【2023】 Explore the five most captivating Christmas light displays in 2023 with detailed guides all here!

Experience the unique charm of Christmas in Tokyo 2023! 

As in previous years, various places in Tokyo gradually light up with Christmas decorations starting from late November, adding a rich festive atmosphere to this bustling metropolis. The decorations, primarily in champagne gold and blue tones, bloom in every corner, presenting lights of different sizes as if adorning the entire city like a dreamlike painting. Simultaneously, with the advancement of technology, Christmas light shows incorporate the latest techniques, providing visitors with a unique visual feast, immersing everyone in the enchanting world of Christmas.

Entering December, Christmas light events in Tokyo are in full swing, and each display has its unique characteristics. For visitors with limited time, a delightful dilemma arises: where to go to admire the dazzling Christmas scenery? Here, we have compiled five must-visit Christmas light display spots in Tokyo, including well-known classic Christmas spots and some novel and interesting places. Whether you are planning to visit Tokyo or are already in Tokyo, reading this introduction will undoubtedly provide valuable reference for your itinerary and deepen your understanding of the unique charm of each Tokyo region.

Here are the five major Christmas light displays introduced in Tokyo, Japan:

(1) Tokyo Minato Ward –
Azabu Hills Christmas Market 2023
(2) Tokyo Minato Ward –
Christmas in Roppongi Hills and Roppongi Midtown
(3) Tokyo Shibuya Ward –
Shibuya Blue Cave 2023
(4) Tokyo Chiyoda Ward –
Christmas events in Hibiya Midtown and Tokyo Marunouchi
(5) Tokyo Inagi City –
Jewellumination event in Yomiuri Land

(1)　Tokyo Minato Ward – Azabu Hills Christmas Market 2023

Minato Ward is located in the center of Tokyo and is one of the most internationalized areas, with one of the highest proportions of foreign residents. This district serves as Japan’s business center and political core, encompassing major commercial areas such as Toranomon, Shinbashi, Aoyama, Akasaka, and Roppongi. It features large, high-end commercial complexes, five-star hotels, conference centers, including Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, Toranomon Hills, ARK Hills, and the newly opened Azabu Hills this year. Minato Ward covers an area of 20.37 square kilometers, ranking 12th among the 23 wards, with a population of approximately 250,000, ranking 17th among the 23 wards.

Azabu Hills, which opened on November 24 this year, is a premium area in Minato Ward, housing the tallest building in Tokyo. Spanning approximately 8.1 hectares, with a total floor area of about 860,000 square meters, it integrates various urban functions, including offices, residences, commercial facilities, markets, hotels, a digital art museum, galleries, international schools, and medical facilities. Azabu Hills was designed by renowned architects and designers such as American architect Fred W. Clarke and British designer Thomas Heatherwick, who infused their distinctive personalities to create a unique skyscraper.

To celebrate the first Christmas after the opening of Azabu Hills, the Azabu Hills Christmas Market 2023 was specially organized. Architect Shuhei Aoyama from the international architectural design team OMA conceived the concept of the venue. Through clever configuration of the central square environment and spatial planning to create a festive atmosphere, this unique market was born. The distinctive large roof, known as “The Cloud,” during the event, envelops the venue with the splendid light and shadow designed by Shuhei Shigematsu, creating a rich Christmas celebration atmosphere. At the center of the venue is a Christmas tree made of pine, themed as “a Christmas that condenses many thoughts of Christmas,” adorned with 20,000 LED lights and five types of light decorations, adding vibrant colors to Azabu Hills’ Christmas celebration.

(2)　Tokyo Minato Ward – Christmas Events in Roppongi Hills and Roppongi Midtown

The Roppongi area in Tokyo’s Minato Ward is a renowned high-end fashion and trend center. Every Christmas season, both overseas visitors and local residents make a special trip to Roppongi to enjoy the Christmas lights at Roppongi Hills and Roppongi Midtown, creating a romantic Christmas time with family, loved ones, and friends.

