basic information

Seasonal illuminations around Christmas have become a popular attraction in cities across Japan. Illuminations are typically displayed from November to Christmas Day, 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 (Dec 6-17, 2007) 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 Xmas" is one of Tokyo's most spectacular illuminations this year. 10 minute shows with music are held every 30 minutes (Nov 30 to Dec 25, 2007; from 17:00 to 23:30). Nearby Nihon TV has its own illuminations.

Roppongi Hills (more details) The illumination at Roppongi Hills is called "Artelligent Christmas 2007" and is most spectacular along Roppongi Keyakizaka Street (Nov 8 to Dec 25, 2007; from 17:00 to 23:00). Furthermore, a German style Christmas Market is held (Dec 1-25, 2007; 11:00 to 21:00).

Tokyo Midtown (more details) Opened in spring 2007, Tokyo Midtown celebrates its "First Christmas" this year with various illuminations (Nov 15 to Dec 25, 16:00 to 0:00).

Odaiba (more details) "Daiba Memorial Tree" is a large illuminated tree in Odaiba Kaihin Park in front of the Decks shopping center (Nov 10 to Dec 25, 2007 and Jan 1-14, 2008; from 17:00 to 0:00). Several other places on Odaiba, such as Venusfort, have illumination events, as well.

Tokyo Dome City (more details) "Happy Christmas 2007" is the name of the beautiful illuminations around Tokyo Dome and adjacent amusement park (Nov 8 to Dec 25, 2007; 17:00 to 1:00).

Ginza (more details) 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 is anyway.

Marunouchi (more details) Marunouchi's Naka Dori is lit up (Nov 16, 2007 to Feb 17, 2008; 17:30 to 23:00) and several buildings in the district, including the Marubiru, have their own displays.

Yebisu Garden Place (more details) The central plaza is illuminated and a huge crystal chandelier will be displayed during the "Baccarat Eternal Lights" event (Nov 3, 2007 to Jan 14, 2008; from 16:00 to 23:00)

Shinjuku Southern Terrace (more details) "Shinjuku Southern Lights" is the illumination display on the Shinjuku Southern Terrace, south of JR Shinjuku Station (Nov 9, 2007 to Feb 14; from 17:00 to 0:00).

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