5 Best Illumination Spots to Visit this Christmas In Tokyo
As we are slowly moving toward the end of December, the festive atmosphere is also permeating the air here in Japan. The country does not play when it comes to celebrating Christmas, in which the Christmas events and illuminations are some prime examples.
In this article, GoEMON will introduce you to 5 of the most popular and spectacular illumination spots that you can visit this Christmas in Tokyo.
1. Marunouchi Tokyo
Located between Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace, Marunouchi is one of the busiest commercial districts in Tokyo, Japan. The area’s main district is called Marunouchi Nakadori, which is roughly 1 kilometer long and connects Otemachi station and Yurakucho station. The street is lined with a range of boutiques and luxury stores and beautiful trees along it. When winter comes, the trees will be decorated with more than 1 million white and gold LEDs, creating a classy, elegant, and absolutely beautiful scenery that perfectly matches its expensive and fancy surroundings.
- Time: 16/11/2023 - 18/2/2024
- Location: Marunouchi Nakadori
- Website: https://www.marunouchi.com/lp/brightchristmas2023/
- Nearest station: Tokyo Station
2. Tokyo Midtown
Tokyo Midtown in Akasaka is a large multi-purpose complex that consists of various facilities such as shops, restaurants, cafes, offices, residential, hotels, and many more. The complex hosts illumination events to celebrate Christmas every year, and this year is also no exception. With the theme “BE ENCHANTED,” the event promises to captivate visitors by displaying the beautiful rhythms of nature through magical productions and bringing magical colors to the holiday season.
- Time: 16/11/2023 - 25/12/2023
- Location: 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Website: https://www.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/event/6731/
- Nearest station: Roppongi Station
3. Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo Christmas Market is one of the top Christmas illumination spots in terms of grandeur in Tokyo. The event recreates the tradition of transforming central city squares into charming, romantic destinations with decorations, lights, and stalls selling local crafts that are popular in Germany and many other European countries. There is even a massive 14-meter-high Christmas Pyramid placed in the center of the market, brought over from a German village. This event is one that you definitely should not miss this Christmas occasion.
- Time: 23/11/2023-25/12/2023 (11:00-22:00)
- Location: Meiji Jingu Gaien
- Website: https://tokyochristmas.net/
- Nearest station: Shinanomachi Station, Aoyama-Itchome Station
4. Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination
Originally a Meguro River Spectacle back in 2014, the Blue Cave is one of Tokyo’s most popular locations during the holiday season. The spot is called Blue Cave as the trees along the 800-meter-long street connecting Yoyogi Park and Shibuya Park will be decorated with a system of over 600,000 LED lights, creating a stunning and impressive display.
The event is so famous that it attracts roughly 2 million visitors each year. The closer it is to Christmas Eve, the more crowded it will be, so make sure to go there ahead of time if you want to avoid the crowd!
- Time: 1/12/2023 - 25/12/2023
- Location: 〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1. Chome, ２丁目-１ Unnamed Road
- Website: https://shibuya-aonodokutsu.jp/en/
- Nearest station: JR Shibuya Station
5. Yomiuri Land
Known as Tokyo’s largest amusement park, Yomiuriland is also famous for its large-scale illumination event called Jewellumination. This year, the park combines the image of the vast sea with aquamarine and sapphire, lush forests with emerald, land with golden sapphire, clouds with diamonds, and love with ruby to symbolize “Love for the Earth,” as per its theme of “LIGHT is LOVE.” Featuring more than 10 illumination spots, the park is sure to impress all visitors.
- Location: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi, Tokyo 206-8725
- Time: 19/10/2023 - 7/4/2024
- Website: https://www.yomiuriland.com/en/jewellumination/area/
- Nearest station: Yomiuri Land Station / Yomiuriland-mae station
Above was GoEMON’s recommendation on some of the best illumination spots that you should visit in Tokyo this Christmas. If you are living in Japan or intend to visit the country during this period, then you definitely should not skip these dazzling illumination spots! The bustling atmosphere and spectacular light-up and decorations are sure to exceed all of your expectations!
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