HOME Tokyo and Surroundings Tokyo Roppongi Brighten Up Your Winter: 14 of the Best Tokyo Illuminations
Brighten Up Your Winter: 14 of the Best Tokyo Illuminations

Brighten Up Your Winter: 14 of the Best Tokyo Illuminations

Date published: 12 January 2020
Last updated: 14 November 2022

As anyone who has spent time in Japan knows, winter is all about the Tokyo illuminations! With new surprises every year, almost every neighborhood in Tokyo boasts its own stunning lights festival to brighten up the town and bring smiles to the residents!

Tokyo’s thrilling and romantic light shows are a great place to spend time with loved ones or rekindle your festive spirit to see off the year.

From Roppongi, Hibiya, and other famous neighborhoods to brand-new, never-before-seen projects, we’ll let you in on the best places to enjoy Tokyo’s holiday lights!

*Depending upon the situation, dates, times, and details may change. Some may also be canceled. Please check the official websites before visiting.

1. Marunouchi Illumination 2022: A glittering display of 1.2 million champagne gold lights

1. Marunouchi Illumination 2022: A glittering display of 1.2 million champagne gold lights

Dates: November 10, 2022 - February 19, 2023
Admission: Free of charge
Hours: 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. (*Open until midnight in December)
Closed: Open daily

With over a million LED bulbs of their original ‘Champagne Gold’ covering over 340 trees of the 1.2-kilometer Naka-Dori Street and surroundings, the Marunouchi Illumination’s 20th year will be as elegant as always!

This year, the expansive outdoor plaza, TOKYO TORCH Park, will also be lit up at the same time. Visitors can enjoy the lights from the TOKYO TORCH Terrace and other terraces in the Marunouchi area while maintaining a social distance.

  • Marunouchi Illuminations
    • Address Marunouchi Nakadori, Marunouchi Building, etc., Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0005
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Tokyo Station (Tokaido Shinkansen Line / Hokkaido Shinkansen Line / Tohoku Shinkansen Line / Akita Shinkansen Line / Yamagata Shinkansen Line / Joetsu Shinkansen Line / Hokuriku Shinkansen Line / JR Tokaido Main Line / JR Yokosuka Line / JR Sobu Main Line / JR Sobu Main Line (Rapid) / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Chuo Main Line / JR Keiyo Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Phone Number 03-5218-5100

2. Roppongi Hills Christmas 2022: The ultimate winter festival!

2. Roppongi Hills Christmas 2022: The ultimate winter festival!

Dates: November 10 - December 25, 2022
Admission: Free
Hours: 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Closed: Open daily

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 800,000 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 Tiffany 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 p.m. every evening.

3. Baccarat ETERNAL LIGHTS: One of the world’s largest Baccarat Chandeliers!

3. Baccarat ETERNAL LIGHTS: One of the world’s largest Baccarat Chandeliers!

Dates: November 12, 2021 - January 9, 2022
Admission: Free
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (*Subject to change depending on conditions)
Closed: Open daily

Another icon of Tokyo’s festival scene, the gigantic chandelier in Yebisu’s Garden Place, will come to life as part of the 2022 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 p.m., the lights on the chandelier will turn blue every 30 minutes.

4. Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination: A garden of light and smiles!

4. Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination: A garden of light and smiles!

Dates: November 11, 2022 - February 28, 2023
Admission: Free
Hours: 5:00 p.m. - midnight
Closed: Open daily

Tokyo Dome City hosts delightful illuminations every year. This year's theme is "Snap a photo with or show to someone." It is full of fun things that can make the illuminations more attractive.

