Gorgeous Winter Illuminations at Tokyo Station in 2023-2024

Photo by Pixta
In winter, the temperature drops in Tokyo to the point where it can be far too cold to walk outside without a thick coat and gloves. It rarely snows, but it still can be difficult to go out sometimes.

Beautiful illuminations are something you will want to go to, even if you have to deal with the cold. In this article, we'll introduce to you two winter illumination spots: Marunouchi and Yaesu. They are easy to access as they are very close to Tokyo Station, and, if you're cold, you can quickly go back inside.

Marunouchi Illumination 2023: Gorgeous Near Tokyo Station

Photo by Pixta
Marunouchi Nakadori Avenue is located between the Marunouchi Exit of JR Tokyo Station and Toei Mita Line Otemachi Station. Lined with brand name shops, it's a 1.2 km long shopping street.

Once it becomes winter, the 250 trees between Marunouchi Nakadori and Otemachi Street are decorated with high-quality golden lights. Their champagne golden color is specific to Marunouchi.

The secret to these gorgeous lights is the approximately 93,000 LED lights.

Photo by Pixta
The gorgeousness of the illuminations is not the only remarkable thing about these winter decorations. The illuminations on Marunouchi Nakadori pay special attention to the use of electricity. These light installations are powered by sunlight, wind power, and other natural energies. We hope you enjoy this environmentally friendly illumination!

Marunouchi Illumination 2023 - 2024
Duration: November 16, 2023 - February 18, 2024
Location: Marunouchi Center Street, others
Illumination hours: 16:00 - 23:00 (until 24:00 in December)
Official website: https://www.marunouchi.com/event/detail/37086/

Yaesu: TOKYO ILLUMILIA 2023 - 2024

Photo courtesy of Nihonbashi Yaesu Naka Dori Shopping Street Association

TOKYO ILLUMILIA is a light-uo display held just a one-minute walk from Tokyo Station's Yaesu Exit toward the Nihonbashi direction. Once it becomes winter, Sakuradori Avenue and Yaesu Nakadori are lit up by illuminations sponsored by the shopping center.

While preserving the history and charm of Edo (present Tokyo), which thrived as the bustling center of activity, TOKYO ILLUMILLIA, started in 2009, continues to weave together the ongoing life of the city and the emotions of those who visit.

Photo courtesy of Nihonbashi Yaesu Naka Dori Shopping Street Association

Illuminations are held at four places: Sakuradori, Nakadori, Chokai (town council area), and the Yaesu Center Building Square. Although the theme is the same, the illuminations change from place to place.

In Sakuradori, cherry trees are adorned with LED bulbs to create a "Gate of Light," while on Nakadori, illuminations inspired by chrysanthemum kiriko glass patterns have been installed. At Chokai, illuminations featuring Japanese characters for Edo are showcased, and at Yaesu Center Building Square, Edo kiriko glass patterns and Sanno Festival ceremony drawings are presented.

TOKYO ILLUMILLIA 2023 - 2024
Date: November 7, 2023 - February 14, 2024
Hours: 16:30 to 23:30
Official website: https://tokyoillumilia.net/ (Japanese)

Enjoy the Winter Lights in Tokyo

Illuminations that are environmentally friendly, illuminations that make use of traditional crafts images, and other beautiful lights decorate the city, creating a magical atmosphere in December. The area around Tokyo Station is a place where tradition and the forefront of technology co-exist, giving birth to mesmerizing illuminations!

Even if the winter illuminations weren't your purpose for coming to Tokyo, if you find yourself with free time around Tokyo Station, please take a look.