Now it’s December, we can unleash our festive spirits without anyone telling us “it’s too early”. The streets are glistening with Christmas decor and Christmas dinners, drinks and desserts are around every corner. Every year, Starbucks never fails to hype us up with their Christmas drinks and so without a moment to waste, I headed over to check them out.
For many, the excitement of Christmas starts to unfold at one moment: opening the stocking. Starbucks has hit home once again with the Santa Boots Chocolate Frappuccino®, which not only takes on the appearance of a stocking stuffed with treats, but tastes as jolly as one too. The Frappuccino® was released on December 4, 2019 and is enough to leave you with a very merry belly.
Once you place your order, you will be handed a sealed straw transformed with Christmas magic to become an edible cookie straw. This drink is the first of its kind for Starbucks and is on a whole new level of excitement. Just holding the straw in your hand waiting for your drink will have your heart racing in anticipation.
Here it is:
The small, bright red baubles of chocolate will immediately catch your attention. The Christmassy cup is literally a stocking packed with a range of delicious flavours and textures.
Now it’s time to insert the straw. You will be surprised at just how strong and sturdy it is. Alternating between a few refreshing gulps and an odd chomp on the crispy straw creates a new kind of flavour experience. Rest assured that you are also provided with a regular straw so no need to worry about devouring the straw before finishing the drink.
The frappuccino® base contains a rich chocolate sauce and is sprinkled with crispy potato chips. There are also some potato chips on top of the drink to moderate sweetness and add texture.
Not only will this fill your stomach, but just seeing the jolly drink will leave you fully topped up with the festive spirit. Sales will end once stock is depleted so make sure to try it asap if you are interested.
Have a jolly Christmas filled with excitement and love.
Information
Santa Boots Chocolate Frappuccino®
Only Available in Tall: ¥690 (Before Tax)
Selling: December 4 – 25, 2019
Available at most Starbucks Coffee shops across Japan
* Sales will end once stock is depleted.
Starbucks Coffee Japan: https://www.starbucks.co.jp/
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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Starbucks Japan has revealed its drink in its line of holiday season beverages for 2019. The Santa Boots Chocolate Frappuccino® will be released at Starbucks branches across Japan on December 4, but will receive an early release at four branches in Shibuya on December 3.
The best moment during Christmastime is when you open a present. This drink is inspired by the candy and gift-stuffed stockings from childhood.
The drink contains everybody’s favourite indulging ingredients: chocolate, cookies, and potato chips. The base of the drink is filled with dipping chocolate sauce and crunchy chocolate chips. The potato chips on top add a delicious salty flavour to the sweetness.
The drink is closed off with a squirt of snow-white whipped cream covered in red chocolate balls and an edible cookie straw. Suck up all of those delicious flavours through the straw and then enjoy munching on it afterwards, ensuring nothing goes to waste. A perfect beverage to enjoy this holiday season!
Information
Santa Boots Chocolate Frappuccino®
Price: Tall ¥690 (Before Tax) *Tall size only
Running: December 4, 2019 – December 25, 2019
Available: At most Starbucks branches in Japan
Shibuya Pre-Sale On December 3, 2019
・Starbucks Shibuya cocoti (cocoti SHIBUYA, 1-23-16 Shibuya, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo)
・Starbucks Shibuya MODI (1-21-3 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo)
・Starbucks Shibuya Koen-dori (Shibuya Koen-dori JN Bldg. 1F, 1-7-5 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo)
・Starbucks Shibuya Fire-dori (1-21-10 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo)
Starbucks Coffee Japan Official Website: https://www.starbucks.co.jp/
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Follow on from Merry Strawberry Cake Frappuccino®, Starbucks Coffee Japan has announced its second release in its series of holiday season beverages: the Nutty White Chocolate Frappuccino® and the Nutty White Mocha will hit most branches across Japan from November 22.
These two delicious drinks are the perfect holiday season treats, both capturing the moment when Christmas lights and illuminations twinkle. The coffee chain is also releasing its second batch of merchandise too.
The Nutty White Chocolate Frappuccino® is a combination of milky white chocolate and nutty hazelnuts with a sprinkling of roasted walnuts and crunchy shortbread for tantalising texture. It’s finished with a squirt of whipped cream which has been topped with chocolates of three different colours and silver dragees to create that Christmas light sparkle. You’re sure to feel the Christmas spirit with this order.
