A Cherry Blossom Tunnel of Light! Tokyo Mega Illumination 2022-2023

Excellent Access from the City! Dazzling Illuminations at Oi Racecourse

Picture courtesy of ©TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI

Tokyo Mega ILLUMINATION is an exclusive winter illumination event held annually since 2018. The venue is at Oi Racecourse, located about 20 minutes by train from Tokyo Station.

This is an attractive spot to stop by after shopping and sightseeing since it's only 20 minutes from Tokyo Teleport Station in Odaiba. It is a great place to enjoy the final hours before your flight home because it's close to Haneda Airport. Likewise, it's only a 13-minute train ride away on the Tokyo Monorail.

Admission fees are 1,000 yen for adults (age 18 and over) and 500 yen for children (elementary, junior high, and high school students) if purchased on the same day. Special discounts are also available on advance tickets, so please check the official website for details.

The Highlights of Tokyo Mega ILLUMINATION 2022 - 2023

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Tokyo Mega ILLUMINATION 2022 - 2023 will take place from October 15, 2022 (Saturday) to January 9, 2023 (Monday, national holiday). There will be days when the event is closed, so be sure to check the official website for details on business days and hours.

The newest highlights include brand-new Mega Illumination shows, photo spots, and Illumination x Horse events. Popular programs and spots from last year will be given a new look, so visitors have more to look forward to.

Without further ado, let's check the details on each area and the latest information about the event!

Two Main Areas to Enjoy!

The venue is split into two main areas. The TWINKLE Area is located near the entrance while the Japanese Glitter Area is located on the racecourse’s racetrack.

The TWINKLE TUNNEL is a light tunnel connecting the two areas. The tunnel is covered in full-color LED lights that emit rich hues. Visitors will feel as though they've time-warped into a starry sky!

Once you go through the tunnel, the Rainbow Grand Staircase will come into view—glimmering in all seven colors of the rainbow. Any photo with the staircase will be photogenic, no matter where it's taken.

The venue is immense and it takes over an hour to walk through it. We recommend visiting the venue in warm clothes that are easy to walk and move in.

TWINKLE Area Illuminations

TWINKLE ROAD

Enter from the north gate near Oikeibajo-Mae Station, the nearest station on the Tokyo Monorail, and you'll immediately see TWINKLE ROAD. The passageway sparkles with countless lights like the Milky Way!

The illumination twinkles in synch with bright pop music that will put you in a good mood. Continue into the venue and down the light road to another dimension.

Rainbow Fountain Bathed in Light

The Mega Illumination Show: Co-starring Fountains and Lasers is a fountain show that is one of the highlights at the Tokyo Mega ILLUMINATION. The show's program has been updated for this season, taking place once every 20 minutes.

The show is set at three illumination spots: A Rainbow Fountain Bathed in Light, Aurora Forest, and Giant Tree Playing with Light. Enjoy a performance brimming with dynamic lights, water, and music that combines water fountains with laser production.

This is peak lighting entertainment that you won't be able to take your eyes off!

Aurora Forest

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Aurora Forest utilizes the latest laser technology, making the venue even more magical.

In the sky above, the forest's large trees become curtains of overlapping light and auroras projected with full-color lasers. Together, they create a mystical sight!

Be sure to enjoy the magical aurora as you listen to soothing music.

The Giant Tree Playing with Light

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The Giant Tree Playing with Light is a program that paints the Aurora Forest’s giant tree with illuminations and lights. Colorful lights are cast on the tree while gorgeous music plays in the background.

The giant tree, illuminated with brilliant lights, will appear dreamy and full of life.

This season, the carriage photo spot will be making its debut. You can take photos of actual horse-drawn carriages.

Japanese Glitter Area Illuminations

Primeval Japanese Landscape

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In the Primeval Japanese Landscape, Japan's rural landscape is expressed through light and sound. Rice fields made by light will change colors from lush green summer shades to golden hues seen during the autumn harvest season.

Visitors are sure to feel nostalgic watching the rice fields slowly swaying in the wind.

The illumination is so calming and soothing that you will forget that time is even passing.

Social Media Worthy! Romantic Photo Spots

Next, we'll introduce some spots at this year's Tokyo Mega ILLUMINATION that are especially photogenic. We'll also add some photo-taking hints!

You'll be able to cherish this extraordinary moment spent with a significant other, friends, or family through photos.

Edo Cherry Blossom Tunnel: 100-Meter Long Corridor of Glittering Cherry Blossoms

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The Edo Cherry Blossom Tunnel is a 100-meter-long tunnel with splendid music to enjoy. The illumination is inspired by cherry blossoms and the four seasons.

