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 hundreds of thousands of LEDs, projection mapping, and more.

Caretta Shiodome Illumination

For what is arguably the best illumination in Tokyo, 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.
Note: This event will not take place in 2020.
Caretta Illumination

Photos for illustrative purposes only.

Tokyo Midtown Illumination

A short walk from Roppongi Station, Tokyo Midtown shopping complex features a glistening golden Promenade of Lights, a magical sparkling Snow Light Globe, and Step Lights that change color as you walk. You can also enjoy an outdoor skating rink. Open from mid-November until February, Tokyo Midtown is one of Tokyo's most popular spots for winter illuminations.
Midtown Winter Moments

Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas

With Skytree one of the newest major attractions in the city, local developers have upped the ante to draw holiday visitors to the area. Taking place from mid-November to Christmas Day, Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas boasts approximately 520,000 LEDs, along with spectacular projection mapping shows, a Christmas light garden, and a Christmas-themed Skytree tower lit up in red and green.
TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN Dream Christmas

© TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN

Marunouchi Illumination

In terms of sheer scale, the Marunouchi illuminations are hard to beat, with around 1 million lights in total. The LED bulbs, in the district's original shade of champagne gold, cover the trees along Naka Dori, the 1.2-kilometer main boulevard. Around two-thirds of the lights have been upgraded to eco-friendly models, which produce an attractive brightness while consuming less power. The display runs from November, right through to mid-February.
Marunouchi Illumination

Past illumination display

TOKYO DOME CITY WINTER LIGHTS GARDEN

The illuminations at Tokyo Dome City have a different theme each year, and in 2020, it's "Smile." The display is centered around Crystal Avenue, where there is a 15-meter tree, decorated with 5,000 smiley faces. In the LaQua area is an unmissable illuminated tunnel called the "Milky Way."
TOKYO DOME CITY WINTER LIGHTS GARDEN

Tokyo Tower Winter Fantasy: Orange Illumination

For the first time, this year's "Orange Illumination" will feature "Candle Tower," a steel replica of the main tower at a 1:30 scale. Tokyo Tower has long been referred to as "the candle of the city," as it brings a warm glow to the night sky. Candle Tower performs the same role for the illumination, complementing the real tower perfectly. Every 15 minutes from 4pm on, the scene comes to life with a multicolor light show.
Note: This event will not take place in 2020.
Tokyo Tower Winter Fantasy: Orange Illumination

Photos for illustrative purposes only.

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 park—even the roller coasters! Expect towering Christmas trees, fountain shows with colorful jets of water, and limited-edition menus at Yomiuriland's food stalls. Each area has its own color scheme, so make sure to visit the entire park.
Yomiuriland Jewellumination

©Motoko Ishii Lighting Design

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.