If it’s a hot drink you desire for warming up during the chilly weather, then you won’t be able to resist the Nutty White Mocha, a rich cup of coffee made with white chocolate and hazelnut syrup and a strong shot of espresso. The instant you take a sip from your cup, your taste buds will be treated to the nuttiness of the hazelnuts, and the subsequent milkiness of the white chocolate and full-bodied flavour of the espresso. The whipped cream represents a Christmas tree while the sauce is the ribbons and the dragees are the lights. A true capturing of Christmastime.
*This product uses chocolate that with less than 0.5% cocoa.
“Brilliant Season” is the theme of Starbucks’ second batch of Christmas goods this holiday season. We see the return of the snow dome cup from last year as well as a snow dome tumbler, a cutlery set with teaspoons and forks, a journal, clear pouch, and moreーlots that can be used as gifts. There’s plenty to plunge you into that Christmas mood as you stroll through the winter-kissed town amongst the warm Christmas lights. There’s also a special stainless steel tumbler which changes colour depending on which angle the light touches it, as well as a sparkly holographic mug.
Warm yourself up this winter in Japan by stopping by your nearest Starbucks branch.
Information
Nutty White Chocolate Frappuccino®
Price: Tall ¥590 (Before Tax) (*Tall size only)
Release Date: November 22, 2019 (*Available while supplies last)
Available: At most Starbucks branches in Japan
Nutty White Mocha
Price: Short ¥450 / Tall ¥490 / Grande ¥530 / Venti® ¥570 (All Before Tax)
Running: November 22, 2019 – December 25, 2019
Available: At most Starbucks branches in Japan
2nd Merchandise Batch
Running: November 22, 2019 – December 25, 2019
Available: At most Starbucks branches in Japan at the online store (some products available in-store only) while supplies last
*Prices etc. can be found on the official website
Starbucks Coffee Japan Official Website: https://www.starbucks.co.jp/
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The holiday season has finally hit Starbucks in Japan, and for the first drink in their series of Christmas beverages, they are serving the new Merry Strawberry Cake Frappuccino which is made to look and taste like a strawberry cake. Customers can even customise their drinks with as much free strawberry sauce as they like.
Merry Strawberry Cake Frappuccino – Tall ¥590 w/ Free Strawberry Sauce (*Sauce not available with other drinks)
The drink is built on sponge cake flavoured base, on top of which sits ascending layers of bright-red strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and a sprinkling of freeze-dried strawberries, effectively creating a dessert that you can drink. One sip of this pink delight fills your mouth with the sweet and refreshing taste of fresh fruity strawberries.
We recommend customising yours with non-fat milk or soy milk. If you want to hold back on some of the sweetness, go for the non-fat milk option, and if you want something smoother, get the soy milk. Drizzle over additional strawberry sauce to your liking, and you’ve got yourself a festive treat for the season!
Information
Merry Strawberry Cake Frappuccino
Released: November 9, 2019
Available: At most Starbucks branches in Japan while supplies last
Official Website: https://www.starbucks.co.jp/
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The 2024 holiday campaign by CASETiFY, the global lifestyle brand that advocates for its customers to embrace their individuality with its customizable smartphone cases and tech accessories, has officially begun. Nagomi has been named an ambassador for this year’s CASETiFY Holiday Gift Guide.
The key message of the campaign is “You will definitely find the perfect gift for that special someone.” The Holiday Gift Guide features a selection of gifts selected by Nagomi either for yourself or a loved one at CASETiFY’s official online store and physical stores.
On December 14, Nagomi will hold at event at CASETiFY STUDIO Shibuya PARCO.
Information
Nagomi Holiday Gift Event
Date: December 14, 2024, 12:00~
Venue: CASETiFY STUDiO Shibuya PARCO (Tokyo)
*Times are subject to change.[Content]
・Autographs by Nagomi on product displays in the store
・Holiday Gift Selection advice from Nagomi
・Polaroid photo shoot with select fans
・Special gift giving from Nagomi[How to Participate]
Make any purchase at participating stores between November 25 and December 13
*Participating Stores: Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, Shinjuku Marui[Participation Details]
From November 25 to December 13, keep any receipts from purchases made at Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, or Shinjuku Marui and bring them to CASETiFY STUDIO. On December 14, CASETiFY STUDiO will distribute 30 numbered tickets at the store on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 11:00 AM when the store opens. Numbered tickets will be distributed until they are gone.Holiday Gift Guide Official Site
https://www.casetify.com/collection/holiday-gift-guide -
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.
