October 31, 2024
2024-2025 Winter in Tokyo Illumination Guide
Where to catch the best illuminations in the capital this winter
By Wynetta Tambunan and Arden Kreuzer
If there’s one thing that’s synonymous with winter in Tokyo, it’s illuminations. This Tokyo Winter Illumination Guide covers the biggest winter illuminations around Tokyo and beyond this season. We’ll be updating this throughout the season to bring you the latest spots. Please note that dates and times may change or vary as information gets released.
Tokyo Midtown Christmas
November 14 – December 25
The much-loved golden illuminations in Roppongi’s Midtown are back again this year with more than 240,000 lights and a variety of art installations throughout the Midtown complex. The popular ice skating rink will also return this year for couples and families ready to get their skates on.
TOKYO MIDTOWN
Free Entrance
5pm-11pm
More information here
Tokyo Christmas Market 2024
November 19 – December 25
Japan’s most popular holiday market, with support from the German Tourism Association and the German Embassy, transforms Jingu Gaien stadium into a cozy Christmas town, featuring a grand 14-meter-tall Christmas pyramid imported from Germany. The stalls will take you right to a quaint European town, with hot mulled wine, German sausages and glowing stalls selling charming trinkets and gifts.
Meiji Jingu Gaien Stadium
Get advance tickets here
First day 4pm-9:30pm, All other days 11am-9:30pm
Last entry 8:30pm, Last Order 9pm
More information here
Hibiya Magic Time Illumination 2024
November 14 – February 28
Celebrate the magic of winter at Hibiya Magic Time Illumination, where lights and music bring the Hibiya area to life. Inspired by the upcoming release of Moana 2, this year’s event features ocean-themed illuminations at Hibiya Step Square, with blue lights and vibrant ornaments that echo the film’s spirit. Don’t miss the unique “Sky Show” in Hibiya Nakadori, where color-changing illuminations depict rare natural phenomena like “Blue Moment” and “Aurora Green.” Visit the Park View Winter Garden on Tokyo Midtown Hibiya’s 6th floor for a sustainable light display powered by botanical lights. Enjoy the enchanting, eco-friendly holiday ambiance in the heart of Tokyo.
Hibiya
Hibiya Area Illumination: 4pm-11pm
Park View Winter Garden: 4pm-11pm
More information here
Yebisu Garden Place Christmas Market and Illumination
November 11 – January 8
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Yebisu Garden Place at this year’s Illuminations & Christmas 2024. Starting November 9, explore a dazzling 10-meter Christmas tree, champagne gold lights, and a Baccarat chandelier display. Wander the expanded Christmas market, now in both Clock and Chateau Squares and indulge in festive treats from the Westin Food Truck. Special music sessions from Blue Note DJs add to the magic every weekend through December. Don’t miss this season’s largest celebration of lights, festive cheer and holiday spirit in Tokyo.
Ebisu, Shibuya
4pm – 11pm
More information here
Keyakizaka Illumination 2024
November 6 – December 25
Roppongi Hills Christmas stuns the city each year with its glowing tunnel of trees. It’s like strolling through a crystal forest, with the contrasting warm light of Tokyo Tower in the distance. Beyond this spectacle, there are various choices in illumination attractions throughout the Roppongi Hills area, so be sure to explore.
Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Street
Free Entrance
5pm-11pm
More information here
Roppongi Christmas Market 2024
November 25 – December 25
Though it’s smaller than the Tokyo Christmas Market, this charming holiday market near the Roppongi cinema steps is a must-visit if you’re in the area. Warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine, enjoy sizzling German sausages and browse the beautifully decorated stalls to soak up the festive spirit in the heart of the city.
O-yane Plaza, Roppongi Hills
Christmas Market 11am-9pm
Free Entrance
More information here
Mohri Garden Christmas Illumination 2024
November 28 – December 25
Amid pure white lights that sparkle softly like snow, a champagne gold glow adds a gorgeous, radiant touch. Take a stroll through Mohri Garden and capture the beautiful illuminations reflecting beautifully in the dark pond.
Mohri Garden Lighting Design
Illumination: 5pm-11pm
Free Entrance
More information here
Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas 2024
November 7 – December 25
The world-famous Sky Tree is regularly filled with events and activities. This Christmas is no exception, with golden lights and a festive atmosphere at the base of one of Tokyo’s most iconic towers.
Tokyo Skytree
Opening hours: 5:30pm-10pm
Save up to ¥400 on advance tickets here.
More information here
Marunouchi Illumination 2024
November 14 – February 16
Around 820,000 warm golden LED lights glow across more than 340 trees lining the Marunouchi shopping street. The display also stretches into nearby areas, including Gyoko-dori Avenue, connecting the Imperial Palace Gardens with Tokyo Station for a stunning, light-filled winter stroll through Tokyo. Don’t miss out on Christmas markets, food trucks, and the ice skating rink.
Marunouchi, Chiyoda
Tokyo Station area and Marunouchi-Nakadori Ave
4pm – 11pm
More information here
Hotel Chinzanso’s Tokyo 2024
Located in Sekiguchi, Bunkyo City, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo brings an other-worldly experience in the clouds. Entrance is free and all you have to bring is a friend and camera to take memorable pictures.
Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku
Sundown to 11pm
More information here
Yokohama Milight 2024
November 9 – February 9
Starting from Yokohama Station’s East Exit, the Minato Mirai area, centered around Grand Mall Park, lights up with a stunning 1.5-kilometer-long illumination display. Now in its seventh year, this event stands as a hallmark of Yokohama’s winter season.
Yokohama
Opening hours: 4pm-11pm
Free Entrance
More information here
Yoru no Yo Yokohama Night Illumination
December 5 – December 30
Japan’s biggest illumination event, Yoru no Yo 2024, brings Yokohama’s nighttime cityscape to life with lights, music and interactive displays. From the waterfront to historic buildings and sleek skyscrapers, the city transforms into a captivating spectacle. Highlights include large-scale projection mapping at the Osanbashi International Terminal and immersive light displays in Yamashita Park.
Yokohama Waterfront
(Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal, Yamashita Park)
Illumination: 5pm-9:05pm
Free Entrance
More information here
Tokyo Mega Illumination 2024
November 2 – January 12
If this is your first time experiencing Christmas in Japan, you shouldn’t miss the Mega Illumination located in Oi Racecourse, Shinagawa City. Featuring a variety of light shows and nostalgic installations capturing Japan’s unique landscapes, it’s a kitschy and fun way to enjoy a winter’s night out. You might also get to see some ponies and horses if you drop on an event!
Oi Racecourse, Shinagawa-ku
4:30pm – 9pm
Detailed Pricing
More information here
Flower Fantasy – The Garden of Illuminated Flowers 2024
October 18 – February 16
Consistently ranked one of the best illuminations in the country, the Garden of Illuminated Flowers brings over 5.0 million lights to decorate the sprawling garden with several themed installations scattered throughout. Although outside of Tokyo, it’s worth the trip.
Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi
3:30pm – 8:30pm
Adults ¥1,400
Children ¥700
More information here
Tokyo Dome City Illumination 2024
November 18 – February 28
This winter, Tokyo Dome City presents the enchanting theme “SNOW DOME” for its 20th Winter Illumination. The entire area will glow with dazzling white lights reminiscent of fresh snow, complemented by exhibits inspired by snow and snow domes for a truly magical experience.
Tokyo Dome City
Free Entrance
5pm-12am
More information here
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market 2024
November 22 – December 25
The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse celebrates its 15th anniversary this year with a Christmas Market that goes above and beyond the previous years. Around 50 exquisitely adorned German wooden huts enchant visitors with twinkling lights. A grand 10-meter-tall holiday fir tree decorated with over 20,000 LED lights will welcome all guests.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Christmas Market: 11am-9pm
¥500 yen ~
More information here.
Meguro River Minna no Illumination 2024
November 15 – January 13
The Sakura landscape can be enjoyed during winter as well. The cherry trees bare branches are adorned with approximately 380,000 pink LED lights. They create a stunning winter spectacle, resembling blooming cherry blossoms after nightfall.
Meguro River
Free Entrance
5pm-10pm
More information here
Shibuya “Blue Cave” Illumination
December 6 – December 25
This winter is the 10th anniversary of the hugely popular Ao no Dokutsu (Blue Cave) Illuminations. Over 600,000 blue lights will transform an 800-meter stretch from Shibuya to Yoyogi Park, creating a magical tunnel of glowing trees. This year’s theme, “THE SNOW DOME,” adds an extra wintry touch, making it the ideal spot for couples, family, and friends.
Harajuku – Shibuya
Free Entrance
5pm-10pm
More information here
TOKYO ILLUMILIA
November 6 – February 14
TOKYO ILLUMILIA lights up Nihonbashi Sakura Street, stretching from Tokyo Station’s Yaesu Exit to Nihonbashi. Since 2009, this illumination has celebrated the area’s rich Edo heritage with a modern-day spirit. Stroll through the dazzling lights and experience Tokyo’s blend of tradition and renewal.
Free Entrance
4:30pm-11:30pm
More information here
Yomiuriland Jewellumination
October 24 – April 6
The amusement park Yomiuriland will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year by transforming itself into a wonderland of bedazzled lights. This winter’s theme is “LIGHT is LOVE Diamond 60 Celebration”, bringing diamond-colored illuminations and jewel-themed decorations. Marvel at the special dual Ferris wheel display, or wander through a 180-meter-long avenue of lights.
Book tickets here
1,800 JPY
4pm-8:30pm
More information here
Odaiba Illumination YAKEI DECK
All year
Odaiba Illumination Deck is the best spot for a romantic night out, with stunning views of Tokyo Tower and the Rainbow Bridge across Tokyo Bay. After strolling along the 20-meter-tall illuminated tour tree and seaside terrace, choose from a variety of restaurants to complete the evening. If you’re looking for a cozy and scenic atmosphere, this is the place for you.
Free Entrance
Sundown – Midnight
More information here
Love exploring Tokyo? Also check out our Tokyo Neighborhoods Series.