The temperature drops in Tokyo to the point where it can be far too cold to walk outside without a thick coat and gloves. It rarely snows, but it still can be difficult going out sometimes.
Beautiful illuminations are something you will want to go to, even if you have to deal with the cold. In this article, we'll introduce to you two winter illumination spots: Marunouchi and Yaesu. They are easy to access as they are very close to Tokyo Station, and, if you're cold, you can quickly go back inside.
For information on Tokyo's temperature take a look at our article: The Temperature In Tokyo And What To Wear.
Marunouchi - Gorgeous Lights Right Near Tokyo Station
Marunouchi Center Street is located between the Marunouchi exit of JR Tokyo station and Toei Mita Line Otemachi station. Lined with brand name shops, it's a 1.2 km long shopping street.
Once it becomes winter, the 250 trees between Marunouchi Center Street and Otemachi Street are decorated with high quality golden lights. Their champagne golden color is specific to Marunouchi.
The secret to these gorgeous lights are the approximately 93,000 LED lights.
The gorgeousness of the illuminations is not the only remarkable thing about these winter decorations. The illuminations on Marunouchi Center Street pay special attention to the use of electricity. These light installations are powered by sunlight, wind power, and other natural energies. Please enjoy from the bottom of your heart this environmentally-friendly illumination!
Information:
Duration: November 11, 2021 - February 20, 2022
Location: Marunouchi Center Street, others
Illumination hours: 17:30 - 23:00
* Planned illumination time for December 17:30 - 24:00
Yaesu: the Light Gate Connecting the Past and the Present - TOKYO ILLUMILIA
It's just a one-minute walk from Tokyo Station's Yaesu Exit toward the Nihonbashi direction. Once it becomes winter, the Sakura street and Yaesu center street are lit up by illuminations sponsored by the shopping center.
This year's theme is "New Starting Point". In the wake of the cultural changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, this display inspires us to start afresh with a feeling of hope.
Illuminations are held at four places: on Sakura Dori, Naka Dori, Chokai (town council area), and the Yaesu Center Building Square. Although the theme is the same, the illuminations change from place to place.
In Sakura-dori, the cherry trees are strung with LED bulbs into a "Gate of Light", while on Naka Dori, an illumination based on chrysanthemum kiriko glass patterns has been established. At Chokai, illuminations of the Japanese characters for Edo are held, while at Yaesu Center Building Square, Edo kiriko glass patterns and Sanno Festival ceremony drawings are displayed.
Information:
Duration: November 10, 2021 - February 14, 2022
Illumination hours: 16:30 - 23:30
Enjoy the Lights in Tokyo
Illuminations that are environmentally friendly, illuminations that make use of traditional crafts images, and other beautiful lights decorate the city, creating a magical atmosphere in December. The area around Tokyo Station is a place where tradition and the forefront of technology co-exist, giving birth to mesmerizing illuminations!
Even if the winter illuminations weren't your purpose for coming to Tokyo, if you find yourself with free time around Tokyo Station, please take a look.
