Great Winter Dating Spot! How to Enjoy Tokyo Mega Illumi
Nothing is more exciting for a winter date than seeing illuminations!
Of all the many illumination spots in Tokyo, the Oi Racecourse, which presents Tokyo Mega Illumi is the hottest, ranked 1st for three years in a row (2020, 2021 and 2022) in the Walkerplus+ “Japan Top Illuminations Ranking.”
If you haven’t gone to see it yet, here is our guide on Tokyo Mega Illumi and recommended dating spots in the neighborhood. Plan your dates surrounding Tokyo Mega Illumi and enjoy your winter outing!
Table of contents
What Is Tokyo Mega Illumi?
The Oi Racecourse in Shinagawa holds a winter illumination event, Tokyo Mega Illumi, 2023-2024 Oi Racecourse Illuminations, while a horse race is not scheduled. The 2023-2024 Season is scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023 - Monday (holiday), January 8, 2024.
Its popularity is evident in the top ranking for three years in a row (2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023) in the Walkerplus+ “Japan Top Illuminations Ranking”, and first time selection as 1st for ”Best Ever Visited Illuminations in Japan (2022-2023)”.
Tokyo Mega Illumi’s biggest appeal is:
● Grand illumination covering the vast space made possible by horse race track
● Daily horse events
Yes, it is the combination of illumination and horses.
How to Get There
The Oi Racecourse which hosts Tokyo Mega Illumi is conveniently located, close to the heart of Tokyo and Haneda Airport!
From Haneda Airport, Tokyo Monorail will take you directly to the closest station “Oi Keibajo-mae,” then, it is just a 2-minute walk from the station! There is a huge parking lot. Not only by train, but it is also easy to get there by car.
For detailed directions, please refer to the official website.
To get to Tokyo Mega Illumi, Tokyo Monorail is the best way!
You are with your date, and you want to enjoy every minute, even during the transportation right? Then, Tokyo Monorail is recommended. Unlike regular trains, It runs on the higher rails where you, two, can enjoy the immense cityscape from the windows.
Kiki & Lala decorates the Wrapped Monorail inside and out with seasonal views
Tokyo Monorail collaborates with Kiki & Lala of Little Twin Stars - Sunrio’s popular characters - and runs their wrapped monorails. One of the two trains, Twinkle Tour Train, has four seasons as its theme. Each of their cars is decorated with Kiki & Lala having fun in spring, summer, fall and winter. As you look around each car, you may forget time! Do not get too involved with cute Kiki & Lala and forget to get off at the Oi Keibajo-mae Station. *Only regular train (which stops at every station) stops there.
For details of Tokyo Monorail’s schedule, see below:
Entrance Fees and Open Days for Tokyo Mega Illumination
Entrance fees to the ever-popular Tokyo Mega Illumi event vary per season. Please see the chart below for details.
Entrance Fees
Below fares are for date-specified advanced tickets and same day window sales.
Date Availability for Different Rates
- A Rates
- 11/20~11/22, 11/24, 11/27~12/1, 12/11~12/15, 12/18~12/21
- B Rates
- 11/11~11/12, 11/18~11/19, 11/23, 11/25~11/26, 12/2~12/3, 12/9~12/10, 1/4~1/5
- C Rates
- 12/16~12/17, 12/22, 1/2~1/3, 1/6~1/8
- D Rates
- 12/23~12/25
Open Days
Open Days and Closures are indicated in the calendar below.
Open hours are from 4:30pm to 9:00pm. Last entry is 8:00pm. Please plan for plenty of extra time.
There are advance tickets, set tickets, etc. to save money at Tokyo Mega illumi. Check their website:
5 Must-Sees for a Couple
With the advantage of the vast Oi Racecourse’s vast grounds, Tokyo Mega illumi has so many illuminations, food joints and events that it may be hard to decide where to go first. Of the many attractions, if you are with a date, visit these spots and you are sure to have the biggest fun! Savor the fantastic ambience and astounding illumination to create a romantic winter memory.
1, Mega Illumi Show to take you to a fantacy world with a dazzling fountain
You must not miss the Mega Illumi Show which comes on every 20 minutes! The 2023-2024 performance features a whole new line-up of songs, meaning there’s plenty new to love, even if it’s not your first time.
