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Tokyo Midtown and Akasaka Sacas: Winter Illuminations 2023-2024

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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 2023-2024.

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Enjoy Winter Illuminations in Roppongi and Akasaka

akasaka and roppongi

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

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.

Recommended Places to Visit in Tokyo Midtown

1. FUJIFILM SQUARE

akasaka and roppongi

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.

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2. 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT

akasaka and roppongi

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.


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3. Suntory Museum of Art

akasaka and roppongi

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.


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4. MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS 2023

akasaka and roppongi

At its 16th edition in 2023, the MIDTOWN WINTER LIGHTS illumination event at Tokyo Midtown is a must-see.

The Path of Light, adorned with golden illuminations in the Midtown Garden, is a sight to behold. Special lighting effects can be enjoyed at 17:04 when the lights turn on and at 23:00 when they go off.

akasaka and roppongi

In line with this year's theme BE ENCHANTED, Tokyo Midtown offers an abundance of highlights, including the Golden Trees, an 80-meter-long illumination that combines sound, light, and mist, and the Snow Scenes installation in the Galleria that expresses a fantastical winter landscape through piano keys.

Furthermore, Tokyo Midtown's winter staple features the popular outdoor ice skating rink, one of the largest in Tokyo. This year, it is a special edition collaboration with the global fashion brand COACH, creating a particularly enchanting space in the heart of the city.

With a variety of Christmas-themed attractions on display, why not enjoy a magical moment that can only be experienced at Tokyo Midtown?

Event Period: November 16, 2023 (Thursday) - December 25, 2023 (Monday)
Lighting Hours: 17:04 - 23:00
For more details, please visit the official website of 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

akasaka and roppongi

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

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6. Akasaka ACT Theater

akasaka and roppongi

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.

In June 2022, a large-scale renovation was completed, 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

akasaka and roppongi

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!

Written by

The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.

The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.