Must-see Winter Illuminations in Tokyo

As winter descends upon Tokyo, the city transforms with a dazzling display of lights. From mid-November through February, Tokyo’s illuminations paint the urban landscape with a magical glow, as millions of festive lights create a captivating atmosphere around the city. These spectacular light displays, ranging from elegant to whimsical, have become an integral part of Tokyo’s winter culture, drawing in countless admirers each year.

Located a short stroll from Roppongi Station, Tokyo Midtown’s annual illumination is a must-see event. The Midtown Garden area becomes a captivating sea of blue LEDs, creating the illusion of a starry sky. The 2024 illuminations will feature over 550,000 digitally controlled LEDs synchronized with music for an amazing live show. Running from mid-November to late December, this illumination offers a serene and sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening stroll.

Roppongi Hills, one of Tokyo’s most prominent commercial complexes, hosts a stunning illumination event each winter. The famous Keyakizaka Street, located just behind Roppongi Hills, becomes a tunnel of light, with over 800,000 LEDs creating a breathtaking blue and white color scheme. The illumination is complemented by the charming Roppongi Hills Christmas Market, offering authentic European-style treats and gifts, making it a perfect spot for holiday shopping and sightseeing.

The Marunouchi area, known for its upscale shopping and dining, boasts one of Tokyo’s most elegant illuminations. More than 200 trees along Naka-dori are adorned with around 800,000 champagne-gold LEDs, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. This illumination, which has been a winter tradition since the early 2000s, will run from mid-November to mid-February.

For those willing to venture outside central Tokyo, Yomiuri Land amusement park offers the spectacular Jewellumination. This event is one of the largest illuminations in the Kanto region. The park’s attractions are adorned with lights, allowing visitors to enjoy an enchanted scenescape while riding roller coasters and Ferris wheels. You can experience the Yomiuri Land Jewellumination between mid-October and early April.

Tokyo Dome City transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual illumination event. The complex is decorated with over 600,000 LED lights, creating various themed areas. Highlights often include a giant illuminated Christmas tree wedged between the dome and the theme park. The family-friendly atmosphere, with numerous amusement rides and shopping facilities, makes it a perfect destination for a full day and evening of winter fun.

Tokyo Mega Illumi is a spectacular illumination event held at Oi Racecourse from early November to early January. Highlights include colorful tunnels, water fountain show, Japanese cultural illuminations, and more. A unique part of this event is that guests can meet friendly horses and ponies, making it a delightful outing for families and couples alike.

For visitors looking to fully immerse themselves in Tokyo’s winter illuminations, Hotel Sui Akasaka by Abest offers an ideal base. Located in the heart of the vibrant Akasaka district, this modern hotel provides easy access to many of Tokyo’s most spectacular illumination displays.

Hotel Sui Akasaka by Abest boasts a prime location, just a short walk from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station. This central position puts guests within easy reach of the Tokyo Midtown Winter Illuminations and the Roppongi Hills Christmas Lights, which are only a few stops by subway. The hotel’s proximity to multiple subway lines also makes it convenient for exploring other attractions and illuminations across the city.

The hotel itself offers a mix of comfort and contemporary style. Rooms are designed to maximize space, providing a calm retreat after a night out light-gazing with the crowds. Each room has high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, and comfortable beds.

The hotel also features a roof-top terrace that offers panoramic views of Tokyo’s cityscape. Here, guests can relax with a drink while taking in Tokyo’s twinkling lights without leaving the hotel.