Roppongi Hills is an upscale area featuring high-end commercial buildings, luxury residences, and designer stores. It is easily accessible, just a few minutes’ walk from Roppongi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. Every year, the Christmas activities at Roppongi Hills are full of excitement, seamlessly blending romance and entertainment, ensuring a captivating experience. This year is no exception, as the Keyakizaka Street, lined with Zelkova trees, is adorned with 800,000 LED lights in the main colors of snow white and blue, creating a 400-meter-long romantic avenue. People can immerse themselves in the dreamy scenery of “SNOW&BLUE” amidst the warm glow of lights. Additionally, the view of the Tokyo Tower adds an extra touch of romance, making it an immensely popular spot. The Christmas market and various festive activities add to the vibrancy, allowing you to have a romantic and joyful Christmas celebration.

In addition to the romantic lights at Roppongi Hills, just a 10-minute walk from Roppongi Hills, you can enjoy the Christmas activities and decorations at Roppongi Midtown.

Located in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, Roppongi Midtown is situated in an upscale district, serving as a comprehensive commercial shopping center conveniently connected to Roppongi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. The “Midtown Christmas” in Roppongi has always left a lasting impression, and this year is no exception. Both indoor and outdoor spaces in the shopping complex are cleverly arranged to create a Christmas celebration filled with a romantic atmosphere.

This year, Roppongi Midtown adopts the theme “BE ENCHANTED…” and presents an enchanting fantasy scene set to the delightful rhythm of nature, adding rich colors to everyone’s holiday season during both day and night. In addition to the specially designed musical Christmas tree inside the shopping complex, an ice skating rink is set up in the park outside for everyone to enjoy. Furthermore, the trees along the park are adorned with sparkling golden lights, creating a warm golden glow that becomes particularly enchanting as night falls. The glittering radiance is both elegant and dynamic, guiding visitors into a world of vibrant splendor.

(3)　Tokyo Shibuya Ward – Shibuya Blue Cave 2023

The “Shibuya Ward” is situated in the western part of Tokyo and is one of the “Tokyo 5 Central Wards,” along with Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato, and Shinjuku. Shibuya Station within the ward is one of the most crucial transportation hubs on the western side of Tokyo, particularly known for its large five-way intersection with massive pedestrian traffic. It is internationally renowned and stands as one of Tokyo’s symbols. Shibuya Ward covers an area of 15.11 square kilometers, ranking 15th among the 23 wards, with a population of approximately 240,000, ranking 18th among the 23 wards.

The Christmas light display known as “Shibuya Blue Cave” blankets the Shibuya district in a fantasy of blue lights. This event is named after the tourist destination “Blue Grotto” on the island of Capri in southern Italy. It started in Nakameguro in 2014 and moved to Shibuya in 2016. The theme for 2023 is “Blue Cave SHIBUYA -DAY&NIGHT-.”  This year, the event has been upgraded, with the duration extended to 25 days, totaling about 770,000 bulbs, an increase of 170,000 compared to previous years. During the event, approximately 800 meters of Keyaki Avenue, from Shibuya Park Street to Yoyogi Park, is illuminated with a dazzling night sky of blue lights.

Additionally, for the first time, the event includes the “Blue Cave Xmas Market,” a Christmas market held at Keyaki Avenue in Yoyogi Park. The market features around 20 food and miscellaneous goods stalls. Starting from 3 pm, visitors can experience the Christmas atmosphere at this market. The market’s decoration utilizes a specially designed metal mesh by the Nisshin Seifun Group, creating a space reminiscent of the aurora.

(4)　Tokyo Chiyoda Ward – Christmas Events in Hibiya Midtown and Marunouchi

The “Chiyoda Ward” is located in the central part of Tokyo and serves as Japan’s political and economic hub. It houses Japan’s Parliament, the Prime Minister’s official residence, the Supreme Court, most central administrative agencies, and the Imperial Palace. Major business districts like Otemachi, Marunouchi, and Yurakucho, where the headquarters of many large Japanese corporations are located, are also within this ward. Chiyoda Ward covers only 11.66 square kilometers, ranking 19th among the 23 wards, and due to its primarily commercial and political nature, it has a population of just over 60,000, ranking 23rd among the 23 wards, making it the least populated ward in Tokyo.

