Top 12 Winter Illuminations in Tokyo for 2023-2024

During wintertime, especially as the Christmas season nears, various illumination events light up the Tokyo cityscape. These famous locations continue adding something new every year and draw in large crowds of visitors.

The following is a list of 12 illumination events in Tokyo held in December 2023 and early 2024.

12 Dazzling Illuminations in Tokyo 2023

1. Roppongi Hills Christmas 2023
2. The Row of Zelkova Trees at Omotesando
3. Marunouchi Illumination 2023: Near Tokyo Station
4. Tokyo Dome City SHOW Illumination
5. Yomiuriland Jewellumination
6. HIBIYA Magic Time Illumination
7. Tokyo Mega Illumination 2023 - 2024
8. Tokyo Midtown- Yaesu
9. Tokyo Midtown - MIDTOWN WINTER LIGHTS
10. Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas 2023
11. Odaiba Illumination YAKEI Christmas
12. Yebisu Garden Place Winter Illuminations

1. Roppongi Hills Christmas 2023

Picture courtesy of PR Times

The Roppongi Hills Christmas held every year in Roppongi is one of the most popular events in Tokyo during the Christmas season. The Keyakizaka Avenue is adorned with dazzling lights at night, becoming a representative romantic spot in winter.

Various other locations in Roppongi Hills, such as 66 Plaza, Mohri Garden, West Walk, and Tokyo City View, all offer different types of lighting. The Christmas Market held at O-Yane Plaza in the past years had all the features of an authentic event of its kind, including shops handling mulled wine and sausages.

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.

Let's take a look at the special features of this year's Roppongi Hills Christmas.

Keyakizaka Avenue: SNOW ＆ BLUE

Picture courtesy of PR Times

The most representative feature of Roppongi Hills Christmas is the approximately 400-meter-long Keyakizaka Avenue, which transforms into a silver-white world with about 800,000 LED lights.

Together with the Tokyo Tower in the background, it creates a dreamlike and beautiful scenery.

Lighting time: 17:00 to 23:00

66 Plaza: Luminous Bouquet

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Within the facility, 66 Plaza also offers Christmas lights to enjoy. Luminous Bouquet is inspired by colorful bouquets, and approximately 200,000 LED lights add splendid colors to the trees, creating a joyful mood as if receiving a bouquet.

Lighting time: 17:00 to 24:00

Picture courtesy of PR Times

In addition, various shops in Roppongi Hills also offer colorful limited edition desserts based on the Luminous Bouquet lighting event at 66 Plaza, bringing a happy feast of visual and gustatory delights in winter.

Roppongi Hills Christmas 2023: Event Details

Dates: November 6 - December 25, 2023
Official website: https://www.roppongihills.com/

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.

Dates: December 1 - 29, 17:00 to 22:00
The shrubbery will continue to be illuminated until January 5, 2024.

3. Marunouchi Illumination 2023: Near Tokyo Station

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 Avenue where the Marunouchi Illumination is held. 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.

Dates: November 16, 2023 - February 18, 2024
Hours: 16:00 to 23:00
*From December 1 to the 31, the illumination will start at 16:00 and last until 24:00.

4. Tokyo Dome City SHOW Illumination

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 annual illumination event at Tokyo Dome City has become a winter tradition. At its 19th edition this year, the event has been designed around the theme of "Show" (in Japanese, "sho" means laughter and humor). Some of the illuminations and events have been produced by the famous comedian Shohei Nagata of Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd., who is also known as Chocolate Planet (or "ChocoPla").

At Tokyo Dome City SHOW Illumination, the lighting will be presented with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating gimmicks and decorations. There will be areas where you can physically experience the lights and entertaining performances that will make you laugh. Whether you're with family, a couple, friends, or alone, there's no doubt that you'll have a great time!

This winter, enjoy the Tokyo Dome City filled with lots of laughter and excitement.

Dates: November 21 - February 29
Please note that the illumination time will differ according to the area and period.

5. Yomiuriland Jewellumination

Picture courtesy of PR Times

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).

Dates: October 19, 2023 - April 7, 2024
Hours: 16:00 - 21-00

6. HIBIYA Magic Time Illumination

Strut down a rainbow tunnel! Each year Hibiya comes to life with magical lights paving the streets and its park view garden, which boasts an amazing view of Tokyo Tower.

In 2023, those who travel to Hibiya will be met with a delightful surprise. The area has transformed its usual shimmering silver lights into a rainbow city! Based on the theme of best wishes, Hibiya displays a dazzling ray of positivity throughout the city in hopes of a bright and peaceful future.

Showcasing its overall concept of magical moments, Hibiya's Christmas illuminations over the past five years have gained the attention of millions of guests, with 2022 alone attracting 4.2 million people!

Each tree along Hibiya Nakadori will have its own color creating a fantastic rainbow road. The city is working towards solar-powered energy by 2024 and is displaying lights using green energy making the event eco-friendly.

Immersing those who visit into a world of festivities, the Hibiya Step Plaza will have seven colorful Christmas trees, decorated with vibrant flowers.

