Discover Tokyo’s 2024 Winter Wonderlands: Top 5 Illuminations
As the night closes in earlier throughout winter, some of Tokyo’s most recognisable areas are transformed into illuminated winter wonderlands, offering visitors some stunning photo spots.
Many of Tokyo’s most popular landmarks host illuminations throughout the winter season, though travellers who are willing to travel a short distance across the city can find lesser known spots that still provide the same festive feeling.
Christmas Markets are also hugely popular during the winter season and with many illuminations paired with a market, you can combine your visits for the ultimate festive experience.
With so many different illuminations events taking place in Tokyo this winter, we’ve rounded up 5 of the best illuminations in Tokyo for winter 2024:
5 – Meguro River Winter Illuminations
Taking place in an area between Gotanda Station and Osaki Station in Tokyo from the 15th of November 2024 until the 12th of January 2025, Meguro River Winter Illuminations 2024 sees trees that line the Meguro river transformed into a line of cherry blossoms that bloom and shine with pink LED lights.
The Meguro River Winter Illuminations are unique in that they are powered by 100% renewable energy, with oil from local restaurants collected and turned into biodiesel to create power for the lights.
4 – Tokyo Mega Illumination
Oi Racecourse is one of the most popular horse racing venues in Tokyo and each winter the course and the surrounding area is lit up each evening.
Running from the 2nd of November 2024 until the 12th of January 2025, this is an illumination event that caters to all ages, with plenty of spots to take a photo to remember your visit – there are even miniature ponies on hand for younger visitors to interact with!
Tokyo Mega Illumination 2024 will also see a collaboration with popular horse themed anime Uma Musume taking place, with an opportunity to attend a talk with the cast of the series and the chance to purchase limited edition goods only available at the event.
3 – Caretta Shiodome Winter Illumination
The area around the Caretta Shiodome shopping mall will be transformed into a festive paradise from the 15th of November 2024 until the 1st of February 2025 for the Caretta Shiodome Winter Illuminations.
With plenty of shopping and food opportunities inside the mall itself, the illuminations make this a must visit destination in Tokyo and it is especially popular as a date spot throughout the winter season.
2 – Roppongi Hills Christmas Illumination
One of the most well known illuminations in Tokyo, the Roppongi Hills Christmas Illuminations sees the 390 meter long Keyakizaka Dori lit with over 800,000 lights.
With Tokyo Tower visible from the street, this is possibly the most popular spot for photography in Tokyo during winter.
The Roppongi Hills Christmas Market also runs from the 23rd of November until the 25th of December and many visitors will take in both events whilst in the area.
1 – Yomiuriland Jewellumination
From October 24th 2024 until the 6th of April 2025, theme park Yomiuriland is lit up each evening in their Jewellumination event.
2024 sees the park celebrate its 60th anniversary, with several aspects of the illuminations focusing on this milestone.
Almost all of the park is lit up for the event, making this one of the most expansive and beautiful illuminations in Tokyo during winter.
There are plenty of other illuminations taking place across Tokyo this winter, so no matter where you’re staying you’ll likely be located close to several events.
Illuminations are popular throughout Japan so if you’re plan on visiting other cities you can likely find a number of different events to visit on your travels!