The lighting will last until 23:00 on December 25.
Mohri Garden
Photo by Pixta
Mohri Garden will be illuminated for the first time in three years.
The pond, along with the Golden Heart, a heart-shaped art piece, will be bathed in dazzling lights, creating an otherworldly reflection on the water's surface.
Date: November 18 to December 25 from 17:00 to 23:00
West Walk
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The tree was designed in the image of a winter wonderland.
With its reflection and diffusion of light, it will animate viewers both day and night.
Date: November 18 to December 25 from 11:00 to 24:00
*The lighting will last until 23:00 on December 25.
2. The Row of Zelkova Trees at Omotesando
Photo by Pixta
The row of zelkova trees, a signature hallmark of Omotesando, will be illuminated in champagne gold, along with the shrubbery.
Half a million LED lights will warm the hearts of pedestrians during winter nights. Omotesando is accessible from Meiji-jingumae Station (via the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Lines) and JR Omotesando Station.
Date: December 1 to December 29 from 17:00 to 22:00
The shrubbery will continue to be illuminated from December 30 to January 5, 2023.
3. Near Tokyo Station! Marunouchi
Photo by Pixta
From the south gate of Tokyo Station (via the JR Line and Tokyo Metro), it is a minute's walk to Marunouchi Naka-dori. The trees along the street stretch for 1.2 kilometers and will be elegantly lit up in champagne gold.
The illumination employs an energy-saving system and stands out in the eco-friendly sense since the electricity is generated by solar or wind power.
The Marunouchi area also hosts various Christmas events.
Date: November 10 to February 19, 2023, from 15:00 to 23:00.
*From December 1 to the 31, the illumination will start at 15:00 and last until 24:00.
4. Tokyo Dome City
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Tokyo Dome City can be accessed from Suidobashi Station (via the JR Chuo, Sobu Line, and Toei Mita Line), Korakuen Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Namboku Lines), and Kasuga Station (Toei Oedo Line).
The year 2022 marks the 18th anniversary of the winter lighting event. There will be photo spots and various illuminations based on the theme "gift."
Park-goers, whether visiting with family or as a couple, with their pets, or after a concert, can enjoy the illuminations in search of the Happy Rabbit.
Date: November 11 to February 28, 2023
Please note that the illumination time will differ according to the area and period.
5. Yomiuriland
Photo by Pixta
While Yomiuriland is known as an amusement park, it is also famous for its large-scale illuminations.
The lighting is titled Jewellumination, a first of its kind worldwide, and supervised by a renowned lighting designer using 24 gemstone colors. Visitors will be welcomed by 5.5 million lightbulbs, along with the water show.
It is a ten to 15-minute ride on the Odakyu Bus to Yomiuriland from either Keio Yomiuri-Land Station (via the Keio Line) or Yomiuriland-mae Station (via the Odakyu Line).
Date: October 20 to April 9, 2023
Enjoy the Winter Lights in Tokyo!
Photo by Pixta
The Christmas season is when the Tokyo cityscape truly shines. If you are visiting Japan during the winter, please enjoy the illumination with warm clothing.
The sea of lights is sure to fascinate visitors, perhaps even moving some to tears. This is a chance to make memories while taking in the magical atmosphere.
Why not enjoy a special Christmas atmosphere that is unique to Japan?
This article is a revised version of the original published in November 2015.
