If you're visiting Tokyo in winter, the magical illumination events that grace the city are a must-see! This article will tell you everything you need to know about Japanese illuminations, as well as introduce some popular illumination events and two incredible restaurants to visit afterwards.
Facts About Japanese Winter Illuminations
However, the lightbulbs now associated with illumination were actually introduced by Thomas Edison, the father of invention. In a marketing campaign in 1882, Edison decorated 900 buildings in Manhattan with 14,000 light bulbs, which, as you can imagine, amazed the public.
*Image taken of Jewellumination at Yomiuriland
*Image taken of Jewellumination at Yomiuriland
■Tokyo's Top Illumination Destinations
Here are three recommended illumination displays to see in Tokyo this winter!
・Marunouchi Illumination (Tokyo Station (JR Lines, etc.), and other locations)
Marunouchi Illumination 2023 is a festival of light held in the Marunouchi district (Otemachi, Marunouchi, Yurakucho) surrounding Tokyo Station. Approximately 1.2 million champagne-gold LED bulbs adorn around 360 trees lining the 1.2-kilometer Marunouchi Naka-dori main street. From November 28 to December 25, this magical spectacle expands to a portion of Gyoko-dori Street, which runs between Kokyo Gaien National Garden and Tokyo Station. During the event period, the entire area becomes engulfed in the warm glow of twinkling lights.
Event period: November 16, 2023–February 18, 2024
Illumination time: 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
・Yomiuriland Jewellumination (Keio-Yomiuri-Land Station on the Keio Line)
Yomiuriland Jewellumination 2023, LIGHT is LOVE is held in the Yomiuriland amusement park and is one of the largest illuminations in the Kanto region. The installation is curated by Motoko Ishii, a globally recognized pioneer in lighting design. The event features the world’s first gemstone-color-inspired LEDs, which illuminate the Giant Ferris Wheel, a 140-meter tunnel of light, and more, transforming the entire park into a jewel-studded winter wonderland. The Wave Pool area also presents a spectacular show of water and light consisting of water screen projections on a giant 15-meter ring with 188 fountains and a dynamic interplay of lasers and flames.
Event period: October 19, 2023–April 7, 2024
*Planned for a total of 152 days (excluding days when the park is closed). Only the daytime amusement park will be open on weekdays from March 1–15, 2024.
Illumination time: 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Tokyo Midtown is an expansive urban complex comprising shops, restaurants, offices, hotels, green spaces, and galleries. In 2023, its annual illumination event will feature the ever-popular Promenade of Lights, which is a display of golden lights decorating the surrounding trees, as well as Gold Trees, a new addition to the Christmas installation at Midtown Garden. Gold Trees is made up of 36 golden pillars around 4 meters tall, blending sound, light, and mist to capture the essence of the seasons. In mid-November, visitors can stroll among the enchanting Gold Trees for an even more immersive experience.
Event period: November 16–December 25, 2023
*The Promenade of Lights will continue until February 25, 2024
Illumination time: 5:00 pm–11:00 - 11:00 pm
*Event schedules and details may be subject to change.
■Recommended Restaurants
Here are two fantastic restaurants conveniently located near the illumination events introduced above.
Wattle Tokyo (Tokyo / Creative Cuisine)
The [Three Course Dinner] (6,500 JPY) offers a customizable dining experience, allowing you to select from a range of options for starters, mains, sides, and dessert. Indulge in the flavorful [Tasmanian Salmon Gravlax, Scandinavian Marinade] or savor the [Roasted Victorian Lamb], a rare find in Japan roasted to perfection by the talented chef. Each dish is designed to bring out the full essence of the individual ingredients.
The Shin-Marunouchi Building is a large commercial complex hosting a diverse collection of around 150 unique shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to explore and shop after viewing the Tokyo illuminations.
Wattle Tokyo
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit
Address: 6F, Shin-Marunouchi Bldg., 1-5-1, Shin-Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation
Yakiniku Ishigakijima Misakigyu Akasaka Branch (Akasaka / Yakiniku)
Yakiniku Ishigakijima Misakigyu Akasaka Branch treats diners to a unique yakiniku (grilled meat) experience with lavish helpings of Misaki Beef. Misaki Beef is a brand of cattle raised with specialized feed and great care amid the bountiful natural environment of Ishigaki Island, Okinawa. Upon entering, guests are greeted by an aging room filled with an assortment of cuts, whetting the appetite for the feast ahead.
A must-try is the [Choice Zabuton (Chuck Flap)] (5,500 JPY), which is a rare cut from the ribcage area of the chuck with only about 3 kg obtainable per cattle. It is exceptionally delicious, whether rare or well-done, so don’t hesitate to cook it as you like.
Also recommended is the scarce [Kuroge Wagyu Tongue] (3,300 JPY). A dash of salt and lemon is all that is needed to highlight the superior quality of the meat.
Yakiniku Ishigakijima Misakigyu Akasaka Branch
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Access: The restaurant can be reached within 3 minutes from any exit from Akasaka Station
Address: B1F, Ichigo Akasaka Bldg., 5-4-9, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation
