Top 10 Picks for Tokyo Winter Illuminations 2024 – 2025
There are numerous illumination spots in Tokyo, ranging from famous locations like Sinjuku, Roppongi, and Omotesando to lesser-known hidden gems. With so many options, it can be hard to decide where to go.
When the illumination season begins, countless people flock to the glowing streets of Tokyo, spending precious moments with loved ones, family, or close friends.
Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Tokyo, a city that transforms into a magical world distinct from its daytime appearance!
目次
Illuminations Around Ginza and Marunouchi Area
Marunouchi, one of Japan’s leading business districts, and Tokyo Station, a major hub for travelers, host several illumination events that attract many visitors during the season.
Let’s explore some of the must-see illumination spots around Marunouchi and Tokyo Station, eagerly awaited every year.
Marunouchi Illumination 2024
Cited from Marunouchi Street Park
Marking its 23rd year, Marunouchi Illumination 2024 is a highly anticipated event. About 286 street trees in the Marunouchi area, centered on the main street, Marunouchi Naka-dori, will glow in champagne gold hues.
The main street stretches approximately 1.2 kilometers, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a glamorous evening stroll.
During the illumination period, a skating rink called “Marunouchi Street Rink” will also be set up on Gyoko-dori.
Cited from Marunouchi Street Park
Moreover, Christmas markets and food trucks will pop up along Marunouchi Naka-dori, enhancing the festive winter vibe.
Cited from Marunouchi Street Park
Enjoy skating under the illuminations or savor warm, limited-edition treats while soaking in the magic of Marunouchi Illumination 2024.
- Location: Gyoko-dori and Marunouchi Naka-dori
- Dates: Thursday, November 14, 2024 – Wednesday, December 25, 2024
- Lighting Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Access: Near Marunouchi South Exit of JR/Tokyo Metro Tokyo Station
- Official Website: Marunouchi Street Park
TOKYO ILLUMILIA 2024
Cited from：TOKYO ILLUMILIA 2024
Since 2009, TOKYO ILLUMILIA has been lighting up the Yaesu and Nihonbashi areas to revitalize these districts. The sparkling illuminations, designed to uplift those working and commuting in the area, offer a comforting respite from the day’s fatigue.
Cited from：TOKYO ILLUMILIA 2024
The event primarily takes place along Sakura-dori and Nakadori in the Tokyo Station Yaesu-Nihonbashi district. With a long lighting period from November 6, 2024, to February 14, 2025, and extended hours until late at night, it’s a great spot for spontaneous visits.
- Location: Sakura-dori and Nakadori
- Dates: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 – Friday, February 14, 2025
- Lighting Hours: 4:30 PM – 11:30 PM
- Access: Near Yaesu North/Central Exit of JR Tokyo Station
- Official Website: Tokyo Illumilia
Tokyo Square Garden Winter Illumination
Cited from Tokyo Square Garden
Tokyo Square Garden hosts one of the largest illuminations in the Kyobashi area, featuring approximately 170,000 LED lights powered by renewable energy.
Cited from Tokyo Square Garden
The iconic symbol of this event is the 8-meter-tall Christmas tree. In collaboration with artists addressing societal and environmental issues, this unique artistic illumination display is a must-see.
- Location: Tokyo Square Garden, B1F Plaza
- Dates: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 – Friday, January 31, 2025
- Lighting Hours: 4:00 PM – Midnight
- Access: Directly connected to Exit 3 of Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Kyobashi Station
- Official Website: Tokyo Square Garden News
Nihonbashi Illumination 2024
The Nihonbashi Illumination 2024 is a winter tradition in Nihonbashi. More than 200,000 lights illuminate landmarks like historic buildings, mixed-use complexes along Chuo-dori, and cherry blossom trees lining Edo Sakura Street.
Running from November 1, 2024, to February 14, 2025, this year’s theme is “Joyful Nihonbashi.” The warm lighting aims to fill visitors with happiness. During the Christmas season, a Christmas tree will appear in the COREDO Muromachi Terrace Grand Roof Plaza.
Be sure to enjoy the festive atmosphere while listening to music performances!
- Location: Edo Sakura Street, Honmachi-dori, Chuo-dori
- Dates: Friday, November 1, 2024 – Friday, February 14, 2025
- Lighting Hours: 5:00 PM – Midnight
- Access: Near Mitsukoshimae Station or JR Sobu Rapid Line Shin-Nihombashi Station
- Official Website: Muromachi Area
Illuminations in Minato City (Roppongi, Toranomon, etc.)
For those looking to enjoy winter events alongside stunning cityscapes, the illuminations around Minato City offer a romantic, extraordinary atmosphere.
Tokyo World Gate Winter Illumination
Held in the Toranomon and Kamiyacho areas, Tokyo World Gate Winter Illumination features sparkling gold and white lights that create a jewel-like ambiance, perfect for a dreamy winter evening.
If you’re staying in the area, consider the Tokyo Edition Toranomon hotel, which offers breathtaking views of Tokyo Tower and the cityscape from its upper floors.