  • Tokyo Dome City
    東京ドームシティ
    • Address 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station JR Suidobashi Station (West Exit), Toei Subway Mita Line Suidobashi Station (Exit A2), Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and Nanboku Line Korakuen Station (Exit 2), Toei Subway Oedo Line Kasuga Station (Exit 6)
    • Hours: Varies by facility and store

5. Shinjuku Minami Lumi: Where the entire Shinjuku South Exit area is enveloped in light

5. Shinjuku Minami Lumi: Where the entire Shinjuku South Exit area is enveloped in light

Dates: November 14, 2022 - February 14, 2023
Admission: Free
Hours: 5:00 p.m. - midnight (from 4:30 p.m. in December)
Closed: Open daily

Returning after a three-year break, the theme of the Shinjuku Minami Lumi this year is 'The Joy of Reunion in Light.' The Suica Penguin Plaza, right outside the New South Exit at Shinjuku Station, will feature a snow globe-shaped house, a statue of the Suica Penguin, as well as a corridor of light leading to the promenade of Shinjuku Southern Terrace, Shinjuku Maynds Tower, and Takashimaya Times Square.

Another highlight is the interactive illumination using the Twinkly Light System. The entire Shinjuku South Exit area will be enveloped in light with various holiday lights at each facility, including a tree that changes color every two weeks at Shinjuku Maynds Tower and a tree covered with "Berry Color" bears and ornaments at Takashimaya Times Square.

  • Shinjuku Southern Terrace
    • Address 2-2-1, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0053
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Shinjuku Station (JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Chuo Main Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Toei Shinjuku Line / Toei Oedo Line / Keio Line / Keio New Line / Odakyu Odawara Line)
      1 minute on foot

6. HIBIYA Magic Time Illumination 2022: An enchanting luminous wonderland!

6. HIBIYA Magic Time Illumination 2022: An enchanting luminous wonderland!

Dates: November 17, 2022 - February 14, 2023
Admission: Free
Hours: 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Closed: Open daily

The Magic Time Illumination 2022 is a much-anticipated event covering the entire Hibiya area, including Tokyo Midtown Hibiya and Hibiya Nakadori Avenue. The city of Hibiya will be enveloped in a fantastic gradation of colors inspired by the Northern Lights. The dazzling Tokyo Christmas lights will make you feel as if you've fallen under a spell, letting you forget about your everyday life and relax.

7. MIDTOWN WINTER LIGHTS: Step into another world!

7. MIDTOWN WINTER LIGHTS: Step into another world!

Dates: November 17 - December 25, 2022
Admission: Free
Hours: 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Closed: Open daily

Adding to Roppongi’s ample winter wonders is the MIDTOWN WINTER LIGHTS in Tokyo Midtown. You can enjoy a winter stroll in the "Promenade of Light," where the entire town is colored with glittering gold illumination, and the "SNOW LIGHT GLOBE," a large snow globe about 3 meters high that glows fantastically.

8. Odaiba ILLUMINATION 'YAKEI': Amplifying the beauty of Tokyo's night views!

8. Odaiba ILLUMINATION 'YAKEI': Amplifying the beauty of Tokyo's night views!

Dates: Year-round
Admission: Free
Hours: Sunset until midnight
Closed: Open daily

Boasting an incredible panorama of Tokyo Tower, the Tokyo Skytree, and the Rainbow Bridge, The Odaiba Illumination and its 20-meter-tall Christmas tree highlight 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.

9. Yomiuriland Jewellumination: A 'gem' of a Tokyo illumination!

9. Yomiuriland Jewellumination: A 'gem' of a Tokyo illumination!

Dates: October 20, 2022 - April 9, 2023
Hours: 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Celebrating its 13th year, the theme for this year's annual Yomiuriland illumination is "LIGHT IS HAPPINESS!" Visitors can enjoy a variety of jewelry colors throughout the park, including the new Happy Jewelry Color.

