Christmas Illumination (Lights) in Tokyo 2018

Tokyo’s winter is long and dark. The sun sets around 4:30 pm at this time of the year. But don’t worry! The longer night time is for enjoying illumination, Christmas lights, or Winter lights. In general, it starts at the end of November till the end of December. Perfect for Instagram and dating out. Below is a list of major illumination spots in the order of our recommendation.  Feel the holiday spirit sparkle all around you.

  1. MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS 2018 [Roppongi]

    MIDTOWN is a huge building complex with offices, hotel, residence, and a shopping mall. On the outside of the building, there are four different areas for special illuminations. Tree illumination, Champagne Illumination, Starlight Road, and Star light Garden 2018. The highlight is Star light Garden. The lights flicker in rhythm with music. Every year they add something new and this year is bubbles.
    Date and time: Nov 13, 2018-Dec. 25, 2018      From  17:00 to 23:00
    Access: 5~7 minutes walk from Roppongi Station of Oedo-line and Hibiya-line
    For details-> http://www.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/event/xmas/illumination/stlgarden.html

  2. Blue Park (Aono Dokutsu)  [Shibuya]

    Walk about 10 minutes from JR Shibuya Station, and the dark blue area appears. You are just walking on a road in the park but it gives you a feeling as if you are walking in a blue cave.  You can walk through to JR Harajuku Station.
    Date and time: Nov. 20, 2018-Dec. 31, 2018  From 17:00 to 22:00
    For details->  http://shibuya-aonodokutsu.jp/  (Japanese only)
    https://youtu.be/yifYxF4JYb0 (PR Video)

  3. Caretta Illumination 2018 featuring Disney  Princess [Shiodome]

    The illumination comes with Disney Princess music. This is the most romantic one out of the five, and perfect for couples. The venue is not very spacious.
    Date and time: Nov. 15, 2018-Feb. 14, 2016  From 17:00 to 23:00
    http://www.caretta.jp/Illumination/

  4. Marunouchi Bright Christmas 2018 [Marunouchi]

    Along the lighted avenue, attractive shops and nice restaurants are lined up. Each building in the neighborhood has special themed displays and events to make this event more colorful. Get your holiday shopping done in a festive manner!
    Date and time: Dec 1, 2018-Feb 17  From 17:00 to 24:00 After Jan 1 17:30~23:00
    For details-> https://www.marunouchi.com/event/detail/14099/

  5. Google Pixel presents Omotesando Illumination 2018

    Wide avenue with 110 Zelkova trees wrapped in 90,000 LED lights provide soft lights that gently swing. You can ride a taxi and run in the middle of the avenue. Or you could enjoy window-shopping along the sidewalk.
    Date and Time: Nov 29, 2018- Dec 25  From Sunset to 22:00
    For details->http://omotesando.or.jp/illumi/

    This is our last year’s post.
    There are lots more lights in Tokyo. Check out this page!
    https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things-to-do/tokyo-illuminations