11 Buzz-Worthy Illuminations to Brighten Up the Tokyo Winter

Located in the area spanning the cities of Inagi in Tokyo and Kawasaki in Kanagawa, Yomiuri Land is Tokyo’s premier, historic amusement park set just about 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku.
The "Jewellumination" event at Yomiuri Land is among the most popular illumination events in Tokyo, heralded as the world's first illumination event to utilize gemstone color-inspired LED lights. During the event, the park sparkles and transforms into a dream-like atmosphere.
One perk of picking this spot is that you can enjoy a view out over the lights from the rides. Step into the Ferris wheel, to see not only the park in all its dazzling glory, but also out passed illuminated landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree in the distance.

The Marunouchi Illumination continues to stand as a winter tradition in the Marunouchi area for over 20 years now. The main draw at this event is the Marunouchi Naka-dori main street, spanning about 1.2 km with a lineup of popular brand shops.
From the Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan in front of Yurakucho station to Otemachi Naka-dori, around 340 trees throughout the Marunouchi area are decked out with as much as 1.2 million LED bulbs, all of which are set aglow at the same time. During the event, not only the street but the entire city glows in a shimmering champagne gold, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

The approximately 400m long "Keyakizaka" in Roppongi sparkles in blue and white with about 800,000 LEDs during the Keyakizaka Illumination. Throughout the event, the streets along this chic little area are all lit up with gorgeous colors and an air of romance. Tall buildings and the glittering zelkova trees line the street, and in the distance, the Tokyo Tower is visible, making for a perfect photo spot.

Ebisu Garden Place is a shopping hub set in a green-filled area, home to restaurants, cafes, a department store with popular brand shops, a cinema, an art museum, and more. From casual cafes to top-tier establishments, a wide array of foodie delights are available to try. The buildings themselves, along with their walkups offer plenty of gorgeous, calm and serene vibes for shopping and strolling. In winter of each year, you can even find the illumination event Baccarat ETERNAL LIGHTS, featuring a Baccarat chandelier made of over 8,000 crystals and 250 lights. Wander around this luxe space for a time away in elegance, surrounded by crystals and lights. There’s even a Christmas tree put up to help you get into the spirit.

Held on non-racing days at the Oi Racecourse in Shinagawa, the winter-only TOKYO MEGA ILLUMINATION is a definite must. The event is so popular that it’s ranked first for three consecutive years in Walker Plus's "Japan's Must-Visit Illumination Ranking" and also achieved the top spot in the "Japan's Glad-We-Visited Illumination Ranking".
The main things to check at the TOKYO MEGA ILLUMINATION:
・Sprawling, wide open space you can only find at a racecourse filled up with grand illumiations
・Horse-themed events held daily
This unique combination of "Illumination x Horse", capitalizing on the racecourse's features, offers a truly unparalleled experience. Don’t miss it!

Held annually at Yoyogi Park, the "Ao no Dokutsu SHIBUYA" illumination event offers a fantastical Shibuya immersed in deep blue. The production and venue change every year, so it provides a fresh twist to discover each time.

While the Meguro River is renowned for its cherry blossoms, many travelers don’t know the trees get a second wind when they “bloom” again in winter! Every year from November to February, trees along the approximately 2.2km riverside are all alight with 350,000 cherry blossom-colored LEDs, creating a spectacle resembling fully bloomed cherry blossoms in winter. The illumination covers the area around JR Osaki Station and Gotanda Station. Swing by for all the buzz of Meguro River in winter, a beauty unlike anything you know from the spring.

Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is the shopping hub that awaits in Hibiya, the heart of Tokyo. Inside you’ll find some 60 shops and restaurants, as well as a movie theater, sky garden and more for everything you’ll need to stay entertained with an ultra-luxe vibe and flair.
As Christmas approaches, the Hibiya Magic Time Illumination event transforms this chic destination into a dreamy and romantic realm. Streets and plazas around Tokyo Midtown Hibiya come alive with illuminations and the spirit of Christmas. The romantic setting, with illuminations and Christmas trees shimmering against a backdrop of towering skyscrapers, is a perfect spot for a winter date.

Tokyo Dome City is a vast leisure complex encompassing the famous Tokyo Dome baseball stadium. This extensive entertainment hub combines an amusement park, restaurants, shops, hotels, and more. Admission to the amusement park is free, meaning visitors can easily hop on rides by just paying the ride fee. Additionally, LaQua just inside is where you’ll find amenities, eateries, and a natural hot spring spa.
Every winter, Tokyo Dome City comes alive with an extra special illumination. The theme changes every year, ringing in a dramatic display and one-of-a-kind moment that is truly once in a lifetime.

Situated at the heart of the Omotesando-Harajuku area is the shopping megaplex, "
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku", home to a smattering of popular brands from Japan and around the world. The shopping floors span from the basement level up to the 5th floor, featuring an array of distinctive shops, ranging from fashion, accessories, to various knick-knacks. The cosmetic shops in particular have been the talk of the town for their comprehensive product line-up. On the 6th floor you’ll find a beautiful garden sanctuary, Omohara no Mori, providing a serene space amidst lush greenery.
During the Christmas season, an illumination event takes place in Omohara no Mori, where the various plants and trees are gently illuminated. The warm, comforting ambiance of the "OMOHARA Christmas Illumination" is its hallmark feature.

Located in the heart of Tokyo's Minato ward, Akasaka, Tokyo Midtown is a vast urban complex featuring expansive green spaces and six distinct buildings. This shopping multiplex is home to various shops, restaurants, offices, hotels, green areas, and museums. Around 130 establishments, including high-quality specialty shops and gourmet restaurants that offer both domestic and international cuisines, line the area.
Every year, Tokyo Midtown hosts MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS. With "BE ENCHANTED..." as its concept for 2023, expect to find all the fantasy and whimsy of Christmas as captured by light and sound. Once here you’ll find the "Promenade of Light", lined with trees radiating a refined golden glow, a Christmas tree made of discarded pruned branches, and art pieces that invoke the Christmas spirit even during daylight and within the facility.

Centered around Omotesando Station, within roughly a 1km radius, lies Omotesando - an upscale district boasting both emerging and high-end brands. Various illumination events grace this relatively compact area, especially as the Christmas season approaches, making the entire district sparkle. A standout feature is approximately 150 Zelkova trees, symbolic of Omotesando, bathed in a soft golden light. The aforementioned OMOHARA Christmas illumination is also one of the events held in this area.

Located in Tokyo's Minato ward, Odaiba is a vast man-made island developed in part of Tokyo Bay. Featuring indoor theme parks and expansive seaside parks, it's a perfect spot for families to indulge in active fun. With numerous large shopping complexes, you can easily spend an entire day shopping. One spot you won’t want to miss is over at DECKS Tokyo Beach, called “Odaiba Illumination 'YAKEI'," which offers mesmerizing views of the illuminations set against the stunning backdrop of Odaiba's cityscape. You also won’t want to miss catching a glimpse of the dazzling Daiba Memorial Tree standing around 20m tall and 10m wide. Another must-visit is the Seaside Terrace, a cozy, photo-worthy escape.

Tokyo Station stands as the city's primary gateway. The station complex houses an array of shopping facilities, ensuring you can shop all day. Additionally, it's a foodie haven, offering local specialties not just from Tokyo but from all over Japan. Every winter, the "Tokyo Michi Terrace" illumination event comes back around, transforming the vicinity of Tokyo Station with gleaming lights. Trees in the surrounding areas are adorned with LEDs in various colors, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The nostalgic ambiance of Tokyo Station, enveloped in these mystical lights, makes for a delightful experience even if just for a stroll.