A Rainbow Fountain Bathed in Light, Aurora Forest, and Giant Tree Playing with the Light are the three main programs in the Mega Illumi Show. When you visit here, go watch them first of all!
The breathtaking performance of vibrant “light x water x music!” A Rainbow Fountain Bathed in Light
“A Rainbow Fountain Bathed in Light” changes themes every 20 minutes. A dynamic fountain show with astonishing light and water effects. Exhilarating music and laser performance are a treat for the night.
We can see Aurora in Japan? The Aurora Forest
The latest laser technology puts up a mystical aurora above your heads in the Aurora Forest. Watch aurora together and the two of you will be steeped in a romantic ambience.
Experience the curious world of great trees and light! “Giant Tree Playing with the Light”
“Giant Tree Playing with the Light” offers you a whimsical and incredible experience with a huge tree and the dancing light on it.
2. Meet the horses in a fantastic arena! The Horse Event
You can enjoy illuminations plus horses only at Tokyo Mega Illumi! The Horse Event lets you take photos with miniature horses and ponies dressed in illumination.
3. The excitement knows no end! An array of expressions with illumination
The light tunnel “Edo Cherry Blossom Tunnel” is a 100m stretch of cherry-blossom-shaped light bulbs along with lovely music. The dreamy presentation “A Dazzling Waterfall” describes the source of a river and mother nature’s story. At the “Wisteria Pergola,” purple artistic flowers hang like a sparkling waterfall. Tokyo Mega Illumi is full of spots with diverse presentations.
“What will we see next?” You cannot help but get excited!
4. You can walk & eat or take a break! Plenty of food joints
Not only illumination and horse events, but Tokyo Mega Illumi also provides plenty of eateries! Look at illuminations while eating “Horseshoe Churros.”
Warm up yourself by eating “Motsu Nikomi,” talked about among horse race fans, or “Oshiruko,” the Japanese sweet bean soup.
A lot of gourmet food which will fill your stomach and heart!
When you get tired of walking or get chilled, stop by at the eateries on the grounds!
5. Only at Tokyo Mega Illumi! Original horse goods
Tokyo Mega Illumi offers a number of original horse goods! Stuffed miniature horses, the popular glowing keychains, and many more. If you are a horse lover, you will be delighted with the variety. Would you like to get matching goods for the two of you?
Great Dating Spots in the Vicinity
Around Tokyo Mega Illumi, there are lots of charming dating spots along Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport. During the hours until the illumination gets turned on, use Tokyo Monorail and visit fascinating places together!
1. Shinagawa Aquarium
Under the theme of “Interaction with the Sea and Rivers,” the Shinagawa Aquarium has 450 species of different creatures waiting for you to see. You can watch the performance show by dolphins and seals up close which is so much fun.
There are also set tickets that offer a discount on admission to both Tokyo Mega Illumi and Shinagawa Aquarium, so those who wish to enjoy both may consider purchasing a set ticket.
2. Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower has the observation deck with a sweeping view over the metropolis of Tokyo, beloved by dating couples. Take to the main deck 150 meters in the sky for full, 360-degree panoramic views out over central Tokyo.
Don’t forget to check the Sky Walk Window, a glass section of the floor where you can peer out at the earth below your toes!
Lose yourself in the exhilarating thrills that are anything but ordinary.
Like Shinagawa Aquarium, Tokyo Tower has the discount set ticket combined with Tokyo Mega Illumi. If you would like to enjoy both, consider the set ticket for Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Mega Illumi.
3. Tennozu Isle
The man-made island, Tennozu Isle, floats in Shinagawa District’s waterfront area with facilities for art, food and culture clustering. Meander on the boardwalk near the waterfront and enjoy the art dotting the town. The sperb view of the metropolis and the ocean is one of Tennozu Isle’s appeals.
Summary
We have shared the appeals of Tokyo Mega Illumi, ranked top at the Nationwide Illumination Ranking as well as dating spots along Tokyo Monorail. What did you think?
Tokyo Mega Illumi has not only illuminations and horse events but also Sanrio’s popular character show and other events. If you are interested, check the official website.
If you are planning a trip to Tokyo with your date, how about putting the Tokyo Mega illumi at the center and visiting the surrounding dating spots?