Last week I showed you the Illumination at Christmas Hills, but this is only 1 of at least 14 other illumination events in Tokyo during the Christmas season. So let's have a look at a four other, Ebisu, Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku.
Ebisu
Starting in Ebisu at Yebisu Garden Place, site of the old Ebisu brewery.
It is only 1 stop from Shibuya on the Yamanote line and a 5 minute walk to the illumination event from the station.
Once you are close you'll notice the large, illuminated Christmas tree surrounded on one side by a small Christmas market.
It's a much smaller version of Christmas Hills, but what it lacks in size, it makes up in style.
The trees are decorated in a diamond pattern with the Christmas Market tents below them offer a beautiful accent to the majestic Christmas tree.
The area beyond the tree leads to an atrium covered slope lined with lit up trees as well.
Without the crowds.
The event is free to attend as are the rest of the events to follow.
Shibuya
Moving on to Shibuya, we have the iconic, electric blue lights. This year the event was titled "Snow Globe".
This event is held every year at the entrance to Yoyogi park, about a 10 minute walk from Shibuya station.
Shortly before arriving at the illumination event, Koen Dori(Park Street)is lined and lit up with electric blue, light filled trees. It's a nice teaser for the show to come.
At the top of the hill and the end of the street the blue winter wonderland appears, along with thousands of other people!
The glow of the blue lights creates a magical environment. This is one of those events you want to bring your significant other to.
The "Snow Globe" sits at the end of the blue tree road.
Then the Christmas Market begins.
It's more of a food market than a crafts market though.
Still, from meats on a stick to sticky sweets, there is something for everyone's palette.
This peculiar statue was posted right in the center of everything.
I could have sworn I saw it move, which is what I did, back through the electric blue wonderland, on my way to our next location.
Harajuku
Another stop away on the Yamanote line is Harajuku station.
Just outside the station Ometesando street is another attraction. The street is illuminated for about 1km.
Unfortunately this year and probably in the future, one of the best vantage points was closed off.
It's a foot bridge over Ometesando street that gives a bird's eye view.
That's ok though because Shinjuku is only two stops away with more illumination to see.
Shinjuku
A three minute walk to the south side of Shinjuku station is a small stretch of lights.
The good news is it's a short walk, the bad news is it's a short walk.
The Shinjuku Illumination is probably the least spectacular of all the Tokyo illuminations I've been to. Shinjuku being one of the main districts in Tokyo I expect something more spectacular from it.
Having said that, it's better than nothing.
If you're looking for a quick stop in Tokyo to grab a picture of Christmas lights this spot will do, but if you really want a wonderful experience then it's Shibuya or Roppongi.
While the season is winding down with the new year, many streets and areas will remain illuminated throughout January. The markets and bigger events will be gone, but there are still wonderful sights to see. For information on duration of these events as well as many other light shows check out Tokyo Cheapo's list of 2024-2025 Illumination events.
I still may wander over to Eastern Tokyo to check out some of those illumination events I missed this year. If I do I'll be sure to post about it. Until then though, thanks for reading!
You can check out some of my past Tokyo Travel posts below or on World MapPin!
Lights, Volcanoes & Robots On The Izu Peninsula - Tokyo Travel #21
Jukkoku Pass On The Izu Skyline Highway - Tokyo Travel #20
Lunch Date At Tokyo Farm Village - Tokyo Travel #19
Happy New Year 2025!