Akiyoshido Cave is one of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s most popular tourist attractions. The interior will be decorated with colorful lights and unique soundscapes, creating a once-in-a-lifetime setting for visitors. These illuminations and sounds were directed by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, known for her work on Tokyo Tower and the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.
Information
Christmas & Valentine Theater ~ Akiyoshido Cave ‘Fantasy of Light and Echoes’
Dates:
Christmas Theater: December 21 – December 25, 2022
Valentine Theater: February 10 – February 14, 2023
Times: (1) 10:00-11:00 (2) 12:00-13:00 (3) 14:00-15:00
3 events per dayVenue:
Akiyoshido Cave, Shuhocho Akiyoshi, Mine, YamaguchiTickets/Details: https://karusuto.com/event/christmas-valentine-theater-2022/
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Eve has announced a special YouTube LIVE scheduled to take place on December 24 at 19:00. The stream will take place on the artist’s official YouTube channel and those with YouTube Premium memberships will be able to take place in an Afterparty starting at 19:30.
Starting at 19:00 on Christmas Eve, fans can enjoy a rare live studio performance complete with a full band. The Afterparty will include a special chat with Eve in which the artist reflects on the past year and gives hints on what’s to come. Fans won’t want to miss this exclusive opportunity!
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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There are plenty of events going on in Tokyo to celebrate the holiday season, but this one might be the most peculiar. Elemis, a skincare brand from England, has teamed up with bus operator Upstar for Japan’s first bus tour featuring afternoon tea! This extremely limited event will drive guests around the city to see some of the most impressive Christmas lights in Shibuya, Roppongi, Omotesando, and other spots. Only 60 seats are available each day and the bus will run from December 1 until December 25, 2022.
5 Unique Features of the Elemis Special Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
① Enjoy a Special Christmas Afternoon Tea Menu by Elemis
A special Christmas menu will be available on board, including a Santa Claus shortcake and a party popper-inspired sandwich.
② Travel on a Bus Filled with Elemis Christmas Decorations
Inside the bus, guests can enjoy fir trees and original decorations inspired by the Elemis holiday collection!
③ Best-Selling Elemis Goods will be Gifted to Guests!
Guests will receive a trial size of Elemis’ best-selling Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm as a Christmas present!
④ A Special Gift Campaign will run from November 15 until December 25
Prior to the start of the bus tour, a campaign will be held on Instagram and Twitter. Winners will snag tickets for the bus tour and an Elemis makeup set worth over $12,000!
⑤ Travel on a Special Route to Enjoy Tokyo’s Christmas Lights!
The bus tour will take visitors to some of Tokyo’s best Christmas locales, from Shibuya and Omotesando to Keyakizaka and Roppongi. The 90-minute journey starts and ends in Omotesando.
How would you like to enjoy Tokyo’s Christmas lights on a British bus enjoying some of the best beauty products on Earth? Get into the holiday spirit with this unusual and unique tour!
Information
Elemis Christmas Afternoon Tea
Running: December 1 – December 25, 2022 *Not running December 12, 13
Times:
1st Service / 15:00~16:30
2nd Service / 17:00-18:30
3rd Service / 19:00-20:30Length: 90 minutes
Departure Point: In front of the Shioda Building (5-10 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Price: ¥6,800 (Adults, Tax Included) / ¥3,000 (Children, Tax Included)
Reservations: https://www.upstar-londonbus-travellingnewtokyo.com/booking
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Popular singer Eve will sing the theme song for the film Black Night Parade, coming to theaters nationwide on December 23, 2022. A new trailer featuring the track has also been released alongside the announcement.
Eve’s YouTube channel has over 4.2 million subscribers with video views of over 1.9 billion. The new song, Shirayuki, was written by the singer himself, who has become incredibly popular with overseas music fans as well. The track manages to be both gentle and powerful in equal measure, combining an orchestra with Eve’s unique vocals. In conjunction with the release of the trailer, an exclusive pre-release version of the song has been posted to TikTok.
Black Night Parade Trailer: https://youtu.be/57CkdVMky4o
Black Night Parade was originally manga series by Hikaru Nakamura, the creator of Arakawa Under the Bridge and Saint Young Men. The live-action film will be directed by Yuichi Fukuda, who has worked on a number of live-action film adaptations of manga series including Gintama and Kyo Kara Ore Wa! Fukuda also wrote the screenplay along with Tetsuo Kamata. The protagonist Miharu Hino will be played by Ryo Yoshizawa, while Shino Hojo will be played by Kanna Hashimoto. Taishi Nakagawa will play Kaizer Tanaka and Keisuke Watanabe will play Teppei Kohira.
