After a two-year break due to the pandemic, Shinjuku’s Southern Terrace illuminations are back. The event’s theme this year is ‘Jewels in my Heart’, with the trees along the 46-metre-long promenade decorated with 170,000 LEDs and colourful diamond-shaped ornaments. The path is even equipped with motion sensors that activate a special light show.
Make sure to visit the Suica Penguin Plaza as well. It’s located in front of Shinjuku Station’s New South exit, between the promenade and Takashimaya Times Square. The area is bathed in gold lights and features a special dome-shaped installation, complete with three adorable penguin statues. You may recognise the penguin character from JR East’s Suica IC prepaid cards.
The illuminations take place daily from 5pm to 12midnight.