The whole city is basked in golden lights, making it a fun place to visit no matter where you go.

Winter Illumination Guide in Tokyo 2022-2023

When people from overseas ask me about the best time of year to visit Tokyo, I always recommend either the cherry blossom season or winter, when the city is lit up with spectacular light displays. The four seasons in Japan are beautiful, with each one offering its own unique pleasures, but if your visit is limited to Tokyo, the beauty of the city during these two seasons is truly exceptional. Especially during the winter illumination season, the whole city is basked in golden lights, making it a fun place to visit no matter where you go. You can enjoy gorgeous light displays from early December through the beginning of February in various spots around Tokyo. In this article, we introduce a list of recommended illumination spots for the 2022-2023 season.

Pros
· Illumination events are staged at various locations around Tokyo, making them the perfect place for date nights.
· Lights are displayed from early December through the beginning of February, making it easy to plan your trip.
· Restaurants and department stores in Japan are open during the Christmas season.

Cons
· In Japan, Christmas is a day to go on a date with your significant other, so restaurants are almost always full at this time of year. Early reservations are essential.
· The entire city is crowded with people.

Recommended illumination spots

Yebisu Garden Place (Yebisu)
Roppongi Hills (Roppongi)
Marunouchi Area (Otemachi, Marunouchi, Yurakucho)
Tokyo Midtown (Roppongi)
Omotesando Street (Harajuku)

1．Yebisu Garden Place (Yebisu)

“Form – of Baccarat ETERNAL LIGHTS- joy”
A sacred place for lovers that has been used as a location for filming TV drama series. Visitors can enjoy one of the world’s largest Baccarat chandeliers.

Access: 5 minute walk from JR Yebisu Station East Exit
Date: November 12, 2022 to January 9, 2023
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

2．Roppongi Hills (Roppongi)

“Keyakizaka Illumination”
This illumination is noted for its use of blue and white LED lights. The 400-meter-long row of Zelkova trees bathed in blue is a must-see.

Access: Direct access available from Tokyo Metro Roppongi Station 1C Exit
Date: November 10 to December 25, 2022
Hours: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

3．Marunouchi Area (Otemachi, Marunouchi, Yurakucho)

“Marunouchi Illumination 2022”
The trees along the street in the Marunouchi area are decorated in champagne gold. Luxury brand stores line the street, making it a great place for a spot of shopping.

Access: Short walk from JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi Central Exit
Date: November 10, 2022 to February 19, 2023
Hours: 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (till midnight in December)

4．Tokyo Midtown (Roppongi)

“Promenade of Lights”
The tree-lined streets surrounding Tokyo Midtown are basked in gold. Midtown during the Christmas season is also brimming with other attractions, such as Christmas trees.

Access: Direct access available from TokyoToei Subway Roppongi Station 8 Exit
Date: November 17, 2022 to February 26, 2023
Hours: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

5．Omotesando Street (Harajuku)

“Omotesando Fendi Illumination 2022”
The rows of Zelkova trees (about 150 trees), a symbol of Omotesando, are lit up with golden lighting. The shrubs that adorn the planter boxes are also illuminated, creating a fantastical atmosphere.

Access: Short walk from JR Harajuku Station, Tokyo Metro Meiji Jingumae Station OR Omotesando Station
Date: December 1 to 29, 2022
Hours: Sunset to 10:00 p.m.