By the MOOK Scenic Spots & Travel Life Network Editorial Team
As Christmas approaches, from November through early the following year, cities across Japan are gradually adorned with dreamy and colorful lights to illuminate their landscapes. With vast seas of illuminated displays, cities transform into breathtaking scenes quite different from their daytime appearances. Tokyo, filled with towering buildings, also sees its various department stores and shopping districts joining in the Christmas light displays, showcasing a vibrant energy unique to winter. Below is a list of must-see Tokyo light events this winter that you absolutely shouldn’t miss, allowing you to experience a different side of Japan.
Hundreds of thousands of LEDs create a sparkling valley of light, crafting a romantic Christmas. (Image source / caretta)
●CarettaShiodome Illumination
Caretta Shiodome is considered one of the Kanto region’s three must-see light displays. It features a fantastical blue sea of lights created using 270,000 LEDs, immersing visitors in a fairy-tale-like scene. The light decorations also change along with music every 20 minutes, and there’s even a 6-minute light animation show that brings constant surprises. Couples looking for a romantic Christmas should not miss this one.
A blue sea of lights creates a fairytale-like night world. (Image source / 4travel)
Exhibition Period: 2015/11/19 – 2016/02/14
Lighting Hours: 17:00 – 23:00
Address: 1-8-2 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo
Transportation Info: 1-minute walk from Shiodome Station on the Oedo Subway Line
●Tokyo Dome City Winter Illuminations
This year, the Tokyo Dome City winter illuminations are themed around outer space, with trees adorned with star-like lights, giving the impression of a full Milky Way spread across the night sky. The display also changes in harmony with beautiful melodies, creating a magical and beautiful nocturnal landscape.
This year, Tokyo Dome presents winter illuminations themed around outer space. (Image source / Tokyo Dome winter illuminations)
Exhibition Period: 2015/11/10 – 2016/02/14
Lighting Hours: 17:00 – 01:00
Exhibition Location: 1-3-61, Ushigome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
Transportation Info: About a 5-minute walk from JR / Subway Suidobashi Station
●Ebisu Garden Place X’mas0?llumination
Ebisu is known for housing the world’s largest crystal chandelier. This year, with a “France” theme, a 10-meter-high Christmas tree has been set up in the square, accompanied by twinkling lights on both sides, creating a romantic scene reminiscent of a movie.
Colorful lights give Ebisu a dreamlike atmosphere. (Image source / Yebisu Garden Place)
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