Tokyo’s Winter Illuminations For 2024-25
Savvy's Guide To A City Of Light
The holiday season in Tokyo is an illuminating experience.
It’s that time of the year again when the whole of Tokyo is covered by stunning festivals of light in all shapes and forms. Tokyo’s winter illuminations provide a welcome chance to get out in the evenings as the temperature dips and rejuvenate spirits during the cold, dark winter months—not to mention take a few selfies. Whether alone, with a partner or with family and friends, these lights will make your holiday a little more special, joyful and warm.
Here are our top picks for this year:
Tokyo’s Christmas Illuminations 2024
Sunshine Aquarium Marine Garden Illumination
Sunshine Aquarium’s Marine Garden Illumination is inspired by the flow of water. It features aquatic-themed lights perfect for a quiet winter evening. From December 2-25, the lights will transform into a Christmas theme for an extra touch of magic this holiday season.
- Location: Sunshine Aquarium, Sunshine City, 3-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Closest Station: Ikebukuro Station
- Dates: Tue, Nov. 5-Mon, Dec. 1, 2024 (Christmas Illuminations: Dec 2-25)
- Lighting Hours: 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
Roppongi Hills Christmas 2024
Roppongi Hills Christmas 2024 features the iconic Keyakizaka Illumination, where 400 meters of trees are decorated with snow and blue lights, creating a magical contrast against the glowing Tokyo Tower. The festive atmosphere is further enhanced by the local Christmas market that recreates a traditional German holiday experience.
- Location: Roppongi Hills, Keyakizaka Street
- Closest Station: Roppongi Station
- Dates: Thu, Nov. 7-Wed, Dec. 25, 2024
- Lighting Hours: 5 p.m.-11 p.m. (some areas until 12 a.m.)
Midtown Christmas 2024
The areas around the popular shopping complex Tokyo Midtown and an illuminated light walkway in the park behind the main tower will light up each night. Must-see spots include the “Ensemble Lights” featuring bubble lights unleashed into the garden and a special “Timeless Gold Tree” decorated with mirror ornaments to welcome you at the entrance.
- Location: Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Closest Station: Roppongi Station
- Dates: Thu, Nov. 14-Wed, Dec. 25, 2024
- Lighting Hours: 5 p.m.-11 p.m. (some areas until 12 a.m.)
Azabudai Hills Christmas 2024
Azabudai Hills’ Christmas market area will be beautifully illuminated with a dazzling Christmas tree at its center stage. The market highlights international offerings, including a German Christmas goods store. Visitors can also meet Santa Claus and enjoy other festive activities in this charming, twinkling space.
- Location: Azabudai Hills Central Plaza
- Closest Station: Kamiyacho Station
- Dates: Sat, Nov. 23-Wed, Dec. 25, 2024
- Open Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas 2024
Tokyo Skytree’s Dream Christmas features a stunning Christmas tree, other decorations and holiday-themed photo spots. The festivities extend across the entire Skytree Town Solamachi area, making it a great place to enjoy the season with family and friends whether you choose to go up the tower or not.
- Location: Tokyo Skytree Town, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
- Closest Station: Oshiage Station
- Dates: Thu, Nov. 7-Wed, Dec. 25, 2024
- Lighting Hours: 4 p.m.-11 p.m.
Futako Tamagawa Rise Christmas 2024
The Futako Tamagawa Rise area will be decorated with a “Blooming Lights” theme. The 10-meter-tall Christmas tree, set within a glass-roofed atrium, adds a touch of elegance to the display.
- Location: Futako Tamagawa Rise, 2-21-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
- Closest Station: Futako Tamagawa Station
- Dates: Thu, Nov. 14-Wed, Dec. 25, 2024
- Lighting Hours: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Blue Cave Shibuya
Shibuya’s annual Blue Cave illuminations, along the 800-meter stretch from Shibuya Koen-dori to Yoyogi Park, is a beautiful blue spectacle that can be enjoyed by all. The peacefully cool glow creates a dreamlike atmosphere.
- Location: Shibuya Koen-dori to Yoyogi Park Zelkova Tree Line
- Closest Station: Shibuya Station or Harajuku Station
- Dates: Fri, Dec. 6-Wed, Dec. 25, 2024
- Lighting Hours: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Omotesando Fendi Illumination 2024
Over 900,000 LED lights will illuminate the zelkova trees along Omotesando. Fendi’s collaboration with the iconic street adds a chic, high-fashion touch to the holiday illuminations. Omotesando Hills will also have an 8.4-meter-tall Christmas tree adorned with 40,000 sparkling lenses that change colors every 20 minutes.
- Location: Omotesando (From Jingubashi to Omotesando intersection)
- Closest Station: Omotesando Station or Harajuku Station
- Dates: Mon, Dec. 2-Sat, Dec. 28, 2024 (Christmas Tree: Wed, Nov. 13-Wed, Dec. 25, 2024)
- Lighting Hours: Sunset-10 p.m. (Christmas Tree: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.)
Tokyo’s Illuminations Continued Into 2025
Baccarat Eternal Lights 2024
The Baccarat Eternal Lights at Yebisu Garden Place features a stunning chandelier display and a 10-meter Christmas tree made of Baccarat crystal. The European-style Christmas market in the area adds a festive touch for those interested.