  • Yomiuriland
    よみうりランド
    • Address 4015-1 Yano-guchi, Inagaki City, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station Keio Yomiuriland Station (Keio Sagamihara Line) 5 min. by bus
    • Phone Number 044-966-1111
    • ・Admission:
      Adults: 1,800 yen
      Junior high and high school students: 1,500 yen
      Elementary school students and seniors (65 years old and over): 1,000 yen
      (*Children under elementary school age are free.)
      ・Hours: 10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. (9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. on Sundays and holidays)

10. Meguro River Minna no Illumination 2022: Cherry blossoms along the Meguro River decorated with LED lights

過去の様子
過去の様子

Dates: November 11, 2022 - January 8, 2023
Admission: Free
Hours: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Closed: Open daily

Using recycled cooking oil to generate power, the ‘Winter Cherry Blossom (Fuyu-no-Zakura®)’ holiday lights at Meguro River is one of the world’s most environmentally-friendly light-up events. With cherry blossom-colored LED bulbs to provide the now flowerless trees with an elegant winter luster, the event provides an opportunity to consider how green energy can power the future.

  • Meguro River
    • Address Meguro-ku, Tokyo Setagaya-ku, Shinagawa-ku, 153-0043
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Meguro Station (JR Yamanote Line / Tokyo Metro Namboku Line / Toei Mita Line / Tokyu Meguro Line)
      5 minutes on foot

11. Omotesando Fendi Illumination 2022: Fantastic zelkova tree-lined streets lit by 900,000 lights

(Image of past Omotesando holiday lights)
(Image of past Omotesando holiday lights)

Dates: December 1 - 29 (only shrubs will be lit from December 1 - January 5)
Admission: Free
Hours: Sunset until 10:00 p.m.
Closed: Open daily

Every year, from the Jingū Bashi to Omotesando intersections, shrubs are decorated with over 900,000 LED bulbs in a captivating display. This magnificent sight of champagne gold lights stretches for about 1km.

  • Omotesando Hills
    • Address 4-12-10, Jinguumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Omotesando Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line / Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
      2 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 03-3497-0310

12. Shibuya Blue Cave Illuminations 2022: First time in 3 years and with a Christmas card installed

12. Shibuya Blue Cave Illuminations 2022: First time in 3 years and with a Christmas card installed

Dates: December 8 - 25, 2022
Admission: Free
Hours: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Closed: Open daily

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.

In 2022, which will be held for the first time in three years, a large Christmas card will be set up at the venue of Yoyogi Park Zelkova trees, with a message of moving light colored using Illumination Mapping.

13. (Not held in 2022) Caretta Illumination: The ever-popular collaboration with Disney movies

(Image of past Caretta Illumination)
(Image of past Caretta Illumination)

Dates: Not held in 2022

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, 2022’s beautiful holiday lights performance is canceled as well. We are waiting for the resumption of the illumination performance, which will envelop us in music and light.

  • Conrad Tokyo
    • Address Minato-ku, Higashi-Shinbashi 1-9-1, Tokyo-to, 105-7337
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Shiodome Station (Toei Oedo Line / Yurikamome)
      3 minutes on foot

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

14. Shinagawa Season Terrace Illumination: Mysterious blue illumination with Tokyo Tower in the background

過去の様子
過去の様子

Dates: December 1 - 25, 2022
Admission: Free
Hours: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Closed: Open daily

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!

  • Shinagawa Season Terrace
    品川シーズンテラス
    • Address 1-2-70 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
    • Nearest Station 6-minute walk from JR Shinagawa Station (Konan Exit), 9-minute walk from Keihin Electric Express Railway Shinagawa Station (Takanawa Exit)

Well, that’s a wrap on Tokyo’s 14 best illuminations! We hope we’ve helped you in your quest to figure out what illuminations you’ll be attending in 2021!

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!

*Information as of November 2022. Depending on the situation, the time, period, and contents may be changed or canceled. Please check the official website before heading out.
*Images are for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual experience held.

Written by:

Naho Jishikyu

Naho Jishikyu

After working at editorial production and publishing companies for manga, novels, and magazines, she started working as a freelance editor and writer. She's usually in a good mood when with a drama series, music, or a drink. She loves tofu.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

Share this article.

Recommended places for you

Recommended articles for first-time visitors to Tokyo
Search