If you are ever in Japan during the Christmas season be sure to seek out an "Illumination" event. They are held all over the country and will rival any Christmas event all over the world. Often times there will also be a Christmas Market as part of it as well. Let's have a look.
This year I asked my wife to join me to walk among the lights in the freezing cold weather at Roppongi Hills in Tokyo. She agreed, but only if I took her to a nice, expensive dinner afterwards. I reluctantly agreed and off we went.
There are about 12 large illumination events in Tokyo, but none quite offer the views and atmosphere that the Roppongi Hills event does.
The event not only host beautiful Christmas lights, but a Christmas Market, a garden with a pond, a TV studio(TV Asahi) and Dior?
Yes, Christian Dior. They set up a spectacular display in the arena, the center, of Christmas Hills with a photograph room in which you can take special photos of you and your significant other or friend. Beware though, the lines to do this are quite long and waiting in that long line in the freezing cold was something we passed on.
Instead we walked next door to the garden and reflecting pond. This area is a permanent fixture of Roppongi Hills and I'd just like to take a minute to comment on the development itself. It's one of the best planned developments in Tokyo. I remember when it first opened 21 years ago and there was a lot of excitement about it. At that time I was a young Drum and Bass DJ here and cared little for planned communities in mega metropolises. However, now, walking amongst it's many features, I understand it's attraction. Built on a hill, Roppongi Hills slopes and curves on the landscape with everything one needs, living spaces, an office tower, dozens of cafe's & restaurants, shopping, museum, an arena, 2 parks and more. It's cozy, comfortable and very livable!
Back to to the illumination.
As you enter the garden there is a great, picturesque spot for couples in the form of a heart with a backdrop of a white & gold Christmas tree and the city skyline.
I didn't get anymore shots of the garden unfortunately, which just means there are things for you discover on your own when you visit. It's definitely one of the highlights of Christmas Hills though.
Moving out onto the street in front of TV Asahi, the main attraction comes into view, Roppongi Keyakizaka Dori(street).
On any night during the Christmas holiday there will be hundreds to thousands of people cramming the street trying to get the best picture they can.
For me, the large, crystal bench stopped me in my tracks.
I stopped to check it out. The texture made me conclude it's not a crystal, but probably a large, resin sculpture. Still, cool to see.
Moving up the hill there is a crosswalk. This area is controlled by crossing guards so as to let the crowds take pictures for about 10-15 seconds in the middle of the street. Without the guards it would be chaos and traffic could not move.
However, the most picturesque spot is a bit further up the hill on a pedestrian bridge.
Not quite yet. You have to fight for the best view.
Lucky for me I'm taller than most Japanese so even without trying to squeeze to the front I can get the shot.
Moving across the bridge you take an escalator up to the indoor Christmas Market.
It's your typical Japanese Christmas Market with lots of European foods, beers and Christmas themed crafts.
It's nice to be able to get German sausages, pastries and European beer, but we had nicer dinner plans waiting for us in Shinjuku.
One thing to remember about the holidays in Tokyo, reservations are needed at any decent restaurant. So if you do plan on visiting, keep that in mind or you'll be eating fast food!
I'll be back next week with some of Tokyo's other illuminations sites in Shibuya and Ebisu!
Until then, thanks for reading!
All photos taken with my iPhone 12.
