# Winter illuminations in Tokyo 2026/27

From November, Tokyo's office districts and shopping streets wrap their trees in LEDs, and many displays stay on until February. Almost all of them are free and outdoors, which makes an illumination walk one of the cheapest good evenings in the city. The list below is updated daily with what is lit now and what is coming up.

## What illuminations are and when they run

Illuminations (イルミネーション in Japanese) are a winter ritual in Tokyo. Property developers, shopping complexes and local associations light up trees, plazas and whole avenues. Many displays are planned around Christmas, but a good number keep running into the new year.

Lights usually go on from early or mid-November. Some switch off on the night of December 25, others keep going until Valentine's Day or the end of February. Each place has its own style: a row of gold LEDs along a street, a timed light and music show on a lawn, or a big paid attraction with tunnels and fountains. The theme changes every year, so last year's photos only give a rough idea.

## Where to go

Marunouchi is the classic: [Naka-dori](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%B8%E3%81%AE%E5%86%85%E4%BB%B2%E9%80%9A%E3%82%8A%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%B8%E3%81%AE%E5%86%852%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE), the tree-lined street between Tokyo Station and Yurakucho, is wrapped in champagne-gold LEDs for more than a kilometre, and it has been lit every winter for over twenty years. Hibiya, a short walk south, runs its own display around [Tokyo Midtown Hibiya](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%9F%E3%83%83%E3%83%89%E3%82%BF%E3%82%A6%E3%83%B3%E6%97%A5%E6%AF%94%E8%B0%B7%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E6%9C%89%E6%A5%BD%E7%94%BA1-1-2). In Roppongi Hills, [Keyakizaka](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A8%E3%81%91%E3%82%84%E3%81%8D%E5%9D%82%E9%80%9A%E3%82%8A%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A86%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE) is a sloping street where Tokyo Tower rises at the end of the lit trees, and [Tokyo Midtown](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%9F%E3%83%83%E3%83%89%E3%82%BF%E3%82%A6%E3%83%B3%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E8%B5%A4%E5%9D%829-7-1), about ten minutes away on foot, usually puts on a light show over its lawn.

[Yebisu Garden Place](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%81%B5%E6%AF%94%E5%AF%BF%E3%82%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%83%87%E3%83%B3%E3%83%97%E3%83%AC%E3%82%A4%E3%82%B9%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E6%81%B5%E6%AF%94%E5%AF%BF4-20) is known for a huge Baccarat crystal chandelier, a winter fixture there for more than twenty years, set among gold lights in the central square. [Caretta Shiodome](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%82%AB%E3%83%AC%E3%83%83%E3%82%BF%E6%B1%90%E7%95%99%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E6%9D%B1%E6%96%B0%E6%A9%8B1-8-2&query_place_id=ChIJY7oGy8KLGGARwzg3K3wIBa8), by Shiodome and Shimbashi stations, usually stages a themed show with music in its sunken plaza. Omotesando lights its zelkova avenue between Harajuku and Omotesando, mostly in December. On the south side of Shinjuku Station, [Southern Terrace](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E3%82%B5%E3%82%B6%E3%83%B3%E3%83%86%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B9%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A82-2-1) and the buildings around it share one long display, and [Tokyo Dome City](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%89%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A0%E3%82%B7%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%87%E4%BA%AC%E5%8C%BA%E5%BE%8C%E6%A5%BD1-3-61) by Suidobashi Station fills its amusement area with a large free show.

Two are a bit further out. [Yomiuriland](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%82%88%E3%81%BF%E3%81%86%E3%82%8A%E3%83%A9%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E7%A8%B2%E5%9F%8E%E5%B8%82%E7%9F%A2%E9%87%8E%E5%8F%A34015-1&query_place_id=ChIJ9_FxdIj6GGARU_kzX6Xrguc), an amusement park in Inagi on the western edge of Tokyo, runs Jewellumination, one of the largest displays in the region, and it needs a ticket. In recent winters the Meguro River has also had a pink display between Gotanda and Osaki (not the Nakameguro cherry blossom stretch), powered by recycled cooking oil.

## Timing, crowds and combining spots

The best half hour is right after sunset, when the sky is still deep blue and the lights stand out in photos. In December the sun sets around 4:30 pm in Tokyo, so you can start early and still be at dinner by seven.

Weekdays are much calmer than weekends. The busiest stretch is the two weeks before Christmas, and December 23 to 25 brings the biggest crowds of the season, especially in Roppongi and Omotesando. Displays that continue into January and February are noticeably quieter.

Several areas are close enough to combine on foot. Tokyo Station, Marunouchi Naka-dori and Hibiya make an easy evening walk. Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown are another natural pair. Ebisu is one stop from Shibuya on the JR Yamanote Line, so it fits well after Omotesando.

