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's Luminarie. Started after the disastrous earthquake in 1995, the Kobe Luminarie (December 6-17, 2012) is an Italian designed tunnel consisting of millions of lights.

Below are some of Tokyo's popular seasonal illumination spots:
(Photos are from previous years)

Shiodome (more details) Caretta Illumination: November 15, 2012 to December 25, 2012 17:00 to 21:30 (until 23:00 on December 21-25, 2012) This year Caretta Shiodome hosts the "Caretta Illumination 2012" featuring a vast ocean of LED lights, while 3D projectors are used to illuminate and animate the walls of the shopping center. Nearby Shiodome City Center puts on its own illuminations.

Shinjuku (more details) Terrace City: November 19, 2012 to January 31, 2013 17:00 to 22:00 Illumination displays are found spread around the Shinjuku Terrace City, but especially on the Shinjuku Southern Terrace, south of JR Shinjuku Station. Some illuminations will be held through Valentine's Day.

Ginza (more details) Mikimoto Jumbo Tree: November 12, 2012 to December 25, 2012 11:00 to 22:00 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 6, 2012 to December 25, 2012 17:00 to 23:00 (until 24:00 at 66 Plaza) "Artelligent Christmas" at Roppongi Hills features illumination displays in three areas: along Keyakizaka Street, in the Mori Garden and on 66 Plaza, the main plaza in front of the Mori Tower.

Tokyo Midtown (more details) November 15, 2012 to December 25, 2012 17:00 to 23:00 Tokyo Midtown's "Midtown Christmas" involves multiple illumination areas around the Midtown complex. The "Starlight Garden" is a particularly popular and attractive display located in the park behind the main tower.

Odaiba (more details) Daiba Memorial Tree: November 10, 2012 to January 31, 2013 17:00 to 24:00 (until 29:00 on December 31, 2012) "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 15, 2012 to February 17, 2013 17:00 to 25:00 This year's theme for the holiday events at Tokyo Dome City is called "Love Illumination". During this time an impressive collection of light up displays and events can be enjoyed around Tokyo Dome and the adjacent amusement park. One of the longest illuminations in the city, the event lasts for over one hundred days and ends after Valentine's Day.

Marunouchi (more details) October 1, 2012 to February 17, 2013 17:00 to 23:00 (until 24:00 in December) The entire district lights up for the Maranouchi's holiday events. Illuminations and displays will take place especially along Nakadori Street, and at several of the buildings in the district.

Akasaka Sacas (more details) Illumination: November 15, 2012 to February 24, 2013 16:00 to 24:00 Skating Rink (paid): December 1, 2012 to February 24, 2013 11:00 to 19:00 (until 21:00 on Fridays, Saturdays and selected days) The Akasaka Sacas complex features an illumination event called "White Sacas" whose highlight is an outdoor skating rink.

Yebisu Garden Place (more details) November 3, 2012 to January 14, 2013 12:00 to 23:00 Yebisu Garden Place features an illumination event called "Baccarat Eternal Lights" with a huge chrystal chandelier, decorated trees and illuminated areas.