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Tokyo Midtown and Akasaka Sacas: Winter Illuminations 2024-2025
Roppongi and Akasaka are stylish areas in Tokyo located very close to each other. In this article, we introduce exciting places to visit in these areas and their winter illuminations in 2024-2025.
Enjoy Winter Illuminations in Roppongi and Akasaka
Both Roppongi and Akasaka are popular places to visit in Tokyo due to their stylish cultural facilities, shopping spots, and high-level dining establishments. Just about a 20-minute walk apart, there are plenty of lovely shops along the way, making a stroll from Roppongi to Akasaka enjoyable as well.
In this article, we will introduce Tokyo Midtown, a landmark of Roppongi, and Akasaka Sacas, along with the illuminations that shouldn't be missed during this time of the year.
Akasaka and Roppongi Highlights
Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi
1. FUJIFILM SQUARE
2. 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
3. Suntory Museum of Art
4. MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS 2023
Akasaka Sacas
5. PLAZA NEWSSTAND Akasaka Store
6. Akasaka ACT Theater
7. Akasaka Sacas Winter Illumination
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Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi
Directly connected to Roppongi Station on the Toei Oedo Line, Tokyo Midtown is a complex facility home to a hotel, cultural facilities, over 130 commercial stores, offices, and a park.
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Places to Visit in Tokyo Midtown
1. FUJIFILM SQUARE
Photo by Pixta
Located on the first floor of Midtown West, the FUJIFILM SQUARE serves as a base for disseminating the charm of Fujifilm's technology and photo culture.
Dedicated to spreading the love for photography among people of all ages, the facility features Fujifilm's treasured antique camera collection, exhibition galleries, and photography classes and workshops.
Admission is free and the facility is open every day except for the year-end and New Year holidays. The opening hours are from 10:00 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:50). Within the square, there is a shop where Fujifilm products and photo-related items can be purchased. There is also a cafe in the precincts.
2. 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
21_21 DESIGN SIGHT is a unique museum that provides opportunities to enjoy various events themed around design.
Exhibitions and events in a wide range of fields such as design, art, architecture, and fashion are held here, creating a new culture that goes beyond the framework of a traditional art museum.
It has attracted attention from both domestic and international visitors as a place to deepen knowledge of design and stimulate creative thinking.
Hotels near 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT
3. Suntory Museum of Art
Photo by Pixta
The Suntory Museum of Art located in Tokyo Midtown is known for its excellently curated special exhibitions that encompass various art genres including painting, ceramics, lacquerware, glass, and textiles.
As it frequently hosts exhibitions of Japanese art, it comes highly recommended for visitors to Japan. The facility also offers luxurious amenities such as the shop x cafe (Shop by Cafe) and the tea room Gencho-an, providing places to relax and enjoy desserts and Japanese cuisine.
4. MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS 2024
At its 17th edition in 2024, the MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS illumination event at Tokyo Midtown is a must-see celebration of festive magic. This year’s theme, Ensemblewrap – Layers of Light Embracing You, invites visitors to explore a stunning landscape filled with dazzling lights that envelop the garden.
The Path of Light, adorned with golden illuminations, creates a captivating spectacle from 17:00 to 23:00. Guests will be enchanted by the Ensemble Lights, featuring around 240,000 soap bubble illuminations, drifting bubbles, and falling snow, available until December 13.
Photo by PRTIMES
Some highlights of the festivities include the Feathery Snow Tree, the vibrant Christmas Marche, the elegant Timeless Gold Tree, and the whimsical Santa Tree, decorated with 1,600 Santa ornaments!
Completing the experience is the outdoor ice skating rink, one of Tokyo's largest. With a plethora of Christmas-themed attractions, why not enjoy a magical moment that can only be experienced at Tokyo Midtown?
Event Period: November 14 - December 25, 2024
Lighting Hours: 17:00 - 23:00
For more details, please visit the official website of Tokyo Midtown
Hotels near Tokyo Midtown
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Akasaka Sacas
Connected directly to Akasaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Akasaka Sacas is a complex facility incorporating the Japanese television company TBS, as well as the Akasaka ACT Theater and Akasaka Biz Tower.
Recommended Places to Visit in Akasaka Sacas
5. PLAZA NEWSSTAND Akasaka Store
Photo by Pixta
Opened on the former site of TBS THE MARKET, the PLAZA NEWSSTAND Akasaka Store is a new branch of the popular cosmetics chain store PLAZA, offering products, services, and content available only here and now.
Despite its minimal space, the store displays items from brands not yet available in Japan, as well as limited-time and store-exclusive goods. Additionally, pop-up events are also scheduled to be held from time to time.
Enjoy the latest carefully selected trends at this recommended spot, which serves as a new landmark for Tokyo's cosmetics scene.
PLAZA NEWSSTAND Akasaka Store
Location: Tokyo, Minato ward, Akasaka 5-3-1, Akasaka Biz Tower 1F
Business hours: 11:00 - 20:00
6. Akasaka ACT Theater
Photo by Pixta
Akasaka ACT Theater is directly connected to Akasaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. Visitors can enjoy musicals, ballet, music performances, and more at this venue.
A large-scale renovation was completed in June 2022 and the theater reopened as the Harry Potter Theater, inspired by the stage play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."
For information on the latest shows, check out the official website of the Akasaka ACT Theater.
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7. Akasaka Sacas Winter Illumination
Photo by Pixta
After enjoying shopping, dining, and theater, be sure to delight in the limited-time illuminations at Akasaka Sacas during the winter season. This year's illuminations are themed around the world of Harry Potter!
Furthermore, the Nakadori shopping street, lined with restaurants and shops, is adorned with illuminations using LED bulbs. The annual heart-shaped illumination photo spots are also in place.
As the theme colors and music change every year, even those who have seen it before can enjoy this light display again and again!
Duration: Currently ongoing
Enjoy Tokyo's Premier Night Spots
Roppongi and Akasaka are popular districts for entertainment and amusement, with excellent shopping and dining facilities. Enjoy walking from Roppongi to Akasaka in the evening to enjoy the winter illuminations on the way. We recommend starting your walk from the top of the hill in Roppongi and strolling down to Akasaka.
Between December and February when the winter illuminations are on, these Tokyo districts are truly magical!
This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.