The story follows Miharu Hino, a man who is completely hopeless at everything he does. He failed his entrance exam, failed at job hunting, and has no love life to speak of. After working at a convenience store for three years, he meets a man in a black Santa suit who kidnaps him, offering him a job. Miharu then begins working at Santa Claus House, a mysterious company at the North Pole that delivers gifts to children around the world.
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
Information
Black Night Parade
Release Date: December 23, 2022
Official Site: https://bnp-movie.jpEve
Official Site: https://eveofficial.com/ -
The Sailor Moon franchise’s 30th-anniversary museum is open from July 1 to December 30 at Tokyo’s Roppongi Museum. The series became a global phenomenon in the 1990s and remains incredibly popular with audiences around the world to this day. The museum itself is located near Azabu-Juban, where Sailor Moon took place.
Volume 3 of the museum, the final installment, will take place from November 12 until the museum closes on December 30. During this period, fans can see over 100 pieces of rare Sailor Moon goods from its run in Nakayoshi magazine.All of the original color drawings currently on display will be replaced, with over 60 new pieces being added including previously unreleased works. Fans will also get a glimpse of the original drawing that appeared on the cover of Nakayoshi when the final chapter of Sailor Moon was published!
Christmas Menu
Sailor Moon Museum Christmas Pancake
Sailor Moon Museum Cheese Melt Muffin
Latte Art featuring Famous Quotes
THE ALLEY Collaboration Drinks
Christmas Tapioca Banana Pumpkin
Princess Serenity Cream Cheese Yogurt
New Christmas menu items will also be available during Vol.3. Guests can enjoy the cafe’s original Christmas tree-inspired pancakes and collaboration drinks with THE ALLEY. The main menu has also been overhauled and now includes plenty of dishes perfect for the cold winter months. The drink menu will also feature original coasters and straw tags only available at the museum.
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
Hours:
Weekdays: 10:00-18:00 (Last entry at 17:30)
Weekends/Holidays: 10:00-20:00 (Last entry at 19:30)
*Open from 10:00-20:00 from December 26 – December 30
Venue: Roppongi Museum (5-6-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Official Site: www.sailormoon-museum.com
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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
Christmas Collection Donut Set
New to the lineup in 2022 is the Pikachu Snowman Donut. This will be sold alongside the always-popular standard Pikachu Donut which will be sold in a cute Christmas sleeve. Customers can also look forward to the sleepy Pikachu Donut and the fluffy Jigglypuff Donut this holiday season.
Mister Donut Blanket (White)
Mister Donut Glasses (Set of 2)
The Christmas Set will include the Mister Donut Pokemon Blanket, which is available in two patterns, as well as a pair of Pokemon glasses. Fans are sure to enjoy these new illustrations of Pikachu and Jigglypuff made exclusively for the collaboration.
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 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.
Colorful Sculpture
Colorful Illuminations
Snoopy Ice Rink
Snoopy Happiness Float 2022
During the event period, a giant 8-meter-tall Christmas tree decorated with Peanuts-inspired ornaments will be set up for guests to enjoy. A huge and very colorful sculpture measuring 6 meters across and over 2 meters tall will also welcome visitors to this Christmas wonderland. In addition, colorful lights will be scattered around the entirety of Grandberry Park, and a special Christmas menu filled with cakes and hors d’oeuvres is sure to delight.
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/ -
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 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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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
Sponsored by Netflix -
From November 11 until December 25, 2022, Roppongi Hills Christmas will cover Tokyo in glittering lights once again. The Keyakizaka Lights, one of Tokyo’s most popular winter attractions, will also take place in 2022, with the 400-meter-long Keyakizaka street covered in over 800,000 blue and white LED lights.
For the first time in three years, the Mohri Garden will be covered in lights as well. The annual Christmas market will invite guests to experience an authentic German Christmas, and Christmas cakes and gourmet food unique to Roppongi Hills will be for sale.
The Roppongi Hills Christmas event utilizes LED lights and has done so since the first event was held in 2003. Clean power will be used again this year, and the lights will be switched on from 5 PM until 11 PM each night.
Information
Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Lights
Running: November 10 – December 25, 2022 *Daily from 5:00 – 11:00 PM
*Lights may begin at a different time on November 10 only.
Location: Roppongi Keyakizaka Street
Official Site: https://www.roppongihills.com
