1. Shinjuku Southern Terrace Illumination
    Photo: Keisuke TanigawaShinjuku Southern Terrace Minamillumi
  2. Marunouchi Street Park illumination
    Photo: Keisuke TanigawaMarunouchi Street Park illumination
  3. Yomiuri Land Jewellumination
    Photo: Yomiuri LandYomiuri Land Jewellumination

16 incredible illuminations and light-ups in Tokyo

Enjoy the city at its most sparkly, when Tokyo switches on its festive lights and illuminations in autumn through winter

Youka Nagase
Tabea Greuner
Written by
Youka Nagase
Contributor
Tabea Greuner
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The days may be getting shorter and colder, but even so, Tokyo doesn't turn into a dark and desolate place at this time of year. In fact, from autumn to winter in the city, millions of colourful LED lights are wrapped around trees and buildings, turning Tokyo into a sparkling wonderland. Illuminations, as they’re usually known here, are big in Japan, but Tokyo’s are some of the biggest and the best.

We've listed our top picks of where to admire these light displays, which are, of course, best enjoyed in good company. So layer up, grab your scarf, and head out to see Tokyo at its brightest and festive best. It’s gonna be lit.

RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful winter destinations in Japan

Tokyo's finest light shows

  • Things to do
  • Sagamiko

Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest has pulled out all the stops for its winter illumination show with a display featuring over six million LEDs. What’s more, this year there’s an entire area dedicated to Japan's beloved robot-cat, Doraemon.

You can hop on the park’s Rainbow Chairlift and sail over colourful stripes before arriving at the top of a hill to see a series of illumination art walls with the blue character and his friends. Walk further inside and you’ll come across a massive dome of Doraemon’s head, as well as a dome with other characters illuminated in colourful lights. Don’t miss the epic 360-degree illumination show where Doraemon-motif and laser lights synchronise to music for four minutes.

There are also plenty of Doraemon-themed meals and snacks you can munch on while you’re here. Order the Melody Hamburg Curry or the Doraemon Orchestra Plate for a proper meal, or a churro or cup of oshiruko (red bean porridge) for something sweet.

The illuminations take place from November 15 to February 14. 

More things to do in autumn & winter

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