Winter in Japan brings with it an unexpected tradition of lighting, transforming urban spaces into sparkling wonderlands. In Tokyo, locals and tourists alike are in awe of the stunning displays. From sparkling intersections to romantic promenades, here are the top light spots to explore this season.
Tokyo’s Top Lighting Attractions
Shibuya Aomame Lighting 2024
The roads near the iconic Shibuya Crossing shimmer with turquoise light, creating a dreamlike frozen wonderland.
date and time | December 06-25・17:00-22:00 |
price | free |
Place | Shibuya Park Street |
Shibuya Sky Illumination Festival 2024
Shibuya Sky will celebrate the season with a glowing tree that stretches into the sky, as well as bubbles and mirrors.
date and time | December 2-25・11:00~・Special performance 19:00~22:00 |
price | 2,500 yen |
Place | Shibuya Sky |
Keyakizaka Lighting 2024
Watch as approximately 800,000 lights twinkle along the elegant streets of Roppongi, with twinkling light trails throughout the complex.
date and time | November 7th – December 25th・17:00-23:00 |
price | free |
Place | Keyakizaka |
Tokyo Midtown Light Avenue 2024
The much-loved light event is back for another year. Enjoy a charming stroll along the shimmering golden open-air pathways.
date and time | November 14, 2024 ~ February 24, 2025・17:00-23:00 |
price | free |
Place | Midtown Garden |
More information | Located on the first floor of the square |
Shinjuku Southern Terrace Minamillum 2024-2025
The Shinjuku Minami Terrace winter light show is back with the “Twinkle Light System”, an impressive interactive light show.
date and time | November 15, 2024 ~ February 14, 2025・16:30-00:00 |
price | free |
Place | Shinjuku South Terrace |
Marunouchi Park Illumination and Christmas Market 2024
Some 286 trees in the Marunouchi area will be decorated with approximately 820,000 sparkling champagne gold LED bulbs. Stroll through the Christmas markets and ice skate under the twinkling lights.
date and time | November 14th – December 25th・11:00-22:00・Activity dates and times vary, please check the website for each attraction |
price | free |
Place | Marunouchi Nakadori Avenue |
Ebisu Garden Plaza Winter Lights and Christmas Parade
Yebisu Garden Place is celebrating its 30th anniversary and the holidays with a special light display. More than 100,000 champagne gold lights will illuminate the area. Enjoy the lights and Christmas market decorations, gifts, food and drink.
date and time | November 9th to December 25th・・Activity dates and times vary, please check the website for each attraction |
price | free |
Place | Yebisu Garden Plaza |
Yomiuri Land Jewelry Lighting 2024
The world’s only gem-inspired lighting event is taking place at Yomiuri Land, featuring a record-breaking 6.5 million light bulbs.
date and time | October 24, 2024 ~ April 6, 2025・16:00-20:30 |
price | 1,800 yen |
Place | Yomiuriland |
Tips for enjoying the Tokyo light show
- Best time to visit: For a more relaxing experience, visit on a weekday evening. Arrive before sunset and you can enjoy the transition from dusk to dazzling lights.
- Photography Tip: Use a tripod and experiment with long exposure settings to capture dreamy, sparkling images. Don’t forget to try creative angles to add a new dimension to your photos.
- Transportation: Public transportation can be crowded, so make sure you allow enough time to get where you need to go.
- Eat and drink: Warm up at a nearby café or enjoy seasonal specialties at a local restaurant. Don’t miss the festive Christmas markets, such as those near Roppongi or the Tokyo Skytree.