Tokyo, while not really a religious city in comparison to many, has some really good ‘illuminations’ and ‘light-up’ displays around Christmas and New Year’s.
What makes Tokyo so great is that all the main shopping centers, malls and department stores have entered a battle to see who can make the best illuminations. There are all vieing for customers, so each year the lights get even more and more outlandish and over the top. But for budget travelers, this offer an opportunity to see some speculator sights for totally free!
Shinjuku Southern Terrace
Walk to the Southern Terrace outside the station to see a load of different cute installations and pretty illuminations. See many glittering trees while you do a bit of shopping, or just window shopping!
When: November 12th – December 25th
Tokyo Skytree
Some really nice, modern illuminations that are a little different from most. It’s also super cool to see the Skytree lit up and animating.
When: November 1st- December 25th
Midtown Illuminations
The ‘Starlight Garden’ lights are the ones to see if you only have time for one illumination area. Lovely synchronized animations appear all over the park and trees.
When: November 28th – December 25th
Access: Roppongi on the Hibiya and Oedo lines.
Caretta Illumination
Usually not the most exciting of salaryman areas, Caretta comes into it’s own in the winter. The “Canyon d’Azur” features an ocean of blue LED lights spread out over a huge area.
When: 13th November – 12th January
Access: Shiodome station on the Oedo line.
Tokyo Dome
A little tacky, but in a good way. The ‘Promenade of Light’ is a great place for some nice photos ops, and there are loads of restaurants and cafes to sit down in and enjoy the lights. 2.2 million lights!
When: November 6th to February 15th
Access: Korakuen station.
Nakameguro River Blue Cavern
The amazing ‘Blue Cavern’ illuminations sees the famous river lined with trees covered in pretty blue lights. A very stylish place to hang out in the evening as well.
When: November 23rd to December 25th
Access: Next to Nakameguro station (Hibiya line).
Ginza
Ginza is the luxury shopping area, so many of the shops go to crazy lengths to light up their massive stores. Classy, but also very over the top!
When: November 15th – December 25th
Access: Just outside Ginza station on the Ginza metro line.
Maronouchi Illuminations
Some super posh illuminations in a super posh area. Make sure you eat before or after as this area is pricey!
When: November 13th to February 15th
Access: Easily walkable from Ginza.
Omotesando
One of Tokyo’s most popular spots for winter illuminations, with lots of couples and fashionable people enjoying some amazing lights. That’s some 500,000 champagne-coloured LED lights!
When: December 1st – December 25th
Access: The main street from Harajuku.
Odaiba
A traditional Christmas tree is lit up on the bay, so the views over the city are stunning. Many of the shopping malls on the island are also battling with their own illuminations as well!
When: November 13th – March 15th
Any others you like? Send us a message or comment below!
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