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.

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