Winter and Christmas illuminations are a magical and exciting time 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!
Must-See Christmas Illumination Installations in Tokyo
Here is a list of this year’s must-see winter and Christmas illuminations! Some of these illuminations may be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, so please ensure you check with their official site before heading out.
Image credits: Canva
TOKYO MEGA ILLUMINATION 2024-2025
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. This is a paid event, visit their site to purchase advance tickets or pay at the entrance. With various vendors and food stalls, its the perfect place to spend your day at.
Check out the fountain light show, giant tree light project mapping installation, and the impressive Twinkle Tunnel, great for photos!
Dates: 2nd November 2024 ~ 12th January 2025
Times: 16:30 ~ 21:00
Price: 800 ~ 1,500 yen for adults, 300 ~ 800 yen for children
Location: 2 mins walk from Tokyo Monorail Oi Keibajyo Station
TOKYO MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS
Visit one of Tokyo’s most popular Christmas illuminations at the Tokyo MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS. Enjoy illuminations, Christmas decorations and a huge outdoor skating rink! There’s fun for all! This year you can enjoy one of their new and fascinating events called the Ensemble Lights, where about 240,000 soap bubble illuminations will be displayed.
While you’re in Roppongi, be sure to head over to Roppongi Hills for more Christmas lights!
Dates: 14th November ~ 25th December 2024
Times: 17:00 ~ 23:00
Price: Free
Location: Midtown Garden, direct access from Roppongi Station Exit 8
Official site (Japanese site)
Roppongi Hills Christmas
Image credits: Canva
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: 7th November ~ 25th December 2024
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
Image credits: Canva
The Meguro river might be famous for cherry blossoms, 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 used cooking oil waste collected from homes and restaurants in the area!
Dates: 15th November 2024 ~ 13th January 2025
Time: 17:00 ~ 22:00
Price: Free
Location: 6 minutes walk from either Gotanda or Osaki Stations on the Yamanote Line
Official site (Japanese site)
Tokyo Skytree Dream Christmas 2024
Visit one of Tokyo’s most anticipated events of the year! The Tokyo Skytree Dream Christmas is the perfect event to get you into the holiday spirit. With several performances and events taking place throughout months and festive illuminations to light up the area, this is a great place for groups of all kinds.
Walk through the Christmas market and enjoy all kinds of foods and drinks. If you’re feeling cold, head inside Tokyo Skytree (entrance fee required) where there will be several photo spots to choose from. This year the planetarium will have a special display, be sure to check it out.
Dates: 7th November 2024 ~ 25th December 2025
Time: 17:30 ~ 00:00
Price: Free (Entrance fee to enter Tokyo Skytree)
Location: 6 minutes walk from Oshiage Station (Tokyo Skytree) via the Asakusa line, Hanzomon line, Oshiage line, Keisei Narita Skyaccess, and the Tobu Skytree line.
Official site (Japanese site)
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.
Good news for everyone! The Christmas market at Yebisu Garden Place will return this year, so you can happily go there on an empty stomach. While you’re in the area pop into The Westin Hotel to view the beautifully festive Christmas tree as well as their other extravagent Christmas decorations.
Dates: 9th November 2024 ~ 13th January 2025
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
Visiting Christmas illuminations is a wonderful way to pass the time, and most of the events are free, which is a great plus! Be sure to check the weather before going and dress accordingly as the nighttime brings colder temperatures. If you’re heading to a Christmas market grab yourself a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine, a holiday specialty perfect for warming up.
Your Tokyo Christmas Illumination Experience in 2024/ 2025
Exploring Tokyo’s top winter and Christmas illumination spots is a magical experience that captures the city’s vibrant charm and creative spirit. From glittering streets to dazzling displays, these illuminations transform Tokyo into a luminous wonderland, offering unforgettable moments for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re seeking romance, family fun, or simply a stunning backdrop for your memories, Tokyo’s illuminated nights promise to leave you enchanted. So, grab your camera, bundle up, and immerse yourself in the glow of Tokyo’s sparkling lightscapes!
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