The stairway around the plaza is lit up in a beautiful rainbow leading to the garden where visitors will be greeted by a glittering open garden full of rainbow LED lights! The area offers a beautiful view of the city and seats to relax while looking out onto Tokyo Tower.

Period: November 16, 2023 (Thursday) - February 14, 2024 (Wednesday)
Hours: 17:00 - 23:00
Location: Hibiya Nakadori/Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Exterior (Hibiya Step Plaza/6F Park View Garden)

7. Tokyo Mega Illumination 2023 - 2024

Tokyo Mega Illumination, hosted inside the Oi Racecourse from November 11 to January 8, is the ideal spot to indulge in an afternoon of fun in a park full of sparkling lights, attractions, and delicious food!

Just 20 minutes from Tokyo Teleport Station and 13 minutes away from Haneda Airport, Tokyo Mega Illumination is easily accessible and a great place to stop by after a long day venturing around Tokyo! For those wishing to see the magical lights and romantic scenery of Odaiba, you can also fit this dazzling gem into your itinerary.

Within the expansive venue, visitors can enjoy dazzling attractions such as illumination shows with large rainbow fountains, walk under glittering tunnels of light, and watch as aurora lights dance over silver light trees!

Animal lovers can also meet the horses at the race course. The racecourse makes use of lights to highlight the venue's natural beauty such as the gigantic magical tree surrounded by beautiful projection mapping.

The event also features delicious food making it an ideal afternoon activity for families, friends, and couples to go to when in Tokyo.

Tokyo Mega Illumination 2023 - 2023
Period: November 11, 2023 - January 8, 2024
Official website: https://www.tokyomegaillumi.jp/

8. Tokyo Midtown Yaesu

Picture courtesy of PR Times
Joining the Christmas celebrations for the first time in 2023 is Tokyo Midtown Yaesu!

Bringing a new spin to Christmas in Japan, the event will be combining Western Christmas lights and decorations with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Known as a town of craftsmanship, Yaesu will be boasting a gigantic 6-meter-tall Nebuta Santa, the first of its kind!

The Nebuta float has been crafted by two Nebuta masters who work on creating floats each year for Aomori Prefecture, the birthplace of Nebuta. Playing with tradition, the Santa float has been designed with soft lines rather than the traditional bold dark edges in traditional Nebuta.

Picture courtesy of PR Times
Shimmering lights with traditional geometric Japanese patterns often used on kimonos and other crafts will float above the entrance of Galleria, Yaesu's grand gateway to the city.

On the fifth floor of Galleria lies the magical Illumination TERRACE: a relaxing space full of nature with brilliant views of Tokyo Station. During November and December, the area will be lit with soft golden lights in the spirit of Christmas.

Event Details

Nebuta Santa
Period: November 22, 2023 (Wednesday) - December 25, 2023 (Monday)
Hours: 16:00 - 24:00
Location: Tokyo Midtown Yaesu 1F Galleria (outdoor plaza)

GALLERIA Winter Lights
Period: November 22, 2023 (Wednesday) - February 29, 2024 (Thursday)
Hours: 16:00 - 24:00
Location: Tokyo Midtown Yaesu 1F Galleria (outdoor plaza) and its surroundings

Illumination TERRACE
Period: November 22, 2023 (Wednesday) - February 29, 2024 (Thursday)
Hours: 16:00 - 24:00
Location: Tokyo Midtown Yaesu 5F YAESU TERRACE

9. Tokyo Midtown - MIDTOWN WINTER LIGHTS

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Tokyo Midtown is a popular spot for those who visit Japan in winter and residents. Each year the area displays dazzling Christmas lights, connecting to areas such as the famous Keyakizaka Hill Blue Illuminations and Roppongi Hills Christmas.

In 2023 the concept of the event is 'be enchanted.' Tokyo Midtown aims to enchant its guests with its Christmas fantasy displays, synchronized lights, nature, and songs to create a magical winter wonderland. The new installments can be enjoyed both day and night and are located outside and indoors. The area's ice skating rink will also be open during this time.

About 36 golden trees are shining gold in the day and at night coming alive with flashing lights, fog, and sounds. During November guests can walk among the 4-meter-tall trees inside the exhibition space and immerse themselves in art and nature. The garden spreads across 80 meters across the area and is a fantastic spot to explore.

Picture courtesy of PR Times
Those looking for a romantic stroll through the city have the opportunity to walk under enchanting golden trees. The popular light promenade is back again and ready to leave everyone starstruck. Located in the Midtown Garden Plaza 1F, visitors can stroll under the city lights surrounded by peaceful gardens shining a beautiful gold. The garden's ponds reflect the illuminations creating a mirror of light.

Picture courtesy of PR Times
After strolling outside, why not head on inside to finish some Christmas shopping and witness beautiful falling snow?

