5 November 2020 (Thursday) – 14 February 2021 (Sunday)

With over a million LED bulbs of their original ‘Champagne Gold’ covering the 220+ trees of the 1.2-kilometer Naka-Dori Street and surroundings, the Marunouchi Illumination’s 19th year will be as elegant as always!

2020’s rendition will focus on the brand-new Marunouchi Terrace, which will open on the same day as these Tokyo illuminations. The nearby Yurakucho area also boasts the magnificent ‘Gate of Light,’ along with a sophisticated Japan lights display at the new Tokyokotsu Hall.

・Admission: Free
・Hours: 3:00pm - 11:00pm (December open until midnight)
・Closed: Open daily

10 December 2020 (Thursday) – 25 December (Friday)

While making strenuous efforts to minimize contact and contain the spread of Covid-19, the illumination in the square outside Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi and Gyoko-Dori Avenue is extending its length and hours! Known as the Tokyo Michi Terrace, this new project seeks to thank the health and other essential workers who risked their own health to protect the general population in 2020.

Presenting an action-packed collection of art calligraphy, object art, and augmented reality experiences, this impressive display can be enjoyed together with the illuminations on the above-mentioned Naka-Dori Street!

・Admission: Free
・Hours: 3:00pm – around 9:00pm
・Closed: Open daily

13 November 2020 (Friday) – 25 December 2020 (Friday)

One of the classic signs that winter has come to Tokyo, the zelkova trees in Roppongi Hills will once again light up in an enchanting incandescent carnival! Approximately 700,000 LED lights will decorate the 400-meter-long keyaki street with their futuristic ‘SNOW & BLUE’ color pattern.

The ultimate spot to take in this spectacle is from the ESCADA Roppongi Hills Store or ROPPONGI TSUTAYA BOOKS, from which a breathtaking extended view of the entire zelkova slope can be enjoyed. It’s also very popular to take a smartphone video of the lights first being turned on for the night, which happens at 5:00 pm every night.

・Admission: Free
・Hours: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
・Closed: Open daily

14 November 2020 (Saturday) – 11 January 2021 (Monday)

Another icon of Tokyo’s festival scene, the gigantic chandelier in Yebisu’s Garden Place, will come to life as part of the 21st 2020 WINTER ILLUMINATION! With over 250 lights, the chandelier will act as a beacon of hope for next year, bringing back the smiles of those who have suffered. Beginning at 5 pm, the lights on the chandelier will turn blue in solidarity with the health workers on the front lines of the pandemic.

・Admission: Free
・Hours: 11:00 am–midnight (circumstances may affect hours) (11/28 – 12/17 event will close at 10:00 pm)
・Closed: Open daily

13 November 2020 (Friday) – 25 December 2020 (Friday)

With the desire to bring smiles to the world, 2020’s Tokyo Dome City illumination will present a towering 15-meter ‘smiley-tree’ made from over 5,000 individual shining smiley faces. If this year has been tough, perhaps the bright and positive illumination will help cheer you up and lead you into a better next year!

・Admission: Free
・Hours: 5:00 pm – midnight
・Closed: Open daily

1 December 2020 (Tuesday) – 25 December 2020 (Friday)

Along with an impressive 4-meter-tall Christmas tree, beloved Japanese characters Kiki and Lala will transform Shinjuku Southern Terrace into a magnificent festival of pink and turquoise. The Christmas tree is the work of renowned installation art collective MIRRORBOWLER, and is decorated by dozens of mirror balls that shine both day and night!

・Admission: Free
・Hours: 4:30 pm-midnight (Friday 12/25 until 9:00 pm)
・Closed: Open daily

17 November 2020 (Tuesday) – 14 February 2021 (Sunday)

The Magic Time Illumination is a much-anticipated event covering the entire Hibiya area, including Hibiya Tokyo Midtown and Naka-Dori Street. This year’s theme is ‘a magical moment,’ realized through the calming glow of thousands of lights designed to imitate candlelight. To forget the dull and everyday and wander into a world of magic, head to Hibiya!

・Admission: Free
・Hours: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
・Closed: Open daily

19 November 2020 (Thursday) – 28 February 2021 (Sunday)

Adding to Roppongi’s ample winter wonders is the MIDTOWN WINTER LIGHTS in Tokyo Midtown. 2020’s lineup of sparkling attractions includes the golden ‘Promenade of Light,’ the hypnotizing flickering of the 3-meter ‘Snow Light Globe,’ along with the ‘Step Light,’ a pathway of light that changes color every time you step on it!

