Christmas illuminations especially around Tokyo is one of the highlights of the year here in Japan. Every year, spectacular illumination shows and displays in major points of the metro attract hundred of thousands locals and tourists. And every year, each bring awe and happiness not only for children but for adults as well.
While Christmas is not really well celebrated here, the illuminations has somehow ease our homesickness especially during the holidays. Every year, my husband and I would find some time to visit Tokyo’s major illumination sites. For this year, we tried to see those we have not visited a few years back
1. Roppongi Hills Christmas Illuminations
On our search for a nativity, our feet lead us to Roppongi Hills’ Christmas Market. It is not much but it was a good reminder of the days when we visited Christmas markets in Germany. In front is a tiny shop that sells German wooden crafts like the nutcracker, Christmas pyramids, ornaments, and toys. We found a few nativities but aside from being too expensive, they did not feel right.
2. Tokyo Midtown’s Midtown Christmas
Since it we were already in the area, we decided to walk a few meters more going to Tokyo Midtown. With their theme “Midtown Christmas,” several illumination areas were designated and designed for people to enjoy. There was even a guide map to help both local and foreign visitors to have a full great experience. My husband and I were lucky to find a good spot to watch the first illumination show at the Starlight Garden.
Here is a short video of the Starlight Garden Illumination Show.
3. Odaiba
Illuminations in Odaiba were more modern. Aside from the different Christmas lights, digital displays on different buildings were also fascinating. Inside Venus Fort, they had a 3D projection mapping show on top of the water fountain which lasted for 30 minutes.
Outside Diver City, the trees were illuminated for people to enjoy at night.
And in front of the Decks shopping mall is the dazzling “Daiba Memorial Tree.” We were lucky that we were just in time for the special fireworks display.
Here is a short video of the fireworks display.
4. Tokyo Station Christmas Illumination
For a limited period, the facade of Tokyo Central Station is lighted for Christmas. The illumination starts on 24 December and ends on 27 December. Hence, my husband and I tried to join the big crowd the day after Christmas to see this year’s illumination display.
5. Marunouchi Nakadori Illumination
Just a few meters away from Tokyo Central Station is the infamous Marunouchi Nakadori. The whole street was decorated with bright festive lights. There were also some mobile shops that sell Glühwein, sausages, hot coffee, and beer.
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