The magical Galleria Installation 'Some Snow Scenes' was created by the visual design studio Wow and is sure to capture your attention. Floating inside Tokyo Midtown, the installation recreates winter scenery from swirling snow storms to gentle sparkling white and silver snowdrops, falling from the sky and landing upon the keys of the piano. Emotional music plays while the mesmerizing illumination unfolds scenery in front of guests in the shopping center and acts as a great place to reflect upon the year while staying warm.

Event Details

Light Promenade
Illumination Hours: 17:04 - 23:00
Location: Midtown Garden, Plaza 1F

Gold Trees
Illumination Hours: 17:04 - 23:00
Location: Midtown Garden 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT front lawn area

Galleria Installation 'Some Snow Scenes'
Period: November 16 (Thursday) - December 25 (Monday), 2023
Hours: 11:00 - 23:00
Location: Galleria B1

10. Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas 2023

Picture courtesy of PR Times
Tokyo Skytree is a must-visit in winter! The area is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas and participate in seasonal activities. With Tokyo Skytree Town already boasting great food and shopping options, the shopping center is ideal for those looking for Christmas shopping and gifts for loved ones.

Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas 2023 features a gigantic Christmas tree placed in front of the tower making it the perfect photo spot! Acting as a centerpiece to Tokyo Skytree Town, the tree will be 8 meters tall!

The event's popular Christmas Market creates a cozy, sheltered environment as it surrounds the Christmas tree selling imported goods from Germany and warm, delicious beverages and food.

Picture courtesy of PR Times
The incredible 460,000 dazzling illuminations decorating Tokyo Skytree Town and its surroundings will be sure to leave you beaming. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy an enchanting night of illuminations with local areas such as Ushijima Shrine and Sumida Park being adorned with bamboo light installations.

Picture courtesy of PR Times

From the 15th to the 25th of December, guests can enjoy digital artwork and performances arranged by Tokyo Skytree's official mascot, Sora Kara Chan.

Colorful projection mapping will dance over Tokyo Skytree as the plaza is full of fun music and performances. Turning the area into one gigantic entertainment spot, the exterior as well as the interior of Tokyo Skytree will be brimming with Christmas delight.

Those who climb the tower have the great opportunity to capture festive photos and installations while gazing over a panoramic view of the world's largest city.

Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas 2023

Period: November 9 - December 25, 2023
Illuminations Hours: 16:00 - 24:00
Christmas Market: 11:00 - 22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
Projection Mapping Show: 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00, 19:30
Location: Tokyo Skytree Town 4F Sky Arena

11. Odaiba Illumination YAKEI Christmas

Picture courtesy of PR Times
Odaiba is a popular spot for illuminations all year round. Famous for its Rainbow Bridge and Statue of Liberty, the area has illuminations that light up each night throughout the year.

Those who visit the area are greeted by the amazing scenery of Tokyo's nightscape, including the Tokyo Tower illuminating the city's skyline. Odaiba is great for amusement, games, food, and shopping, and offers great panoramic views of the city.

Picture courtesy of PR Times
In December, Decks Tokyo Beach hosts a Christmas-themed illumination, decorating its real 20-meter-high Odaiba Memorial Tree with Christmas lights and boasting an adorable art spot for great photos. The attractions will coincide with the area's 100,000 coated trees that are illuminated all year round.

The Odaiba Seaside Terrace art spot was renewed in 2023 and now shines a beautiful blue inspired by Odaiba's ocean. Rainbow fireworks are scheduled to take place on December 23, sparking the interest of those who wish to capture the amazing scenery of Tokyo with dazzling light displays.

Event Details

Odaiba Illumination YAKEI
Period: All year round
Time: 17:00 - 24:00
Location: Decks Tokyo Beach 3F Seaside Deck
Official website: https://www.odaiba-decks.com/news/event/yakei.html

Art Spot ODAIBA Illumination
Period: November 15, 2023 to February 14, 2024
Hours: 17:00 - 24:00
Location: Decks Tokyo Beach 3F Seaside Terrace

Fireworks
Date: December 23 (Saturday)
Time: 19:00
Location: Daiba Memorial Tree
Offical website: https://www.tokyo-odaiba.net/rainbow2023/

12. Yebisu Garden Place Winter Illuminations

Yebisu Garden Place Winter Illuminations are one of Tokyo's most popular winter events. Brimming with elegance each year, Yebisu Garden Place is adorned with shining golden lights, beautiful installments, quaint Christmas huts, and rich red decor.

Placed in the spotlight, a sparkling Christmas tree decorated from head to toe with large red ornaments shines as one of the main attractions in the event.

A red carpet leads from the Christmas tree towards the sophisticated Baccarat Chandelier, one of the world's largest chandeliers measuring five meters tall and three meters wide!

Made from 250 lights and 8,472 dazzling crystals, the chandelier and its elegant surroundings are sure to impress visitors. Hot chocolate, mulled wine, and pastries are just a few of the delights sold at the garden's Christmas Market! Visitors can participate in seasonal treats and activities such as delicious European food, ice skating, and taking photos at the Christmas photo spots.

To find out more about the event see our Yebisu Garden Place Winter Illuminations article below.

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?

Main image by Pixta
This article is a revised version of the original published in November 2015.