Come Christmas time, the Midtown Garden will also host the ‘Present no Naru Ki,’ a gorgeous Christmas tree decorated by hanging presents. On Christmas Day, the presents will turn red.

・Admission: Free
・Hours: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (the plaza area is open until midnight)
・Closed: Open daily

14 November 2020 (Saturday) – 14 February 2021 (Sunday)

Boasting an incredible panorama of Tokyo Tower, the Tokyo Skytree, and the Rainbow Bridge, The Odaiba Illumination and its 20-meter-tall Christmas tree highlights Tokyo’s beauty at its peak!

Over 10 meters wide and enveloped in 7 different colors, The Odaiba Memorial Tree is arguably Tokyo’s most beautiful living Christmas tree. These sights are best taken in at the tranquil ‘Seaside Terrace’ art spot.

・Admission: Free
・Hours: Sunset until midnight
・Closed: Open daily

22 October 2020 (Thursday) – 4 April 2021 (Sunday)

Fans of Japan lights will be pleased to hear that Yomiuriland is holding their 11th annual illumination in 2020! This year’s theme is ‘the resonance of gold and birthstones,’ and aims to recreate and exhibit the light from precious gems and metals. This is generated through the power of 6.5 million globes designed to shine like jewels, from which the organizers hope will project awe and happiness onto those who visit.

Some highlights include the 140-meter ‘Crystal Passage’ tunnel of light, along with a spectacular giant water fountain show animated with 231 lasers! Your breath will constantly be taken away by the unrelenting barrage of stunning illuminations behind every corner! Best of all, you can take in this marvel while enjoying one of Yomiuriland’s thrilling rides!

Using recycled cooking oil to generate power, the ‘Winter Cherry Blossom’ illumination at Meguro River was one of the world’s most environmentally-friendly light-up events.

In past years, the illumination stretched 2.2 kilometers along the Yamanote Line and used over 400,000 cherry blossom-colored LED bulbs to provide the now flowerless trees with an elegant winter luster.

Unfortunately, due to the spread of COVID-19, it has been called off to prevent further infection and protect the neighborhood. However, the organizers have kindly provided a guide on how to make your own cherry blossom light on their website, so take a look!

Every year, from the Jingū Bashi to Omotesando intersections, 156 trees and shrubs would be decorated with over 900,000 LED bulbs in a captivating display. While this beloved view, which filled the kilometer stretch with a classy ‘champagne gold’ light, was eagerly anticipated in 2020, it will not be going ahead. Fingers crossed for next time!

Beginning in Tokyo’s Nakameguro in 2014, The Blue Cave is a captivating illumination event that has spread to cities like Shibuya, Sapporo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. In 2019 it found its way into the stretch of zelkova trees from Shibuya to Yoyogi Park, with over 600,000 bulbs of blue light transforming the entire area. Unfortunately, this year’s Blue Cave in Shibuya won’t be going ahead.

Caretta Shiodome’s Caretta Illumination was a much-anticipated event that combined a sensational sights display with beloved Disney films. 2017 saw Beauty and the Beast, 2018 was Rapunzel, while 2019 was Aladdin. Unfortunately, 2020’s rendition will not be going ahead. We’ll just have to wait for the next one!

Backed against Tokyo's magnificent city lights, the Shinagawa Season Terrace Illumination saw thousands of spellbinding blue lights transform its large grassy field into a romantic dreamland. Often passed through by workers on their way home from the offices around Shinagawa Station’s Konan Exit, the ‘Staircase of Light,’ which performed 10 different custom light patterns, was a welcome sight! Due to various circumstances, the Shinagawa Season Terrace Illumination will not go ahead in 2020.

Well, that’s a wrap on Tokyo’s 15 best illuminations! We hope we’ve helped you in your quest to figure out what illuminations you’ll be attending in 2020!

While some have been rightfully canceled, many are still thankfully going ahead. There will be crowds, so take extra precautions to avoid contact and try to aim for a quieter time. Stay safe and enjoy Tokyo’s winter paradise!

*Depending upon the circumstances, event times, dates, and information may change. Further cancellations may also occur. Confirm details online before visiting.

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