A Look at Tokyo’s Winter Illuminations (2024–2025)
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It may be a little late to share this, but if you're planning to visit Tokyo in December or over the holidays, the city’s winter illuminations are something you absolutely can’t miss. I’d love to share a glimpse of the ones we experienced during our winter trip. We did quite a bit of research on the best spots to see the lights and had an idea of what we wanted to check out, but as with most travels, things didn’t go entirely as planned.
Traveling with a kid means a lot of adjustments, especially when it comes to time, energy, and the weather. Thankfully, Tokyo's weather towards the end of the year was pretty mild—it was a dry winter. It was a bit chilly, depending on where you're from, but as long as we layered up properly, it was totally manageable.
We arrived after Christmas, so we didn’t get to see as many illuminations as we had hoped. However, we still managed to visit a few fantastic spots, and here are the places we explored, along with some photos we captured along the way.
TIP: Always stay hydrated when traveling with kids! Also, don’t forget to pack accessories like gloves, scarves, and a beanie, especially since it can get much colder at night.
Location: Marunouchi Naka-dori street
Admission: Free
Date Visited: December 28, 2024
Conveniently located near Tokyo Station, this area is a great place to visit when exploring the city, especially during winter. It was our first winter in Tokyo, and we were amazed by the lively atmosphere and the stunning winter illumination. The trees along Marunouchi Naka-Dori Street are covered in warm golden lights, creating a bright tunnel that stretches for blocks. It can get quite crowded, but the beautiful display makes it well worth the visit.
Location: Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, main entrance
Admission: Free
Date Visited: December 28, 2024
Just a short walk from Marunouchi to Tokyo Midtown, we came across a stunning and vibrant light display. The “Star Light Sculpture” stood just outside the building, illuminating the entire area. Its gentle flickering created a beautiful and captivating atmosphere. My daughter was overjoyed, running under the Galleria Winter Lights—it truly was a masterpiece!
Location: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
Admission: Free
Date Visited: December 30, 2024
Tokyo Midtown Hibiya was on a whole different level. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by vibrant light displays surrounding the building, creating a truly festive atmosphere. One of the highlights was the illuminated staircase, which was especially popular with kids—my daughter had a great time playing there too. We were also lucky enough to catch the lights as they shifted to a stunning “sunset glow,” my favorite. Each transition offered a unique and mesmerizing experience.
The Park View Garden on the 6th floor of Tokyo Midtown Hibiya was something special. The grassy area was beautifully lit up, turning the space into a dreamy, stage-like scene. It felt like walking into a little slice of magic, with every corner glowing softly.
Location: Oi Racecourse
Admission: $25.38 (2 Adults)
Date Visited: January 2, 2025
Located inside Tokyo City Keiba, the Tokyo Mega Illumination is one of Japan’s largest and most spectacular light events. We had a bit of trouble finding it, so we ended up taking a taxi from Hamamatsucho Station. Just a heads-up—since it’s located inside the horse racing course, you might notice the smell of horses as you get closer!
TIP: We booked our tickets through Klook the night before our visit.
We spent quite a bit of time exploring since the area is huge! The experience begins with a grand entrance, leading you through a tunnel of lights. One of the highlights was the Aurora Forest, where fountains and lasers come together to create a magical display. Other standout displays include the Mega Tree, an enormous tree covered in shimmering lights, and the Edo Cherry Blossom Tunnel—a stunning 100-meter stretch of cherry blossom-shaped lights. The twinkling LED rice fields added an extra layer of magic to the night. It was an immersive experience that felt like stepping into another world.
Location: DECKS Tokyo Beach
Admission: Free
Date Visited: January 9, 2025
We were at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza doing some shopping when we decided to check out the illuminations. The iconic Gundam statue outside is beautifully lit up in the evening, with the lighting casting a futuristic glow that perfectly complements the staircase of DiverCity. Then, we headed over to DECKS Tokyo Beach to see their illuminations. DECKS features stunning LED displays and art installations, adding a creative touch to the area’s festive atmosphere.
Tips for Enjoying Tokyo's Winter Illuminations
Best Times to Visit: Tokyo’s winter illuminations are stunning, but they can get crowded. The displays usually turn on at dusk, and it’s best to arrive around sunset for the best views. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends.
Plan Your Route: Most illuminations are easily accessible by public transport. However, some, like the Tokyo Mega Illumination, are farther out. Check routes and stations in advance to avoid confusion.
What to Wear: Tokyo can get quite cold in December and January, so layering is key. Thermal wear, a warm coat, gloves, scarf, and comfy shoes are essential, especially if you plan to walk around a lot.
Stay Hydrated & Keep Snacks Handy: Even if it's cold, drinking water is important. Bring a water bottle or buy one from vending machines or konbinis. Some places also have food stalls with warm drinks and snacks to help you recharge.
Parents with Strollers:
If you’re visiting with little ones, a stroller blanket is a must for chilly nights. I bought the Uniqlo Light Warm Padded 2-Way Blanket, which kept our daughter warm!
Some of the best compact strollers for travel:
Some recommended stroller rental options in Japan:
Although we missed some of the illuminations by arriving after Christmas, Tokyo’s displays continued until late January and February. The festive atmosphere was still lovely, and we enjoyed capturing the holiday vibe!
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