Tokyo Winter Illumination 2025-2026: The Ultimate Guide
- Tokyo Localized
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
One of the main reasons to visit Tokyo in winter is the winter illuminations. Sure, a lot of tourists avoid the winter, but it’s the holiday lights that take center stage from December to January. If you are planning to visit Tokyo around this time, this is your best winter illuminations guide.
Winter Illuminations are Japan's unique, massive-scale version of holiday light displays. While they share DNA with Western Christmas lights, they are distinct in their scale, technology, and timing. They are professional, immersive light festivals that have become one of the country's main winter tourism draws.
We aren't talking about a few strings of lights on a tree. These are often multi-million dollar productions.
Some displays use 3–6 million bulbs. Moving 3D visuals projected onto buildings or landscapes. Lights that "dance" perfectly to orchestral scores. You don't just look at them; you walk through them (e.g., 100-meter-long "tunnels of light").
In Japan, Christmas Eve is considered the most romantic night of the year (similar to Valentine's Day in the West). Consequently, illuminations are designed to be highly romantic, photogenic destinations for couples.
Here are some of the best spots or locations for winter illumination in Tokyo in 2025-2026:
15 Best Winter Illuminations in Tokyo
1. Roppongi Hills (Keyakizaka Illumination)
This is the iconic Tokyo winter shot. The 400-meter street is lined with trees wrapped in "Snow & Blue" LEDs. If you stand at the bridge near the Louis Vuitton store, you can capture the illumination with the glowing Tokyo Tower perfectly centered in the background.
Admission: Free
Hours: 5-11 PM
Dates: November 4 - December 25
2. Marunouchi Illumination
The cobblestone Naka-dori Street near Tokyo Station is lined with 340+ trees wrapped in "Champagne Gold" lights. It feels like a European avenue. It is less flashy than Roppongi but arguably more elegant.
Admission: Free
Hours: 4-11 PM
Dates: November 13 – February 15
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3. Yomiuriland Jewellumination
Located about 35-45 mins from Shinjuku by train, this amusement park uses 6.5 million lights (designed by world-famous lighting designer Mikiko Ishii). The lights are gemstone-themed, and you can ride a rollercoaster through the illuminations or view them from a Ferris wheel.
Admission: 1,800 yen
Hours: 4-10:30 PM
Dates: October 23 – April 5
4. Tokyo Midtown
Their "Starlight Garden" on the grass lawn uses digital lights and music to create a "space" or "universe" atmosphere. It is more of a "light show" performance than a simple decoration. It also has one of the best outdoor ice skating rinks in Tokyo.
Admission: Free
Hours: 5-11 PM
Dates: November 13 – December 25
5. Tokyo Dome City
This year typically features a "Winter" theme with interactive light spots where you can press buttons to change colors. It's free to walk through the park area, and the lights are excellent around the attractions.
Admission: Free
Hours: 5 PM - 12 MN
Dates: November 17 - March 1
6. Shibuya Blue Cave (Ao no Dokutsu)
A dense tunnel of blue LEDs stretching from Shibuya Koen-dori to Yoyogi Park. It is incredibly famous and creates a surreal, immersive blue world. Note: It can get extremely crowded on weekends.
Admission: Free
Hours: 5-10 PM
Dates: December 4-25
7. Yebisu Garden Place
This mall holds winter illumination with a 10-meter Christmas tree as the center of its decoration. Champagne gold lights and a Baccarat chandelier are also stars of the illumination.
Admission: Free
Hours: 4-11 PM
Dates: November 8, 2025 to March 1, 2026
8. Meguro-gawa Minna no Illumination
Pink LED lights are hang on the trees along Meguro River’s 2-kilometer side, resembling cherry blossoms.
Admission: Free
Hours: 5-10:30 PM
Dates: December 5 - January 31
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9. Decks Odaiba
Decks Odaiba showcases illuminations all year round. The Daiba Memorial Tree is a real work of art, so don’t miss it!
Admission: Free
Hours: Until 12 MN
Dates: All year round
10. Shinjuku
Illumination displays are found across Shinjuku, from the south of JR Shinjuku Station, especially on the Shinjuku Southern Terrace.
Admission: Free
Hours: 5 PM - 12 MN
Dates: November 12 - February 15
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11. Omotesando
Omotesando features one of the best winter illuminations in Tokyo. The zelkova trees lining Omotesando are lit with LED light bulbs along most of the street's length between Harajuku and Omotesando stations.
Admission: Free
Hours: Until 10 PM
Dates: December 1-28
12. Tokyo Mega Illumi
Tokyo Mega Illumi at Oi Racecourse offers a distinct winter illumination experience. The event combines large-scale light installations—such as tunnels and fountain shows—with opportunities to interact with the racecourse's resident horses. It is a highly recommended destination for visitors of all ages.
Admission: Free
Hours: 5 PM - 12 MN
Dates: November 1 - January 11
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13. Azabudai Hills
Located at the base of Japan's tallest skyscraper, the Azabudai Hills 'Central Green' hosts a festive Christmas market and illumination display. This modern complex, completed in 2023, offers a sophisticated backdrop for holiday celebrations.
Admission: Free
Hours: 11 AM - 9 PM
Dates: November 22 - December 25
14. Hibiya Magic Time Illumination
The Hibiya Magic Time Illumination returns with a 'Music' theme, dividing the season between 1920s Jazz and classical Nocturnes. Highlights include the Zootopia 2-inspired decor and the silver 'ETERNAL HEART TREE.' Visitors can also enjoy eco-friendly botanical illuminations at the Park View Winter Garden and shop for seasonal goods at the area's inaugural Christmas Marché.
Admission: Free
Hours: 4-11 PM
Dates: November 13 - December 25
15. Mohri Garden
Soft, snow-white sparkles blend with gorgeous champagne gold tones to create a luxurious atmosphere. The highlight of the evening is a walk through Mohri Garden, where the brilliant lights cast stunning reflections across the surface of the quiet pond.
Admission: Free
Hours: 5-11 PM
Dates: November 14 - December 25
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