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. As most illuminations were cancelled last year due to the pandemic, this years are sure to be even more special! 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 2021-2022
The Oi Racecourse is hosting their MEGA illumination event again this year, and are collaborating with NAKED Inc. 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 100 meter long Edo Cherry Light Tunnel, great for those photo opps!
In the collaboration with NAKED Inc., NAKED BIG BOOK, follow the white horse as it guides you through the illuminations on a storybook journey.
Dates: 16th October 2021 ~ 10th April 2022
Price: 800~1,000 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, marvel at the colourful large snow dome, complete with soap bubbles (until 12th December), and visit the Christmas tree, where dreams come true.
While you’re in Roppongi, you might as well head over to Roppongi Hills too for more Christmas lights!
Dates: 18th November ~ 25th December 2021
Price: Free
Location: 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 700,000 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: 27th November ~ 25th December 2021
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!
Dates: 10th December 2021 ~ 6 February 2022
Price: Free
Location: 6 minutes walk from either Gotanda or Osaki Stations on the Yamanote Line
Yebisu Garden Place
Visit Yebisu Garden Place’s annual illuminations for the huge outdoors Christmas tree, over 100,000 LED light illuminations, and of course, “Baccarat ETERNAL LIGHTS”, the world’s largest Baccarat chandelier.
Also check out the Christmas market for some delicious food and drinks, and pop into The Westin hotel for a beautifully festive Christmas tree decoration.
Dates: 3rd November 2021 ~ 10th January 2022
Price: Free
Location: 6 minutes walk from either Gotanda or Osaki Stations on the Yamanote Line
Tips for The Best Illumination Experience
Credits: Canva.com
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 hot wine at the Christmas markets can top off an evening of illumination viewing!
Your Tokyo Christmas Illumination Experiences in 2021
We would love to hear about your experiences of visiting illuminations in 2021. 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.
More reads:
- The Best Tokyo Christmas Market Locations For 2021
- 5 Best Places to Catch the First Tokyo Sunrise of 2022
