7 city illuminations to visit in Japan this Christmas
We’ll soon be into the middle of December, and Japan is getting colder and colder. It’s considered the season to stay inside and keep warm and cosy. But it’s worth wrapping up and heading out to go and see the winter time illuminations, something you can only see during this season. The gorgeous night-time scenery created by these illuminations will have you completely forgetting about the cold! MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON would like to show you a list of recommended illumination spots to see this season.
1:Shibuya “Ao no Dokutsu SHIBUYA”
“Ao no Dokutsu” was held in Naka-Meguro back in 2014 and was a huge success. This year, it will make its way to Shibuya. Stretching 750m from Shibuya Koen-dori to Yoyogi Park Keyaki-Namiki, the entire area will be completely dyed in a beautiful and enchanting blue colour which you can take photos of.
http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/22534
Located: 750m across Shibuya Koen-dori to Yoyogi Park Keyaki-Namiki
Date: Tuesday November 22nd, 2016 to Monday January 9th, 2017
Time: 17:00-23:00
※Please be aware that illumination times are subject to change.
2:Naka-Meguro & Shinagawa中目黒・品川 “Meguro River Minna no Illumination 2016”
Meguro River, a place famous for its rows of cherry blossoms during the cherry blossom season, will be dyed in a beautiful sakura coloured illuminations. There will be double the amount of lights from last year – more than 42,000 sakura coloured LED illuminations stretching 1.1km!
http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/21051
Location: Gotanda Fureai Waterside Square, Shinagawa-ku (2-9 Higashi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo) and along Meguro River
Date: Friday November 18th, 2016 to Monday January 9th, 2017
Time: 17:00-22:00
3:Akasaka “The Prince Park Tower Tokyo Illuminations”
Located in the southern entrance of The Prince Park Tower Tokyo hotel is an objet d’art designed with the word “TOKYO” amongst a number of other things. There’s also a photo spot where you can take a photograph together with Tokyo Tower.
http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/22896
Location: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Date: Tuesday November 29th, 2016 to Tuesday February 28th, 2017
Time: Every day from sunset to midnight
4:Shinagawa Shinagawa Season Terrace Illuminations ~Mirai e Negai wo~
Shinagawa Season Terrace will be displaying its first ever illuminations this year. These illuminations are a type that you can get up close and personal. As you walk up the stairs, you will enter an enchanting and fantastical world as you climb the stairs which are enveloped in dancing lights.
https://sst-am.com/event/1798.html
Location: Shinagawa Season Terrace (1-Chome-2-70 Kōnan, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Date: Thursday December 1st, 2016 to Sunday December 25th, 2016
Time: 17:00-22:30
5:Shiodome “Caretta Illumination 2016 ‘Canyon d’Azur ~Aoi Seirei no Mori~’”
2016 will mark the 11th running of the Caretta Illuminations in Shiodome. This year’s theme is “Aoi Seirei no Mori” (translation: “Forest of Blue Spirits”). This romantic illumination show will be held in 20 minute intervals, featuring original music and interweaving, 7-coloured illuminations.
http://www.caretta.jp/Illumination2016/
Location: Caretta Shiodome B2F Caretta Plaza 1-Chome-8-2 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Date: Thursday November 17th, 2016 to Tuesday February 14th, 2017 ※All buildings will be closed on January 1st and January 2nd in 2017 so illuminations will not be held on these dates.
Time:
17:00-23:00 (subject to change) – Thursday November 17th, 2016 to Saturday December 31st, 2016
18:00-22:00 (subject to change) – Tuesday January 3rd, 2017 to Tuesday February 14th, 2017
6:Roppongi “MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS 2016”
Roppongi is enveloped in fantastic illuminations every year. Whether its inside or in the midtown, the scope of the light shows is always huge, and every year it proves to be a spot for many people to visit. There are 9 illuminations displayed on the official midtown website. Be sure to check the website before heading over to Roppongi.
http://www.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/xmas/illumination/
Location: Tokyo Midtown 9-Chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Date: Tuesday November 15th, 2016 to Sunday December 25th, 2016
Time: 17:00-23:00
7:Ebisu “Ebisu Garden Place Winter Illumination 2016”
Ebisu, the town for grown-ups, is also showcasing illuminations this year. The illuminations will light up lots of different spots with 10,000 ball illuminations, including the world’s highest quality baccarat chandelier. There will also be a Christmas market type of area serving food and drinks. Head on over and enjoy a relaxing time.
Location: Ebisu Garden Place
Date: Saturday November 5th, 2016 to Monday January 9th, 2017
Time: 16:00-24:00
These illumination shows are something you can only experience this season. As you walk the streets of town embraced in light, you’ll feel as if you’re in a completely new place.
—
■Related Article: 【MOSHI MOSHI Pick-up spot】Enjoy the light-up of the flower garden 「 Ashikaga Flower Park “Flower Fantasy –the light of the flower garden-”」
■Related Article: Enjoy the beautiful view of a new, futuristic cityscape from Tokyo Tower ー courtesy of “TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA” by NAKED.
