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Tokyo Night and Light is a series of digital art shows projected onto the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. These shows can be enjoyed free of charge every evening, making Shinjuku one of the best places to visit in Tokyo at night.
Tokyo Night and Light is a series of spectacular projection mapping displays presented every evening at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
These shows have garnered international acclaim and earned a place in the Guinness World Records as the world's largest architectural projection mapping display.
Read on to learn more about this must-see attraction that can be enjoyed completely free of charge.
Tokyo Night and Light: Show Schedule and Content
- Weekend Show Highlights
- Weekday Show Highlights
Viewing Location
Access to Tokyo Night and Light
Other Fun Things to Do in Shinjuku at Night
1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
2. The Giant 3D Cat
3. Godzilla Head in Kabukicho
4. Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
Tokyo Night and Light features a sequence of 3D art videos projected onto the eastern wall of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building in Shinjuku.
Each 15-minute show starts every 30 minutes in the evenings according to the following schedule:
January: 17:30 - 21:30
February: 18:00 - 21:30
March: 18:30 - 21:30
April: 19:00 - 21:30
May: 19:30 - 21:30
June: 19:30 - 21:30
July: 19:30 - 21:30
August: 19:30 - 21:30
September: 18:30 - 21:30
October: 18:00 - 21:30
November: 17:30 - 21:30
December: 17:30 - 21:30
*The schedule above is for 2025.
These videos have been created by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in collaboration with artists from all around Japan. Visitors from near and far have been enchanted by its innovative and artistic interpretation of Japanese culture and arts.
Please note that each show consists of several works and the content varies between weekends and weekdays.
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
Weekend shows feature captivating performances that highlight Japan's diverse range of media and art.
At the center of attention, the UKIYO projection mapping enchants viewers with its intriguing visual storytelling that transports them back to the Edo period (1603-1868), showcasing geisha, castles, and more.
Audiences watch as the city is adorned with Ukiyo-e woodblock print art, rapidly transforming into a digital realm where people and buildings become futuristic. This show hints at Tokyo's history and its evolution into the vibrant city we know today.
Other weekend programs include GODZILLA: ATTACK ON TOKYO/TOKYO GODZILLA, YOASOBI/Idol, TYO337 (Kabuki digitalized), TOKYO CONCERTO, PACMAN EATS TOKYO, and Lunar Cycle.
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
On weekdays, visitors can enjoy the stunning YOASOBI Butai ni Tatte performance, which features vibrant colors, exciting music, and scenes inspired by the song. It depicts athletes facing challenges worldwide, with beautiful neon landscapes transitioning through cities at sunrise, sunset, and night.
Other noteworthy shows include Golden Fortune—a vivid portrayal of creatures breaking boundaries and overcoming obstacles to achieve good fortune—IDOL by YOASOBI, PAC-MAN Eats Tokyo, Lunar Cycle, Evolution, Synergy, and POETIC STRUCTURES.
For more details about each program, visit the official website of Tokyo Night & Light.
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
You might assume that, being a large projection, the Tokyo Night and Light show can be enjoyed from any nearby location.
However, there is a designated viewing area right in front of the east side of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building. This area has a few benches where you can sit down, and it's the best spot to fully appreciate the sound of the projections, which is one of the highlights of the experience.
We recommend viewing the show from this designated area primarily because it is monitored by security guards present at all times during the performance, ensuring the safety of the viewers.
While the area around the TMG Building is generally safe, please remember that this is a nighttime experience, and unexpected situations can arise while you're engrossed in watching the projection. Enjoying the show from the guarded designated area is the safest option.
If your map indicates that you're on the same side as the metropolitan post office, then you're headed in the right direction.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building can be accessed directly from Exit A4 of Tochomae Station on the Toei Oedo Line.
It's also possible to walk from Shinjuku Station (West Exit) and Nishi-Shinjuku Station, with both stations being about a 10-minute walk away.
There is plenty to do for fun in Shinjuku in the evening - from dining to exploring yokocho (bar alleys) like Shinjuku Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho.
Below we introduce other things to do that are also free and can be enjoyed together with children. So how about including Shinjuku in your itinerary as a place to visit in the evening?
Photo by Pixta
Before or after attending a Tokyo Night and Light show, why not visit the free observatory located on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building?
This observatory offers panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline. During days with clear weather, you might even spot Mount Fuji in the distance. Needless to say, the scenery at dusk or night is simply breathtaking!
The observatory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is open every day until 22:00.
The Giant 3D Cat has become a Shinjuku attraction in itself. This billboard created by Cross Shinjuku Vision is located near the Kabukicho Exit of JR Shinjuku Station.
The adorable cat can be seen playing and getting up to its antics every quarter of an hour. For more details, check the article below.
Photo from article Godzilla: 10 Places in Japan to Meet the King of Monsters
The Kabukicho district in Shinjuku is one of the most popular places to visit in the city, one of the highlights being the immense Godzilla head located on top of Hotel Gracery Shinjuku.
You can take photos of Godzilla from the street, but also view it up close from the GRACERY LOUNGE within the hotel. Don’t forget to also look for the Godzilla manhole cover on the ground!
Photo from article Kabukicho Tower: Tokyo's Dazzling and Electric Entertainment Facility
Last but not least, don’t forget to check out the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. This newly built attraction is filled with entertainment, dining options, and arcades.
The observation deck on the west side of the 17th floor is a must-visit spot for experiencing Tokyo's breathtaking night view. On the same floor, you'll find a bar called JAM17, which stays open until midnight.
Whether you choose to spend money or simply enjoy the surroundings, the charming neon lights and vibrant atmosphere—along with the incredible views—make it worthwhile to visit this futuristic sanctuary.
The Tokyo Light and Night show offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Japan's arts and entertainment free of charge!
With a variety of shows scheduled for the evenings, it's easy to incorporate this project into your other Tokyo adventures. It's a delightful way to spend an evening while you relax. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Assistant editor at MATCHA since 2023, Kate is a photographer who enjoys traveling Japan's hidden gems and adventuring off the beaten path. Living in Japan since 2018, she has traveled across different areas of Japan. From indulging in Aomori’s apple pies and fiery festivals to exploring the quaint charm of Nagasaki’s cat-filled streets she is always searching for new areas full of atmospheric beauty, festivals, and seasonal events to capture on camera.Assistant editor at MATCHA since 2023, Kate is a photographer who enjoys traveling Japan's hidden gems and adventuring off the beaten path.