In the States, Christmas time is all about finding the best Christmas light displays. Whether it be Rockefeller Center or some really passionate homeowners, December is full of light. In Japan, they aren’t Christmas Light displays. Though that’s what you call them before you know better. No, they are this magical thing called “winter illuminations”. If you are here during Winter, you must seek out some winter illuminations in Japan.
When do Winter Illuminations in Japan take place?
Don’t worry if you aren’t in Japan exactly at Christmas time! With only 1% of the population being Christian, it’s actually an interesting juxtaposition that there are so many Christmas Trees or Santa’s. However, while the displays that are more Christmas themed will be around from November to December, the more generic will be around till Valentine’s day. Plenty of time to get out and see a wide array of displays!
How much time is necessary?
Depends on the display. Some of the larger ones you can definitely spend an hour at. And be ready to stand in line just as long for the same.
Some are just a singular entity or in very small parks. Don’t forget plenty of streets decorated that are just nice to walk through.
Omotesando (表参道, frontal approach, harkening to the approach to Meiji Shrine) is a particularly nice one with the zelkova trees all done up in champagne gold lights. Closest stations are Harajuku on the JR Line or Omotesando on the Tokyo Metro Line.
Tokyo Winter Illuminations
There is no shortage of Winter Illuminations in Tokyo. Sometimes it definitely feels like a competition between the different regions to out do each other! Here are just a few you’ll be able to seek out.
Ebisu Garden Place Illuminations
This year’s theme is “Baccarat Eternal Lights”. Complete with a 10 meter Christmas Tree, a GIANT chandelier.
Depending on when you go between its November 3rd to January 14th running, you’ll be able to see the Christmas Market or enjoy a Champagne bar. The rest of the installation (I’m assuming mostly just the lights will be there till the end of February). Lights go out when the 5 O’clock Chime plays (which is generally at 4 pm during the darker winter months).
青の洞窟, Ao no doukutsu, Blue Cave Shibuya
Located in the popular Shibuya Koen Dori (渋谷公園通り), this spectacle of nearly 1 million blue LED lights should definitely be on your list of illuminations to see. The 800 meter long street, home to many a festival during the year and a monthly antiques fair, is covered in a sheet of heavy plastic to reflect the lights like a river running through it. Though with the amount of viewers, you’ll be hard pressed to see it in its full glory.
Running from November 30 to December 31st, the lights turn on promptly at 5 pm. If you get there early enough they have a mirror box you can go in for some cool selfies as well. Early because of the line that forms for it!
L’Arc-en-Ciel LIVE 2018 L’ArChristmas
Close by (actually in the same park area as the blue cave) you will also find a Christmas Market with some smaller displays.
Shinjuku Terrace City Illumination
Shinjuku is a massive station so to get to this set up you will have to figure out how to get here. If you are on the Odakyu lines, its near the west exit. From the JR lines, go out the south exit and keep walking south!
2018’s theme is “Be connected” and there are all these cute flower displays you can take pictures on (I was here before the lights turned on). A bit more interactive than some of the others!
What do the Winter Illuminations In Japan Cost?
All of the ones above are absolutely free! In fact, I don’t know of any that cost an admission though they may exist elsewhere. Just be prepared for the crowds and you’ll be great! 🙂
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Wow!!! I actually had no idea they did this. And I have friends who live in Japan. So beautiful! I’ll be pinning this to my Japan Travel board with some of my own Japan posts for sure! Super informative, thanks. Will definitely have to try make my way to japan to catch this around the Christmas season 😀
Thank you for the compliment Amelia! I’m glad you liked it enough to pin :). On my list is an illumination in Mie Prefecture that actually runs most of the year. During the day it’s a botanical garden, at night, it’s a light fest! Hoping to be heading that way in a few weeks.