December nights may be chilly in Tokyo, but there are plenty of reasons to step out and enjoy spectacular Christmas lights and illuminations brightening up the city. The perfect atmosphere to enjoy evening shopping or stroll around the beautifully lit streets of Tokyo's major areas with LED displays, projection mapping, and so much more. Christmas illuminations are a standout this year and with sustainability top of mind renewable energy sources have become a must. Whilst Christmas lights will come down in January some spectacular winter illuminations will carry on until the end of February.  

Here we introduce our picks of how and where to enjoy the highlights:

Ginza

With many shops and department stores open until 9pm, an array of bars and restaurants from the upmarket to nearby yokocho eateries, the Ginza's winter illuminations add an air of excitement and wow factor to winter nights. In addition to the LED lit trees and streetlights individual designer stores showcase spectacular displays. Contemporary art collective teamLab is behind a next-level art interactive installation on the Bulgari flagship store in Ginza, which last appeared during the 2019-20 holiday season. Bulgari Serpenti Sparkle 2022 is wrapped around the Bulgari Ginza Tower lighting up the brand's iconic Serpenti snake, and you can change the colours and patterns through your smartphone from 5pm to midnight. See web LINK

Marunouchi Nakadori

An area near Tokyo station, Marunouchi has a 1.2-kilometre boulevard lined with enticing shops and eateries leading to Hibiya (near Ginza) and trees illuminated with 1.2 million champagne gold-coloured LEDs. Once again, this year it is an environmentally conscious display. The energy used to power the display, which runs through to mid-February, comes from renewable sources such as solar and wind power.

Tokyo Midtown- Christmas 2022

Tokyo Midtown shopping complex near Roppongi is celebrating Christmas in style with a garden and Promenade of Lights, a pop art Christmas tree and a Santa tree. Accompanied by light and sound performances, the illumination brings a vibrant atmosphere to the winter nights complete with one of the city's largest outdoor skating rinks in place for the season.

TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN Dream Christmas 2022

The illumination at TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN has been designed to celebrate the tower's 10th anniversary. The lights are set to run through to Christmas. The 8 metre-tall Christmas tree, the limited-time "Champagnetree" and "Candletree" illuminations on the tower itself are a must-see.

TOKYO TOWER WINTER FANTASY 2022

Tokyo Tower has been known as "the city's candle" with the warm glow it gives the Tokyo night sky. This year, around 600 thousand different colours from candles, lanterns and LED lightbulbs have been used to create a warm atmosphere and have various themes. Check the calendar to see what's on an how the Tower will appear for you: LINK

Other illuminations

There is so much more. Many of Tokyo's most popular shopping areas have winter festivities and light-up displays. Other areas not to miss are Omotesando- a wide boulevard of LED lit trees, Roppongi Hills with a Christmas market, not to mention Meguro River, where a 2.2 kilometre section is lit up to recreate the image of cherry blossoms, all powered by recycled vegetable oil contributed by local restaurants and homes.