- Check lighting hours on the event page: many displays start around 5 pm and some switch off by 10 or 11 pm.
- On December 24 and 25, go before 6 pm or late in the evening if you want room to walk.
- Strong wind or maintenance can shorten a night; venues usually post changes on their official site or social accounts.

## Etiquette and photos

Most displays are on public streets, so the main rule is to keep moving. On Keyakizaka, crowds standing on the crosswalk to frame Tokyo Tower have become a problem in recent years, and guards ask people to clear it when the light changes. Take your shot from the top or bottom of the slope instead.

Tripods and selfie sticks are often banned in crowded spots, and even where nothing is posted, a tripod in a stream of people causes trouble. Look for notices at the entrance (三脚禁止 means no tripods). A phone in night mode does fine at most displays.

Bins are rare on Tokyo streets, so carry a small bag for cups and wrappers and take your trash home. The shopping complexes that host the lights are the easiest places to find a toilet.

## Cost, cold and what to bring

Street displays and those run by shopping complexes are free. Paid entry is mostly limited to amusement parks and special events such as [Yomiuriland](https://www.yomiuriland.com/jewellumination/), where tickets are usually cheaper when bought online in advance.

Tokyo winters are dry and often sunny, but nights get down to a few degrees above zero, and the wind between tall buildings in Marunouchi or Shiodome makes it feel colder. Standing still for photos chills you faster than walking, so dress as if you will be outside for two hours.

- Disposable heat packs (kairo) are sold at every convenience store and work well in a pocket or glove.
- Vending machines sell hot drinks in winter: look for the red labels marked あったか～い.
- Food stalls next to some displays may take cash only, so keep some coins and small notes.
- Last trains leave around midnight; if a display runs late, check your route home before you set off.

## All events, soonest first

- **[Yomiuriland Jewel Illumination 2026: Growing Light](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/2026-growing-light)** — Thu, Oct 29, 2026 – Sun, Apr 4, 2027 (JST) · Yomiuriland (Inagi) · ¥1,000〜¥5,900
- **[21st Shinjuku Kabukicho Ward Office Street Illumination](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/21st-shinjuku-kabukicho-ward-office-street-illumination)** — Fri, Oct 30, 2026 – Sun, Feb 28, 2027 (JST) · Kabukicho Ward Office Street, Shinjuku (Shinjuku) · Free entry
- **[Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia × SEKIRO: NO DEFEAT Special Projection Mapping](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-tower-city-light-fantasiasekiro-no-defeat)** — Fri, Sep 11, 2026 – Sat, Oct 31, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Tower (Minato) · ¥1,500
- **[Ariake Garden Winter Illuminations](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/ariake-garden-winter-illuminations)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 – Sun, Feb 28, 2027 (JST) · Ariake Garden (Koto) · Free entry
- **[Tokyo Mega Illumination at Oi Racecourse](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-mega-illumination-at-oi-racecourse)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 16:30 – Sun, Jan 10, 2027 (JST) · Ohi Racecourse (Shinagawa) · ¥1,000
- **[Tokyo Mega Illumi 2026-27](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-mega-illumi-2026-27-7908)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 – Tue, Jan 12, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo City Keiba (Oi Racecourse) (Shinagawa) · price on the official site
- **[Celebrate Illumination at Anniversaire Omotesando](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/celebrate-illumination)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 – Sun, Feb 14, 2027 (JST) · Anniversaire Omotesando (Minato) · Free entry
- **[TOKYO ILLUMILIA 2026-2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-illumilia-2026-2027-2026-2027)** — Thu, Nov 5, 2026 – Sun, Feb 14, 2027 (JST) · Sakura Street & Yaesu Nakadori Area (Chuo) · Free entry
- **[[Tokyo Event] Countering Machine-Speed Cyberattacks and Containing Damage in the Frontier AI Era — Illumio World Tour 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/ai-illumio-world-tour-2026)** — Thu, Nov 5, 2026 13:00 (JST) · Congress Square Nihonbashi (Chuo) · price on the official site
- **[Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Illumination 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/roppongi-hills-keyakizaka-illumination-2026-7902)** — Fri, Nov 6, 2026 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Roppongi Hills (Minato) · Free entry
- **[Yebisu Garden Place Illumination 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/yebisu-garden-place-illumination-2026-7907)** — Sat, Nov 7, 2026 – Tue, Jan 12, 2027 (JST) · Yebisu Garden Place (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[Royal Park Hotel Christmas Illuminations](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/royal-park-hotel-christmas-illuminations)** — Mon, Nov 9, 2026 – Fri, Dec 25, 2026 (JST) · Royal Park Hotel (Chuo) · Free entry
- **[Marunouchi Illumination 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/marunouchi-illumination-2026-7901)** — Thu, Nov 12, 2026 – Mon, Feb 15, 2027 (JST) · Marunouchi Naka-dori (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[Hibiya Area Illumination](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hibiya-area-illumination)** — Thu, Nov 12, 2026 – Sun, Feb 28, 2027 (JST) · Hibiya Nakadori (Chiyoda) · price on the official site
- **[Caretta Shiodome Illumination 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/caretta-shiodome-illumination-2026-7904)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 – Sun, Feb 14, 2027 (JST) · Caretta Shiodome (Minato) · Free entry
- **[Shinjuku Southern Terrace Illumination 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/shinjuku-southern-terrace-illumination-2026-7911)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 – Mon, Feb 22, 2027 (JST) · Shinjuku Southern Terrace (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[Hibiya Magic Time Illumination 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hibiya-magic-time-illumination-2026-7912)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 – Sun, Feb 28, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Midtown Hibiya (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination: Tokyo Snow Dome City](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-snow-dome-city)** — Thu, Nov 19, 2026 – Sun, Feb 28, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Dome City (Bunkyo) · Free entry
- **[Tokyo World Gate Winter Illumination](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-world-gate-winter-illumination)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 – Sun, Jan 31, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo World Gate (Minato) · Free entry
- **[Chill Classical Concert - Winter Illumination](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/chill-classic-concert-winter-illumination)** — Sun, Nov 22, 2026 11:30 – Mon, Nov 23, 2026 (JST) · Makuhari Messe (美浜区) · ¥8,800–¥24,000
- **[Omotesando Illumination 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/omotesando-illumination-2026-7910)** — Tue, Dec 1, 2026 – Mon, Jan 4, 2027 (JST) · Omotesando (Minato) · Free entry
- **[Omotesando Fendi Illumination 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/omotesando-fendi-illumination-2026)** — Tue, Dec 1, 2026 – Tue, Jan 5, 2027 (JST) · Omotesando and Harajuku (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[Meguro River Minna no Illumination 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/meguro-river-minna-no-illumination-2026-7909)** — Fri, Dec 4, 2026 – Mon, Jan 4, 2027 (JST) · Meguro River (Nakameguro) (Meguro) · Free entry
- **[Centennial Partylight](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/centennial-partylight)** — Tue, Dec 8, 2026 19:30 (JST) · KOENJI HIGH · price on the official site
- **[Hikarigaoka Park Light Pageant Festival](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hikari-pageant-festa)** — Sat, Dec 19, 2026 10:00 (JST) · Hikarigaoka Park (Nerima) · Free entry
- **[Lit Up](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/lit-up)** — Sun, Dec 20, 2026 17:00 (JST) · Yokohama B.B.STREET · ¥3,400〜
- **[WATERRAS Illumination 2026: Fantasy Promenade – Dreams Encased in Lanterns](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/waterras-illumination-2026-fantasy-promenade-dreams-encased)** — Mon, Oct 19, 2026 – Sun, Feb 28, 2027 (JST) · WATERRAS Plaza & Awaji Park (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[Marchecute Kanda Manseibashi Illumination](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/marchecute-kanda-manseibashi-illumination)** — Fri, Apr 24, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027 (JST) · mAAch ecute Kanda Manseibashi (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[Arakawa Amusement Park Illumination: 'Sparkling Circus of Lights'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/arakawa-amusement-park-illumination-sparkling-circus-of-lights)** — Sun, Oct 4, 2026 – Sat, Apr 3, 2027 (JST) · Arakawa Yuen (Arakawa) · ¥500
- **[Fuji TV AURORA∞ Illumination](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/aurora)** — Mon, Oct 5, 2026 – Sun, Apr 4, 2027 (JST) · Fuji TV Headquarters (Minato) · Free entry

Showing 30 of 33.

## Questions people ask

**Are Tokyo illuminations free?**
Most are. Street displays and those run by shopping complexes cost nothing, while a few big ones in amusement parks, such as Yomiuriland, need a ticket.

**When do Tokyo illuminations start and end?**
Usually from early or mid-November. Some end on December 25, and many others run until mid or late February.

**What time are the lights on?**
Typically from around dusk until somewhere between 10 pm and midnight, depending on the place. Each event in the list links to its official page with the current hours.

**What if it rains?**
Street displays generally stay on in the rain. Shows with music or special effects may be paused, so check the official page, where 雨天中止 means cancelled in rain.

**Which illuminations can I see in one evening?**
Marunouchi and Hibiya are an easy walk from Tokyo Station, and Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown are about ten minutes apart. Ebisu pairs well with Omotesando and Shibuya.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/winter-illuminations