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Nagomi Holiday Gift Event
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Venue: CASETiFY STUDiO Shibuya PARCO (Tokyo)
*Times are subject to change.[Content]
・Autographs by Nagomi on product displays in the store
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Make any purchase at participating stores between November 25 and December 13
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26.December.2022 | SPOT
The Mine City Tourism Association has announced a Christmas & Valentine’s Day event at Akiyoshido Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Japan. The event will see the natural wonder illuminated by a number of colorful lights. The Christmas event will run from December 21 to 25, 2022, while the Valentine’s Day event will run from February 10 to 14, 2023.
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Christmas Theater: December 21 – December 25, 2022
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Times: (1) 10:00-11:00 (2) 12:00-13:00 (3) 14:00-15:00
3 events per dayVenue:
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Eve to Hold YouTube LIVE on Christmas Eve with Afterparty for Premium Members
21.December.2022 | MUSIC
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Information
Christmas EVE Live on YouTube
Supported by YouTube | SoftBank
Streaming December 24 at 19:00~
Streaming URL: https://youtube.com/live/SX34pDlkGrQ
Christmas EVE YouTube Premium Afterparty
Supported by YouTube | SoftBank
Streaming December 24 at 19:30~
Streaming URL: https://youtube.com/live/xnpUGzqKjU4
*YouTube Premium Required to Join the Afterparty
https://www.youtube.com/premium
Official Site: https://eveofficial.com/
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Information
Elemis Christmas Afternoon Tea
Running: December 1 – December 25, 2022 *Not running December 12, 13
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1st Service / 15:00~16:30
2nd Service / 17:00-18:30
3rd Service / 19:00-20:30Length: 90 minutes
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Comment from Eve
“I’m incredibly honored because I loved both the original manga and Fukuda’s past works. I wrote this song Shirayuki with the hope that Christmas could be an important day for everyone. I would be so glad if this song makes you nostalgic for winter, making you imagine the cold air that stings your nose and the stars in the clear night sky. I love Kunehito, so I am looking forward to seeing him in the film.”
©︎2022「ブラックナイトパレード」製作委員会 ©︎中村光/集英社
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Official Site: https://bnp-movie.jpEve
Official Site: https://eveofficial.com/ -
Sailor Moon Museum Releases New Christmas Menu
15.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / SPOT
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Will you be visiting the museum during its last few weeks?(c) Naoko Takeuchi
Information
Sailor Moon Museum
Running: July 1 – December 30, 2022
Vol. 3: November 12 – December 30, 2022
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Weekends/Holidays: 10:00-20:00 (Last entry at 19:30)
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Venue: Roppongi Museum (5-6-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Official Site: www.sailormoon-museum.com
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Mister Donut Reveals Limited-Time Pokemon Christmas Collection
06.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Mister Donut has revealed its annual Pokemon Christmas collaboration. This marks the 5th year that the popular sweets chain is teaming up with the legendary franchise, and starting on November 9, fans can find themed sweets and merchandise for a limited time.
Pikachu Snowman Donut
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Mister Donut Blanket (White)
Mister Donut Glasses (Set of 2)
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Pikachu Donut
The popular Pikachu Donut is back! The fluffy yeast pastry is filled with whipped cream with a pudding flavor and chocolate coating.
Pikachu Snowman Donut
Also filled with whipped cream, the Pikachu Snowman Donut is coated with white chocolate.
Be sure to check out this exclusive collection of sweets and goods before they’re gone!
©2022 Pokémon. ©1995-2022 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.
ポケットモンスター・ポケモン・Pokémonは任天堂・クリーチャーズ・ゲームフリークの登録商標です。
Nintendo Switchのロゴ・Nintendo Switchは任天堂の商標です。Information
Mister Donut Pokemon Christmas Collection
On Sale:
Donuts: November 9 – late December 2022 (While supplies last)
Goods: November 9 (While supplies last)
Official Site: https://www.misterdonut.jp
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The World of Peanuts to Take Over Grandberry Park this Winter
31.October.2022 | SPOT
The limited-time Christmas event ‘SNOOPY Merry Colorful Christmas’ will be held at the Grandberry Park shopping mall from November 12 until December 25, 2022. The complex is directly connected to Manami-Machida Grandberry Park Station on the Den-en-toshi Line.
This year’s event is the most colorful one yet, focusing on diversity and individuality. Fans of Snoopy and friends are in for a treat, as the area around Grandberry Park will be illuminated in beautiful colors and decorated with unique Christmas decorations that will excite the whole family.
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On December 10, the Snoopy Ice Rink will open at Oasis Plaza, and the Snoopy Happiness Float 2022, a giant Snoopy that has traveled across Japan, will return for another year of fun.
Come have a fun time this holiday season with Snoopy and friends! A series of events will be held over the next year to market the Colors of Peanuts marketing campaign throughout the country, so keep an eye out for more news!
*Sample images only.
