Christmas and winter illuminations are a magical sight in Tokyo. With trees lit up all around the city, it’s hard not to stumble upon some festive decorations. But there are some you just can’t miss – they are too spectacular to be ignored. Find our favourite Tokyo Christmas illumination installations here in this article for you to enjoy.
Must-See Christmas Illumination Installations in Tokyo
Here is a list of this year’s must-see winter illuminations! Some of these illuminations may be cancelled without notice, so please ensure you check with their official site before heading out.
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TOKYO MEGA ILLUMINATION 2022-2023
The Oi Racecourse is hosting their MEGA illumination event again this year. You will find widely photogenic illuminations and impressive light projects mapping at this huge event.
Check out the fountain light show, giant tree light project mapping installation, and the impressive Twinkle Tunnel, great for photos!
Dates: 15th October 2022 ~ 9th January 2023
Times: 16:30 ~ 21:00
Price: 800 ~ 1,500 yen for adults
Location: 2 mins walk from Tokyo Monorail Oi Keibajyo Station
TOKYO MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS
Drink in the Christmas spirit at Tokyo MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS. Enjoy illuminations, Christmas decorations and a huge outdoor skating rink! There’s fun for all! Wander the lit-up tree-lined promenade and visit the Party Popper Tree, decorated with colourful lights and ornaments. There will be an interactive tree too – hold your hand over the sensor, and it will flash with light.
While you’re in Roppongi, you might as well head over to Roppongi Hills too for more Christmas lights!
Dates: 17th November ~ 25th December 2022
Times: 17:00 ~ 23:00
Price: Free
Location: Midtown Garden, direct access from Roppongi Station Exit 8
Roppongi Hills Christmas
Roppongi is full of opportunities to get into the Christmas mood! And with the use of around 800,000 LED lights, Roppongi Hills is one of the best in Tokyo!
Head to Keyakizaka Street, a firm favourite to get a shot of the LED-lit streets and Tokyo Tower backdrop. Don’t forget to wander around the Roppongi Hills area to enjoy the illumination installations before checking out the Christmas market in Oyane Plaza.
Dates: 17th November ~ 25th December 2022
Times: 17:00 ~ 23:00
Price: Free
Location: Direct access from Roppongi Station Hibiya Line, 4 minutes from Oeda Line Exit 3
Meguro River Minna no Illumination
The Meguro river might be famous for cherry blossom season, but the illuminations here are spectacular too! In a tribute to its cherry blossoms, the river is lit up in over 350,000 pink LED lights between Gotanda and Osaki station for a span of around 2.2 km!
And what’s more – these illuminations are eco-friendly! The event uses electricity self-generated from fuel recycled from edible oil waste collected from homes and restaurants in the area!
Dates: 11th December 2022 ~ 8th January 2023
Time: 17:00 ~ 22:00
Price: Free
Location: 6 minutes walk from either Gotanda or Osaki Stations on the Yamanote Line
Ginza Christmas Illuminations
Still in need of some last-minute Christmas presents? Ginza is one of the best Christmas shopping streets in Tokyo, where you can buy luxury brands and experience a high-class shopping experience. You can also admire Christmas lights adorning the streets and special illumination displays in stores to get you into the festive atmosphere.
Dates: 10th November ~ 31th January 2023 – dates and times vary depending on the street, check out the official site for more
Price: Free
Location: Direct access from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Line
Yebisu Garden Place
Visit Yebisu Garden Place’s annual illuminations for the huge outdoor Christmas tree, stunning LED light illuminations, and of course, “Baccarat ETERNAL LIGHTS”, the world’s largest Baccarat chandelier.
There is no Christmas market at Yebisu Garden Place this year, but it’s still well worth the visit for the illuminations and to pop into The Westin Hotel to view the beautifully festive 5-meter tall Christmas tree.
Dates: 12th November 2022 ~ 9th January 2023
Times: 11:00 ~ 23:00
Price: Free
Location: 5 minutes walk from Ebisu Station East Exit, on the Yamanote Line
Tips for The Best Illumination Experience
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Visiting winter illuminations is a wonderful way to pass the time, and most of the events are free, which is a great plus! I always like to check the weather before going and make sure I wrap up warm. Choosing illumination events with hot drinks nearby is a great way to keep warm! Hot chocolate, coffee or maybe some mulled wine at the Christmas markets can top off an evening of illumination viewing!
Your Tokyo Christmas Illumination Experiences in 2022
We would love to hear about your experiences of visiting illuminations in 2022. Write us a comment, or send us a message on Instagram for your illumination reviews, and a chance to be featured on our Instagram stories.
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Ethical, Vegan-Friendly Christmas Markets in Tokyo for Eco-Conscious Gifts and Good Food
The Best Gluten-Free, Vegan Christmas Cake Options in Japan 2022
