The Best 15 Winter Illuminations and Christmas Lights in and Around Tokyo

Winter Lights in Tokyo

You needn’t travel far to get that glowing fix!

1. Dazzling Lights at Roppongi Hills Christmas 2023

Roppongi Hills comes to life when the whole complex is ablaze with light trails, celebrating the season all the way along Keyakizaka-dori, Mori Garden and the Christmas tree at Roku-Roku Plaza. Watch some 800,000 lights glitter along the elegant streets of Roppongi. Make the most of the holiday season as you stroll through the stores and hunt for festive mulled wine.

2. Tokyo Midtown Winter Lights 2023

This year’s festive event will present an exciting, colorful Christmas scene, made with sustainable trees for the first time. In addition to the returning Gold Promenade of Lights, there’s also 36 gold trees which can be enjoyed until December 25. Throughout the run, dazzling trees mark the countdown to Christmas with other installations including the popular skating rink.

3. Tokyo Skytree Town Magical Christmas Lights

Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Skytree Town will be decked out in Christmas colors and winter lights, renewed to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the area. Skytree’s three variations for 2023 are “Iki,” “Miyabi: Aesthetics” and “Nobori: Liveliness.” In the town, an eight-meter white Christmas tree will be on display, along with projection mapping. Visitors can also enjoy the popular Christmas market.

4. Omotesando Hills Christmas Illuminations 2023

The atrium of Omotesando Hills lights up during the holiday season, with a world first. A 10 meter, 3D printed christmas tree, is joined by an artisan installation by the artist collective KLOKA. At the top of the stairwell, 3D-printed animals such as birds and butterflies will be displayed. This is worth checking out after you’ve seen the 900,000 lights running down Omotesando Dori.

5. Tokyo Mega Illumination 2023

Both children and adults alike will be mesmerized by the upgraded rainbow water fountain light show. When visiting, allow yourself extra time — a circuit of the facilities takes about an hour and features many different illumination areas.

6. Yebisu Eternal Illumination

Yebisu Garden Place is a go-to Tokyo location for a romantic winter illumination date. Every season, thousands of Tokyoites come to enjoy the small shops and see the decorated Christmas tree. Even more mesmerizing is the display of one of the world’s largest Baccarat chandeliers. This year’s illumination theme is “People glow, Baccarat glows.”

7. Minami Lumi 2023-24

The Shinjuku South Terrace winter illumination extravaganza, the Minami Lumi, returns with its “Twinkly Lighting System,” an impressive interactive light show. The terrace will be lit with fantastic Christmas trees under the theme “Golden Trip — A Bird’s Tale.” Don’t miss out on the interactive installation that reacts to movement.

8. Marunouchi Tokyo Illumination 2023-2024

As with every year, around 340 trees on both sides of Naka-dori in Marunouchi will be brightly lit by about 1.2 million champagne gold lights. The light trail stretches along Tokyo Torch Park and Otemachi Naka-dori. Around Tokyo Torch Terrace, many restaurants and cafés will make terrace seats available, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the illuminations.

9. Hibiya Magic Time Tokyo Illumination 2023

The concept for this event is “Best Wishes.” Hibiya is a town that frequently appears in movies and television dramas, making it the best place to take a moment away from everyday life. The illuminations are champagne gold and amber, giving a warm and relaxing vibe to the whole area. Go to the Park View Winter Garden on the 6th floor for more illuminations and a beautiful view of city lights and its light trails.

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10. Tokyo Dome City Winter Lights 2023-24

Tokyo Dome City’s illuminations are one of the most spectacular and interactive lights of the season. You’ll find magnificent tunnels of lights, a giant Christmas tree and dozens of winter-inspired sculptures scattered around the area. This year’s theme is “LOL Show.”

11. Odaiba Winter Illumination “Yakei”

Odaiba’s all-year illumination “Yakei” looks even more magical than usual, boasting the biggest tree in the whole of Tokyo. Its 20-meter tall, 10-meter wide Memorial Tree is illuminated with gorgeous light trails. Don’t forget to take a picture in front of the classic “Odaiba” sign as well.

Winter Lights Around Japan 2023–2024

Here are some winter illuminations away from Tokyo worth the trip.

12. Yomiuri Land Jewellumination 2023

The world’s only gemstone-inspired illumination event is taking place at Yomiuri Land, featuring a record-breaking 6.5 million bulbs. There will be installations using LEDs that image the world’s first jewel LED color, developed by famed Japanese lighting designer, Motoko Ishii.
The theme for the 2023-2024 season is “Light is Love.” Various colorful illuminations come together to create magic.

13. Sagamiko Illumillion 2023-24

The famous Sagami Lake illuminations return for the 15th time this year. To celebrate the anniversary, in addition to its regular display which uses 6 million LED lights, Sagamiko Illumillion features a Doraemon-themed area for fans of the franchise.

14. Tobu Zoo Winter Illuminations

Tobu Zoo hopes to bring smiles with its 2023 winter illumination event, in collaboration with Momoiro Clover Z. At night, rides and other attractions such as the Ferris wheel and rollercoaster light up. A light show using music, smoke and CG animation is one of its many popular events, but also be sure to take a stroll around to spot the LED animals.

15. Tokyo German Village Winter Illumination 2023-24

Tokyo German Village‘s illumination event is a union of light and music. Walk under a river of lights, spot the different characters sculpted in the fields and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. This year’s theme is “Gulliver’s Travels.”

Original article compiled by Sayaka Mitsui.