- Location: Yebisu Garden Place, 1-13-1 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Closest Station: Ebisu Station
- Dates: Sat, Nov. 9, 2024-Mon, Jan. 13, 2025
- Lighting Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Meguro River Minna No Illumi 2024
Meguro River is celebrating “everyone’s illuminations” in pink and white this holiday season with lights powered by recycled cooking oil. It’s a beautiful example of an eco-friendly display that offers both a visually stunning and sustainable holiday experience for everyone!
- Location: Meguro River, from Gotanda to Meguro Station
- Closest Station: Gotanda Station or Meguro Station
- Dates: Fri, Nov. 15, 2024-Mon, Jan. 13, 2025
- Lighting Hours: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Tokyo Square Garden Winter Illumination 2024
The Tokyo Square Garden Winter Illumination in Kyobashi features a striking eight-meter-tall Christmas tree, designed by artist Ayune Shojima. The tree is decorated using sustainable materials, like surplus building materials from Hub & Stock and custom woodwork by Eiji Aratani, giving it a distinct, eco-friendly charm.
- Location: Kyobashi, Chuo-ku
- Closest Station: Kyobashi Station
- Dates: Wed, Nov. 6, 2024-Fri, Jan. 31, 2025 (Christmas Tree until Wed, Dec 25)
- Lighting Hours: 4 p.m.-12 a.m.
Tokyo Illumilia
Since 2009, the Tokyo Illumilia event has lit up the Yaesu and Nihonbashi areas, with a focus on the charming Sakura dori (street), which connects Tokyo Station to Nihonbashi. This year, the trees along the street will glow in warm champagne gold, creating a beautiful contrast with the area’s historic buildings and modern commercial developments.
- Location: Sakura Street, Yaesu Naka Street
- Closest Station: Tokyo Station
- Dates: Wed, Nov. 6, 2024-Fri, Feb. 14, 2025
- Lighting Hours: 4:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
Decks Tokyo Beach Odaiba Illumination ‘Yakei’
With Rainbow Bridge and the endless harbor lights, Odaiba could be considered a year-round illumination spot. However, that’s no excuse to miss the “Yakei” Illumination at Decks, during the winter months. The must-see spots include the 20-meter Daiba Memorial Tree and the seaside terrace photo spot.
- Location: Decks Tokyo Beach, Odaiba, 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Closest Station: Odaiba Station
- Dates: Thu, Nov. 14, 2024-Sun, Feb. 16, 2025
- Lighting Hours: Sunset-Midnight
Marunouchi Illumination 2024
Celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the Marunouchi Illumination, a stunning winter light display that transforms the area around Tokyo Station. The 1.2 km stretch of Marunouchi Nakadori is lined with around 286 trees, all aglow in elegant champagne gold. For a limited time, the light display also extends to Marunouchi Street Park and Gyoko-dori for Christmas.
- Location: Marunouchi Nakadori, Tokyo Station, Marunouchi Street Park
- Closest Station: Tokyo Station
- Dates: Thu, Nov. 14, 2024-Sun, Feb. 16, 2025 (Gyoko-dori/Marunouchi Street Park: Thu, Nov. 28 – Wed, Dec. 25, 2024)
- Lighting Hours: 4 p.m.-11 p.m. (Dec: 4 p.m.-12 a.m.)
Hibiya Magic Time Illumination 2024
The entire Hibiya area, including Hibiya Nakadori and Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, will shine with colorful illuminations. Don’t miss the Park View Garden on the sixth floor of Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landmarks, including Hibiya Park and the Imperial Palace Outer Garden. A special collaboration with Moana 2 also brings a whimsical Disney-inspired tree to Hibiya Step Square.
- Location: Hibiya Nakadori, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
- Closest Station: Hibiya Station
- Dates: Thu, Nov. 14, 2024-Fri, Feb. 28, 2025
- Lighting Hours: 4 p.m.-11 p.m.
Tokyo Snow Dome City Winter Illumination
Tokyo Dome City will feature a grand 15-meter Christmas tree alongside other mesmerizing snow-white lights. The magical winter wonderland, with light shows throughout the area, creates the perfect setting for families to enjoy the season together.
- Location: Tokyo Dome City, 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Closest Station: Korakuen Station
- Dates: Mon, Nov. 18, 2024-Fri, Feb. 28, 2025
- Lighting Hours: 5 p.m.-Midnight
Shinjuku Southern Terrace’s Hello Winter Light
As part of Shinjuku South’s 10-year illumination anniversary, Shinjuku Southern Terrace will display a Hello Winter Light Show that invites visitors from all over the world to experience the warmth and joy of the season. Colorful lights, along with glowing messages like “Hello,” will create a cheerful, welcoming atmosphere that captures the spirit of connection. Various Christmas tree light-ups will also be on display around the Shinjuku South area.
- Location: Shinjuku Southern Terrace
- Closest Station: Shinjuku Station
- Dates: Friday, Nov. 15, 2024–Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 (tentative)
- Lighting Hours: 5 p.m.–Midnight (Dec: 4:30 p.m.–Midnight)
Will you be visiting any of Tokyo’s winter illuminations for the 2024-25 season? Share your snaps with us over on our Savvy Tokyo Instagram page.