basic information

Seasonal illuminations around Christmas have become a popular attraction in cities across Japan. Illuminations are typically displayed from around November to around Christmas or New Year, while a few are kept up until Valentine's Day in February.

Among Japan's first and most spectacular light shows is Kobe Luminarie. Started after the disastrous earthquake in 1995, the Kobe Luminarie (December 4-15, 2008) is an Italian designed tunnel consisting of millions of lights.

Below are some of Tokyo's popular seasonal illumination spots:

Shiodome (more details) Caretta Ocean Christmas: November 28 to December 25, 2008 17:00 to 23:00 Caretta Shiodome hosts the "Caretta Ocean Christmas" featuring a vast ocean of blue lights. Shiodome City Center puts on the "Romantic Winter 2008" illumination show, while nearby Nihon TV has even more illuminations.

Shinjuku (more details) November 5 to December 25, 2008 17:00 to 24:00 "Shinjuku Southern Lights" is the illumination display on the Shinjuku Southern Terrace, south of JR Shinjuku Station. The 2008 display includes a small interactive light-up feature which attracts significant lineups.

Ginza (more details) Mikimoto Jumbo Tree: November 8 to December 25, 2008 17:00 to 23:00 Christmas trees along Chuo Street and illuminations by many individual stores, including the "Mikimoto Jumbo Christmas Tree", make the popular shopping and entertainment district even more colorful than it usually is.

Roppongi Hills (more details) November 5 to December 25, 2008 17:00 to 23:00 "Artelligent" at Roppongi Hills combines several illumination areas with seasonal events, such as a Christmas market. As well as the free illuminations on ground level, Tokyo City View observation deck has seasonal illuminations included in the cost of admission (1500 yen).

Tokyo Midtown (more details) November 21 to December 25, 2008 16:00 to 23:00 Tokyo Midtown's "Midtown Christmas" involves four distinct illumination areas around the Midtown complex. The blue-lit "Starlight Garden" is a particularly popular and attractive display located in the park behind the main tower.

Odaiba (more details) November 8 to December 25, 2008 17:00 to 24:00 "Daiba Memorial Tree" is a large, decorated tree in Odaiba Kaihin Park in front the of Decks shopping center. Several other places on Odaiba, such as Venusfort, also have illumination events.

Tokyo Dome City (more details) November 13, 2008 to January 31, 2009 17:00 to 24:00 "Happy Christmas 2008" is the name of the impressive collection of illuminations around Tokyo Dome and the adjacent amusement park.

Shibuya (more details) November 29, 2008 to mid January 2009 16:00 to 24:00 The "Light-Up Christmas in Shibuya" event takes place along Dogenzaka, the street running up a slight slope to the left of the Shibuya 109 shopping building.

Marunouchi (more details) November 14, 2008 to February 15, 2009 17:00 to 23:00 Maranouchi's Naka Dori is lit up for the "Bright Christmas" event. In addition, several buildings in the district, including the Marubiru, have their own displays.

Akasaka Sacas (more details) November 14, 2008 to February 15, 2009 16:00 to 24:00 Tokyo's newest "city within a city" complex features an illumination event called "White Sacas". In addition to the light decorations, Akasaka Sacas will also have an outdoor skating rink between December 12, 2008 and February 14, 2009 (11:00 to 21:00).

Yebisu Garden Place (more details) November 1 to December 12, 2008 16:00 to 23:00 Yebisu Garden Place features an illumination event called "Baccarat Eternal Lights". In addition to the huge chrystal chandelier, decorated trees and illuminated areas, Yebisu hosts a special Christmas Fair between November 11 and December 25.

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