Tokyo Winter Illumination Guide

Brave the cold and bundle up to enjoy some of the best evening views of the year!

Despite the chilly weather, December nights in Tokyo are full of spectacular city views complemented by elaborate Christmas lights and illuminations. Spend an evening strolling down the beautifully lit streets of Ginza and Omotesando, or head to Shiodome and Shinjuku to see spectacular illuminations utilizing vast numbers of LEDs, projection mapping, and more.

Tips

• Chilly nights require a warm jacket and scarf. Be sure to have an extra layer on hand
• Popular shopping districts like Ginza, Nakameguro, and Ebisu make for the perfect Christmas date spot, with stunning lights and delicious dining options
• Many of Tokyo's illuminations run through until February, so you can still enjoy them after Christmas

Caretta Shiodome Illumination

Head to Caretta Shiodome to witness a festive light and music show that boasts some 250,000 LEDs. Held from mid-November to mid-February, this is also one of the city's longest-running illuminations.

Tokyo Midtown Illumination

A short walk from Roppongi Station, Tokyo Midtown shopping complex features glistening golden lights and a pop art Christmas tree. With all the light and sound performances, this new style of illumination event makes the area feel like an outdoor theater. One of the largest outdoor skating rinks in the city also operates there at the same time. With the lights on every night from mid-November until Christmas Day, Tokyo Midtown is one of Tokyo's most popular spots for winter illuminations.

TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN Dream Christmas

The illumination at TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN has been redesigned to celebrate the attraction's 10th anniversary. The lights are set to run from the start of November through to Christmas. The 8-meter-tall Christmas tree, and the limited-time "Champagnetree" and "Candletree" illuminations on the tower itself are a must-see.

Marunouchi Illumination

In terms of sheer scale, the Marunouchi illuminations are hard to beat, with around 1.2 million lights in total. The LED bulbs, in the district's original shade of champagne gold, cover the trees along the 1.2-kilometer main boulevard. All the energy used in the display, which runs from November through to mid-February, comes from natural sources like solar and wind power. This year's Marunouchi Illumination is set to be environmentally conscious once again.

Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination

The theme for this year's event is "Gifts." The main concept is to create opportunities to give to others—whether that's taking a picture together or sharing the sights. Many different ways to take in and enjoy the lights have been prepared. The main 15-meter-tall Christmas tree will feature both light and sound, and is decorated with multicolor LEDs both big and small. Aside from the main tree with its 230,000 lights, there will also be a champagne gold illumination, and a "Milky Way" tunnel of light that stretches 140 meters.

TOKYO TOWER WINTER FANTASY 2022 ～Tokyo City Candles～

Tokyo Tower has long been referred to as "the candle of the city," as it brings a warm glow to the night sky. This year, approximately 600 thousand different colors from candles, lanterns and LED lightbulbs will create a beautifully warm atmosphere as the various hues subtly shift and change right below an illuminated Tokyo Tower. Also, projection mapping will be displayed across the night sky visible from the windows of the main deck (admission fee required). This winter, you can observe a mysterious story of winter butterflies dancing through the night sky as they create a shimmering world of ice.

Yomiuriland Jewellumination

Every year, Yomiuriland's "Jewellumination" event uses gemstone-inspired lights to create jaw-dropping displays on creative themes. The decorations cover every corner of the amusement park—even the roller coasters. Expect fountain shows with colorful jets of water and limited-edition menus at Yomiuriland's food stalls—Make sure to visit the entire park.

Streetside illuminations

Many of Tokyo's most popular shopping streets also partake in the holiday cheer with lights of their own. Omotesando, Roppongi, Ginza, Nihonbashi, Ebisu and Nakameguro all put up spectacular Christmas light displays. Enjoy a stroll down these enchanting streets, then relax with a meal or drink at one of the many dining establishments these areas are famous for.

* Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, c/o Tourism Garden Pty Ltd
* Alison Roberts-Brown at alison@tourismgarden.com.au