Selena Smith
October 13,2022
Despite the chilly weather, December nights in Tokyo are full of spectacular city views complemented by elaborate Christmas lights and illuminations. Spend an evening strolling down the beautifully lit streets of Ginza and Omotesando, or head to Shiodome and Shinjuku to see spectacular illuminations utilizing vast numbers of LEDs, projection mapping, and more.
Head to Caretta Shiodome to witness a festive light and music show that boasts some 250,000 LEDs. Held from mid-November to mid-February, this is also one of the city's longest-running illuminations.
Caretta Shiodome Illumination
A short walk from Roppongi Station, Tokyo Midtown shopping complex features glistening golden lights and a pop art Christmas tree. With all the light and sound performances, this new style of illumination event makes the area feel like an outdoor theater. One of the largest outdoor skating rinks in the city also operates there at the same time. With the lights on every night from mid-November until Christmas Day, Tokyo Midtown is one of Tokyo's most popular spots for winter illuminations.
Tokyo Midtown Illumination
The illumination at TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN has been redesigned to celebrate the attraction's 10th anniversary. The lights are set to run from the start of November through to Christmas. The 8-meter-tall Christmas tree, and the limited-time "Champagnetree" and "Candletree" illuminations on the tower itself are a must-see.
The theme for this year's event is "Gifts." The main concept is to create opportunities to give to others—whether that's taking a picture together or sharing the sights. Many different ways to take in and enjoy the lights have been prepared. The main 15-meter-tall Christmas tree will feature both light and sound, and is decorated with multicolor LEDs both big and small. Aside from the main tree with its 230,000 lights, there will also be a champagne gold illumination, and a "Milky Way" tunnel of light that stretches 140 meters.
Dome City Winter Illumination