- Location: 4-1-1 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo
- Dates: TBD (Check the official website for updates)
- Lighting Hours: TBD
- Access: Direct access from Kamiyacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
- Official Website: Tokyo World Gate
TORANOMON LIGHT ART
Cited from TORANOMON LIGHT ART
This walking-style illumination event in Toranomon Hills features artistic light installations integrated into the urban landscape.
Perfect for strolling with friends, family, or a partner, it debuted in 2023 and featured innovative works like “Firefly Field,” mimicking the gentle glow of fireflies, and “Tornado,” a luminous spiral of light.
- Location: Toranomon Hills and Shintora Avenue Area
- Dates: TBD (Check the official website for updates)
- Lighting Hours: TBD
- Access: Near Toranomon Hills Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
- Official Website: Toranomon Light Art
Roppongi Hills Christmas 2024
Cited from Roppongi Hills
Roppongi Hills transforms into a winter wonderland with its Keyakizaka Illumination. About 400 meters of the avenue are adorned with approximately 800,000 SNOW & BLUE LED lights, creating a magical winter scene.
Cited from Roppongi Hills
From November 7 to December 25, 2024, the area offers various events, including a German-style Christmas market at the Grand Roof Plaza.
You would have fun with real German food and drink there.
The 66 Plaza also features “Luminous Bouquet,” an illumination inspired by a sparkling bouquet.
- Location: Roppongi Hills (Keyakizaka Avenue, etc.)
- Dates: Thursday, November 7, 2024 – Wednesday, December 25, 2024
- Lighting Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Access: Near Exit 1C of Tokyo Metro Roppongi Station
- Official Website: Roppongi Hills
Illuminations Around Shinjuku
Known as one of Japan’s busiest entertainment districts, Shinjuku offers a unique twist to its usual glittering cityscape with several winter illumination events.
Shinjuku Park Tower Winter Illumination 2024
Cited from Shinjuku Park Tower
If you’re visiting Shinjuku, don’t miss the Shinjuku Park Tower Winter Illumination 2024! The warm, glowing lights bring a magical ambiance to the area, surrounded by towering skyscrapers in West Shinjuku.
Cited from Shinjuku Park Tower
Centered around the Fountain Plaza, the display features approximately 60,000 lights, offering a distinct view of the nighttime cityscape. The illumination runs from 4:00 PM to 6:30 AM, providing plenty of time to enjoy the atmosphere.
After viewing the illumination, you can have fun with dining and shopping around the Park Tower.
- Location: 3-7-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
- Dates: Monday, November 11, 2024 – Friday, February 14, 2025
- Lighting Hours: 4:00 PM – 6:30 AM
- Access: Near JR Shinjuku Station South Exit
- Official Website: Shinjuku Park Tower
Shinjuku Minami Lumi
Shinjuku Minami Lumi features dazzling displays across six facilities under the theme, “Light Colors the Heart – Colorful & Heartful.”
The area, stretching from JR Shinjuku Station’s New South Gate to Southern Terrace and Takashimaya Times Square, is transformed into a corridor of light.
Marking its 10th anniversary in 2024, this event is a must-visit for those who have never experienced its unique charm.
- Location: JR South Shinjuku Building, JR Shinjuku Miraina Tower, and others
- Dates: Friday, November 15, 2024 – Friday, February 14, 2025
- Lighting Hours: 5:00 PM – Midnight
- Access: Near JR Shinjuku Station New South Exit
- Official Website: Odakyu Minami Lumi
Sunshine Aquarium Marine Garden Illumination
Cited from The Sunshine Aquarium
The Sunshine Aquarium Marine Garden Illumination is a serene display atop the World Import Mart Building in Sunshine City. Visitors can enjoy the calming glow of this urban oasis while observing various aquatic creatures.
Every 20 minutes, mist is released to create a mystical atmosphere that transports viewers to a different world.
- Location: 3-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo
- Dates: Monday, December 2, 2024 – Wednesday, December 25, 2024
- Lighting Hours: From 4:00 PM
- Access: Near Ikebukuro Station (JR, Tokyo Metro, Seibu, and Tobu Lines)
- Official Website: Sunshine City
Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Extreme Illumination 2024
At Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park, you can enjoy the unique Extreme Illumination 2024.
The “Icicles of Light,” a glowing blue installation in the Global Ring, the “Flying Owl,” a 3D projection of Ikebukuro’s symbolic owl, and the “Light Aquarium,” a photo spot inspired by a luminous underwater world, come together to create a magical and unique space that can only be experienced here.
The special “Flying Owl” projection is shown five times daily for about five minutes at 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8:30 PM.
If you’d like to enjoy the “Flying Owl” projection, be sure to visit during one of the scheduled showtimes.
- Location: Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park
- Dates: Saturday, November 16, 2024 – Friday, February 28, 2025
- Lighting Hours: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Access: 1-minute walk from the Metropolitan Exit of Ikebukuro Station
- Official Website: Extreme Illumination
Enjoy winter illumination in Tokyo!
Tokyo’s illuminations offer countless opportunities to create memorable moments with loved ones, from famous attractions to hidden gems. Many displays run for extended periods and late into the night, making them perfect for post-work visits.
Check the event dates, times, and access details, and immerse yourself in the enchanting winter world unique to Tokyo. Let the twinkling lights and festive decorations brighten your season!