Try taking a photogenic photo while enveloped by glittering cherry blossom petals. Walking through the tunnel, you'll have a simulated experience of what spring is like in Japan. It almost feels as if cherry blossoms in full bloom are fluttering down on you.

■Photography Hint: Have fun taking pictures inside or outside the tunnel and from various angles!

Wisteria Pergola

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The Wisteria Pergola consists of purple art flowers blooming like waterfalls. Last year's area has been expanded so visitors can enjoy the scenery in a wider space.

The wisteria pergola, blooming profusely with glittering flowers, is the best photo spot. Don't forget to take a commemorative shot in such a fantastical space!

■Photography Hint: Go under the wisteria pergola to get a fantastic picture.

Lawn Square

Lawn Square is located in the middle of the Japanese Glitter Area.

Four horse statues are installed on the grass, surrounded by glittering illuminations.

The horseshoe-shaped arch is one of the newest photo spots debuting at this year's Tokyo Mega ILLUMINATION. Have fun taking commemorative photos with the illuminations and horses, which can only be captured here!

Dazzling Waterfall

The illumination Dazzling Waterfall is a fantastic production that tells the story of headwaters, the source of water, and nature.

■Photography Hint: Take a photo a slight distance away from the bamboo grove and waterfall to capture the illumination with a single shot with depth.

Horse Events

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Adorable miniature horses and ponies will appear at the venue dressed in ribbons and hats during the illumination's business hours. The venue also has a paddock where you might catch miniature horses and ponies playing.

Of course, photos are allowed. Children (50 kg max) of elementary school age or younger can experience a pony ride! *This experience requires a fee, is restricted to a limited number of groups, and prior reservations are required.

Please note that this event is subject to cancellation due to the weather and/or the condition of the horses.

Picture courtesy of ©TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI
Lead horses, which guide racehorses onto the track, will appear for a limited time on weekends and holidays after November!

From this season onwards, a magnificent performance will be presented alongside the fountain show. However, this event is also subject to cancellation due to the weather and/or the conditions of the horses.

■Photography Hint: We recommend taking a photo of the lead horse performance with the fountain show in the background.

Satisfying Food and Cute Goods

In addition to the illuminations, you can order tasty food and drinks at the Tokyo Mega ILLUMINATION. Once you've fully taken in the romantic sights, satisfy your stomach with a meal and dessert!

Don't miss out on event-exclusive goods only found here, too!

Delight in Japanese Sweets at Wa Nagomi

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Japanese-style desserts and food can be savored at Wa Nagomi in the Japanese Glitter Area.

A popular item at this restaurant is the Matcha Tiramisu (Green Tea Set) with an impressive dusting of the kanji character "wa" ("harmony") on top. Moderately sweet matcha tiramisu paired with pleasantly bitter green tea is a heavenly match! The dessert looks highly satisfying and tastes delicious!

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Outside of Wa Nagomi, you'll also find a garden of illuminated roses in full bloom.

Admire the glowing rose garden while dining at the restaurant!

Enjoy a Meal with a Drink at STAR LIGHT

If you'd like to enjoy a drink with your food, head over to STAR LIGHT in the TWINKLE Area. This food spot is where you can enjoy the original Starlight Craft Beer released by Oi Racecourse, as well as Tripe Stew.

Make a toast with original craft beer and an order of the Horseshoe Churros sold at POTATO AND CHURROS, and you're bound to have wonderful memories on your trip! The store location can be found in the Hall Guide.

*Sales of alcoholic beverages may be restricted or discontinued according to administrative and government orders due to measures against COVID-19.

Event-Exclusive! Limited-Edition Goods

Original Tokyo Mega ILLUMINATION goods will be sold at the venue. There is a selection of items that make perfect souvenirs, such as Ramune Candy printed with lovely horse illustrations or Shining Keychains that sparkle.

From the stationery goods, we especially recommend the lovely washi (Japanese paper) tape for decking out your packages.

Enjoy an Amazing Spectacle of Lights in Tokyo This Winter!

Tokyo Mega ILLUMINATION is being held in an expansive space thanks to having a racecourse as a venue. You can enjoy seasonal illuminations here more quietly than in other neighboring spots.

The event is easily accessible because of its proximity to the city, making it the perfect spot to visit after sightseeing in Tokyo. Come visit to enjoy evening activities in Tokyo!

Tokyo Mega ILLUMINATION
Official Website: https://tokyomegaillumi.jp/

Sponsored by TOKYOTOKEIBA Co., Ltd.
This article was originally published on October 15, 2019, and was updated on October 15, 2022.