Every year, Hibiya Midtown’s “HIBIYA Magic Time Illumination” transforms the streets of Hibiya into a colorful winter wonderland with the concept of “magical moments.” Last year, it attracted around 4.2 million visitors. The theme for this year is “BEST WISHES,” using rich colors such as purple, yellow, and light blue as the main theme colors. Each tree is adorned with LED lights of different colors, expressing a festive atmosphere through vibrant and colorful lighting decorations. Seven Christmas trees will illuminate the area with a dreamy full-color display, spreading blessings to all. Additionally, to create a Christmas atmosphere even during daylight, each tree’s base is decorated with flowers, crafting a space filled with color and celebratory feelings, both day and night.

Starting from Hibiya Midtown and heading in the direction of the Peninsula Hotel, you’ll notice trees along the road adorned with lights, creating a sparkling golden tunnel that guides you towards the Christmas activities in Marunouchi.

Marunouchi is a renowned commercial district in Tokyo, boasting numerous business buildings and world-famous brand stores. Located adjacent to Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace, Marunouchi not only features skyscrapers but also fashionable shopping centers that bring together global cuisine and trendy shops. Due to its picturesque surroundings, Marunouchi is also a popular location for wedding photoshoots.

The annual winter event, “Marunouchi Illumination 2023,” now in its 22nd year, brings a winter ambiance to the Tokyo Station area. Over 360 street trees are adorned with 1.2 million champagne gold LED lights, creating a dazzling display along the main street, “Marunouchi Naka-dori.” Simultaneously, a Christmas market takes place within Marunouchi Naka-dori. This year’s Marunouchi Christmas theme is “Marunouchi Bright Christmas 2023 – Disney DREAMS & WISHES,” celebrating the 100th anniversary of Disney. In collaboration with Disney’s film ‘Wish,’ the event brings a special Christmas celebration themed around Disney animations.

Disney’s stories have always been beloved worldwide, bringing countless smiles and joy, creating surprises and excitement, and conveying the wonders of “dreams” and “wishes.” Here, you can savor charming Disney-themed merchandise and cuisine while participating in various Christmas activities.

Notably, Marunouchi Building showcases a massive Christmas installation inspired by Disney’s latest film ‘Wish.’ Starting from 5 pm. daily, a light show occurs every 15 minutes. In the New Marunouchi Building, a Christmas installation featuring the magical hat symbolizing the film ‘Fantasia’ will be displayed. Marunouchi Oazo presents a snowflake-themed Christmas tree to celebrate the tenth anniversary of “Frozen.” Additionally, you can participate in a stamp rally at nine designated locations and exchange the collected stamps for special commemorative items.

(5)　Tokyo Inagi City – Yomiuriland Jewellumination

Yomiuriland is located on the western side of Tokyo, spanning Inagi City and Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture. With an extensive area and 43 diverse amusement facilities, ranging from thrilling rides to classic entertainment suitable for children, the park offers a variety of fun experiences for visitors.

Every winter, Yomiuriland hosts the “Jewellumination” event, transforming the entire park into a sea of lights. The number of LED lights used in the park sets a new record each year, making it a must-visit destination for light enthusiasts. The entire park sparkles and shines! Whether for couples or families, people from various walks of life flock to the park to share the joy brought by the lights.

This year’s illumination theme is “Light is LOVE,” designed by the world-renowned Japanese lighting designer Midori Ishii. Over six million LED lights are used to create a unique jewel-toned theme, including an extremely long tunnel of light where various rich colors interweave, creating a vibrant and dreamlike world for visitors. Another notable attraction is the 180-meter-long Light Avenue, where trees on both sides are decorated with cool and warm color schemes, forming a beautiful contrast. Each type of light seems to be caring companions for one another, adding a colorful touch to couples strolling along, creating a sense of happiness. With its extensive area, Yomiuriland’s illuminations adorn every corner, promising visitors an awe-inspiring experience with the dazzling colors of the lights!

In Sum

Each Christmas illumination in Tokyo possesses unique features. Not only can you enjoy dazzling light performances, but you can also experience thrilling amusement park rides while admiring the colorful and vibrant lights creating a splendid night scene. Additionally, strolling through the streets of Tokyo provides an opportunity to explore the distinctive characteristics of each of the city’s 23 wards, immersing yourself in the rich and romantic Christmas atmosphere. While some Christmas illuminations conclude on December 25th, several locations will remain open into the early days of next year. This allows friends who missed the chance to appreciate Tokyo’s lights this year to still have the opportunity for a unique and enchanting light-filled journey in Japan.

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