The Shinjuku Minamilumi illuminations are making their sixth return to the south exit of Shinjuku Station again this year from November 14. "Minamilumi" is a portmanteau of minami no illumination ('south illuminations') and minna de miru illumination ('illuminations to watch with everyone'). Each pedestrian area around the south exit will be decorated with different illuminations. Full details for each illumination exhibition will be available from October. Each location is within walking distance from the other, so you can spend a nice relaxing time strolling and seeing the different lights that will welcome the winter. Mark it in your diary and be sure to see them all.  

Christmas at Roppongi Hills is a bustling time having brought together 7 million people last year. There will be lots happening this year, starting with Keyakizaka street being lit up from early November up to Christmas Day. Illuminations will be held in 3 places and there will be numerous events including a Christmas market and concerts. Around 700,000 LED lights will decorate the trees of Keyakizaka street, bringing to light that charming feeling of Tokyo wintertime. This marks the 15th year of the street's illuminations, and this year's theme is "LIVE veil." Passersby will be greeted with the glow of crisp blue and snow white LED lights. The bridge located in the centre of Keyakizaka street will make for a great photo with Tokyo Tower in the background.   Date: Early November 2018 - December 25, 2018Time: 17:00-23:00Location: Roppongi Keyakizaka-dori A Christmas market will take place at 66 Plaza which will be overlooked by a towering 10m tall Christmas tree. The tree will light up during the event making for a must-visit spot with that special someone.   Date: Early November 2018 - December 25, 2018Time: 17:00-24:00Location: 66 Plaza If you take a stroll along West Walk you'll also see a very unique looking "knitted" Christmas tree. This specially made tree is made of a knitted material that will feel soft to touch. You'll even be able to lie down at the base of it. The material the tree is made of will also run through the corridor of West Walk, embracing the area with warmth.   Running: November 16, 2018 - December 25, 2018 (subject to change) Location: 2F West Walk South Side and Corridor As well as the Christmas market and concert, the restaurants and cafes will also sell Christmas cakes, and there will be plenty of opportunities for Christmas shopping.   Take your family, friends or special someone to Roppongi Hills for Christmas this year!    

Veltra, a website that offers hundreds of tours and activities for travellers across the world, is now taking bookings to go and see the autumn colour light-up of Konkaikōmyō-ji, also known as Kurodani Temple. The plan offers the chance to see the Afro Buddha―which has made headlines on TV in Japan and on the internet―as well as the temple gardens and elsewhere lit up in gorgeous hues of reds, yellows and oranges. The autumnal colours reflected on the water surface beside the temple will provide for a gorgeous setting.   There's also an additional plan that can get you in 30-minutes earlier than regular guests and offers a tour of the area by the official gardener or a garden concierge. Guests who book with Veltra will also receive a bill with the Afro Buddha printed on it. Kurodani Temple was founded in 1175. It incldues the site where Honen, the founder of Jodo Buddhism, stayed. It's also famous as the site where the Japanese official Kondō Isami and samurai Matsudaira Katamori held talks.   While gazing at the beautiful colours of autumn guests can also enjoy a koto performance.   Veltra also has an English page and takes bookings from inbound travellers. Book your plan to see the spectacle yourself.