Tokyo during Christmastime is a winter wonderland of lights. The whole city is gorgeously colored by so-called “illuminations” (winter/Christmas lights). It’s an ocean of sparkling lights, and the following are some of the illumination highlights of 2019!
Marunouchi Illuminations 2019
More than 220 trees elegantly decorated with about 1 million LEDs line Marunouchi-Naka-Dori Street, which is a popular luxury brand shopping street close to Tokyo Station.
The lights come in an original color called “champagne gold” and elegantly illuminate the whole area. Its warm light somehow feels like winter in Scandinavia – maybe that’s because of the traditional vibe of the lights that resemble candles.
https://www.marunouchi.com/event/
Venue: Around 1-3 chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Marunouchi-Naka-Dori Street)
Period: November 7 (Thu)-February 16, 2020 (Sun) (planned)
WHITE KITTE
“KITTE” was once the Tokyo Central Post Office. Now, it has been renovated and turned into a commercial facility that is well-known for its magnificent Christmas decorations during wintertime. This year’s Christmas tree is quite unusual. It is made of “Mizuhiki”!
Mizuhiki is a traditional decoration made out of creatively knotted cords used for celebrations. In the case of KITTE, the decorations stand for “connecting people and hearts”.
The Mizuhiki balls are hung from the ceiling, creating a tree shape. A light show using LEDs embedded in the ornaments combined with music can be seen every 30 minutes.
http://jptower-kitte.jp/white-kitte2019/
Location: 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Period: November 20 (Wed) to December 25 (Wed)
HIBIYA Magic Time Illumination
In front of the entrance of “Tokyo Midtown Hibiya”, you will find a huge, modern tree. The theme of this year’s illumination is “universe”, and you can actually enter the tree and thus enter “outer space”.
Also, during a colorful light show soap bubbles will suddenly appear from the tree… magical! This is something you can’t see in Europe which makes these decorations a must-see!
https://www.hibiya.tokyo-midtown.com/xmas/2019/
Venue: 1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Tokyo Midtown Hibiya)
Period: November 14, 2019 (Thu) to February 24, 2020 (Mon)
Tokyo Michiterasu 2019
Another highlight of winter lights in Tokyo is the beloved, wonderful event called “Tokyo Michiterasu” that only takes place right around Christmas. This year, the theme is said to be a mixture of “video x light x dance”. What will it be like? If you have the chance, don’t miss this event!
Here’s what Michiterasu looked like last year:
https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/app/event/detail/551
Location: Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Gyoko-Dori Street (Tokyo Station West)
Period: December 21 (Sat)-December 25 (Wed) 2019
The winter illuminations around Tokyo Station and Hibiya Park are somehow traditional and timeless, but at the same time, they are very stylish due to their modern arrangements. Tokyo in winter is beautiful. Don’t miss this winter classic!
