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 Marunouchi and Shinjuku to see spectacular illuminations utilizing vast numbers of LEDs, projection mapping, and more.

Tokyo Midtown Illumination

Midtown Christmas is a winter tradition in Roppongi. During the 2024 event, the illuminated area includes all of Midtown Garden and features approximately 560,000 lights. The new main focal point of the illuminations, referred to as "Ensemble Lights," portrays a fantastical, snowy world. As soon as you step into the garden, you will be enveloped by around 240,000 twinkling lights. The garden is also decorated with the returning "Promenade of Lights" illumination and sparkling Christmas trees lit up in gold and red. Don't miss the Christmas market, which returns for the first time in five years.

Past illumination display (Tokyo Midtown)

Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas 2024

At Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas, its focal point, “Sky Arena,” and the ever-popular “Soramizaka” – perfect for taking photos with the Tokyo Skytree – will be illuminated, along with an 8-meter-tall Christmas tree. A Christmas market offering food and drinks can also be enjoyed. Moreover, special “Champagnetree” lighting – which makes Tokyo Skytree look like a Christmas tree, and “Candletree” lighting – which makes it look like a candle, will be lit up over the Christmas period only. The entire Tokyo Skytree will be adorned with incredible illuminations.

© TOKYO-SKYTREE TOWN

Marunouchi Illumination

The 2024, Marunouchi Illumination marks its 23rd year by covering around 286 trees along the boulevards in the Marunouchi area with approximately 820,000 champagne-gold LEDs. The illuminated trees stretch from Marunouchi Naka-dori Street, the main thoroughfare, to Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan in front of Yurakucho Station. Illuminations also decorate Gyoko-dori Avenue, between Tokyo Station and the Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace. All the energy used in the display, which runs from November through to mid-February, comes from natural sources like solar and wind power. Come and enjoy a winter scenery unique to Tokyo’s Marunouchi district.

Past illumination display (Marunouchi Naka-dori Street)

Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination: Tokyo Snow Dome City

The theme for the 2024 Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination, held for the 20th time, is "Snow Dome." There are four "snow dome spots," where visitors can enjoy snow-inspired illuminations. At the "Snowflake Dome" on the first floor of LaQua Garden, visitors can use a tablet to turn on lights and take pictures that make them look as if they're surrounded by snowflakes. Other snow dome spots can be found on the second floor of LaQua in the corridor under the Thunder Dolphin, and on the third-floor garden at Meets Port. Make sure to check out these beautiful illuminations.

Tokyo Tower Winter Fantasy Retrospective Illumination

Tokyo Tower has long been referred to as "the candle of the city," as it brings a warm glow to the night sky. Because of its location in the center of Tokyo, you can often catch a fleeting glimpse of the tower from the window of a moving train, or shining out from between other buildings. We recommend visiting Tokyo Tower in person, especially during the winter months when it is illuminated, which makes for a wonderful, romantic atmosphere. The feature for 2024 is an Orange Garden whose warm orange lights are inspired by the illumination of Tokyo Tower, while a 10-meter-tall "Little Tokyo Tower" will be on display at the center of the garden, resembling a Christmas tree.

Photos for illustrative purposes only.

Yomiuriland Jewellumination®: Light is Love

"Yomiuriland Jewellumination" is an annual event offering a great nighttime view of Tokyo and jewel-colored illuminations that can't be seen anywhere else. The decorations cover every corner of the amusement park—even the roller coasters. This year, these illuminations are once again produced by Ms. Motoko Ishii, who is active worldwide. Be sure to take in the dynamic fountain shows.

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.