Information
Snoopy Merry Colorful Christmas
Running: November 12 – December 25, 2022
Venue: Grandberry Park
Details: https://gbp.minamimachida-grandberrypark.com/christmas2022/ -
Grand Front Osaka to Hold Harry Potter Christmas Event
The Grand Front Osaka mall has announced an incredible Christmas celebration in collaboration with the magical world of Harry Potter! Fans will want to visit the massive shopping center between November 10 and December 25 to take part in the festivities.
Standard Decorations
Showtime Decorations
Harry Potter-Inspired Decorations
The highlight of the event is the 13-meter-tall Christmas Tree, which will be set up on the first floor of the mall’s North Building. The tree will be decorated with Harry Potter-inspired ornaments like moving staircases and window frames, which will look as though they are floating in the air. At night, a light show will take place around the tree, complete with projections inspired by the four houses of Hogwarts.
Decorated Ted E. Bear
Stamp Rally Card
House Flag Decorations
Tully’s Coffee and Harry Potter Collaboration Goods and Menu
Special Harry Potter-themed decorations will be attached to many trees in the area around the nearby Umekita Plaza, and fans can also find a Harry Potter panel exhibition. An Instagram photo campaign will be held in which visitors can enter to win collab merch, so don’t miss out!
Come make some magical memories at this Harry Potter event in Osaka this winter.
Information
Grand Wish Christmas 2022
Harry Potter: An Invitation to the Wizarding World of Christmas
Running: November 10 – December 25, 2022 *Excluding certain contents
Venue: Grand Front Osaka North & South Wings, Umekita Plaza, etc.
Details: https://www.grandfront-osaka.jp/xmas2022/ -
Q-pot CAFE to Release Colorful and Creative Christmas Cake
20.October.2022 | FOOD
Q-pot is known for incredible Christmas cakes, and this year’s dessert might be their most glorious yet. This year’s motif is the ‘Christmas Wreath,’ meant to symbolize peace, eternity, and happiness. Featuring a massive Morello cherry, this is the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends and family.
The cake features a pistachio ganache and cheese ganache transformed to look like powdery snow, with each dessert decorated with chocolate candy canes, teddy bears, stars, and ribbon cookies.
The beautiful cross-section shows four luxurious layers: Morello cherry mousse, caramel mousse, crepe dough filled with hazelnuts and chocolate, and rich chocolate genoise. Cakes are available to order from anywhere in the country and are delivered in a beautiful box.
Orders will be accepted in-store and at the Q-pot. Online Shop starting November 1, 2022. Why not enjoy a decedent and heartwarming Christmas this year?
Information
Q-pot CAFE. 2022 Christmas Cake
Order Period: November 1 – December 11, 2022
Delivery Period: December 22 – December 25, 2022
Price: ¥3,240 (Tax Included)
Details/Orders: http://www.q-pot.jp/news/2022/10/1765.html
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Izu Kogen Grand Illumination to Offer New Experiences for 8th Season
14.October.2022 | SPOT
From November 11, 2022 until August 2023, Izu Granpal Park in Shizuoka Prefecture will host the 8th Izu Kogen Grand Illumination event!
The Izu Kogen Grand Illumination was ranked #1 in the Walker+National Illumination Ranking for six consecutive years and is beloved by visitors of all ages. This isn’t just a collection of pretty lights–the Grand Illumination also includes a number of hands-on experiences for everyone to enjoy.
In 2021, the event won first place in the Ninth Illumination Awards for the second year in a row. Known as Japan’s first ‘hands-on illumination experience,’ the park has continued to evolve year after year, adding more attractions and finding its unique style. These attractions include a zip line through the lights, Dinosaur Go-Karts, and more.
This year, the Flower Lantern Area and Sweets Lantern Area have been completely redesigned and upgraded to be even more three-dimensional and colorful. Come enjoy this incredible world of lights and have some fun with the whole family!
Information
Izu Kogen Grand Illumination ~8th Season~ (Hands-on)
Venue: Izu Granpal Park
Running: November 11, 2022 – August 2023
Official Site: https://granillumi.com
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Midtown Christmas 2022 to Bring Gorgeous Lights and Sounds to Tokyo
07.October.2022 | SPOT
From November 17 until December 25, Tokyo Midtown will hold the popular Midtown Christmas event for 2022!
Adults and children are sure to love this massive Christmas event. Each year, a massive Christmas tree appears in Tokyo Midtown, but this year’s festivities will also throw some more unique pieces of art into the mix.
This year, visitors will see golden lights on the city’s trees, as well as a pop-up Christmas tree inspired by party poppers. Lights and music will join together to make guests feel as though they’ve walked into an outdoor theater, and the popular ice skating rink will once again be open for everyone to enjoy. Why not enjoy the Christmas season in Tokyo’s shimmering midtown?
Bubbles Fill the Air for a Limited Time at the Christmas Story Lights
A Massive Dome Filled with 300 Lights Invites Visitors to Celebrate the Season
Hands-on Experiences at the Party Popper Tree
Information
Midtown Winter Lights
Running: November 17 – December 25, 2022
Venue: Midtown Garden, Plaza 1F
Light Hours: 17:00-23:00
*Some event times and details are subject to change.
Admission: Free
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