Celebrating the holiday season in Tokyo is a fascinating experience that you will remember for a long time. The entire city is beautifully illuminated with lots of festive lights to get you into the magical holiday mood and also warms your heart in the chilly winter. This is one of the best times to visit the capital of Japan to enjoy the enchanting landscapes and great holiday spirit. Start your trip by booking the best hostels and affordable Airbnbs in the city. Here are some interesting spots where you can enjoy an enchanting Christmas in Tokyo!
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1. Yomiuriland Jewellumination
Yomiuriland is one of the quirkiest theme parks in Tokyo. Its best feature, and one of the most anticipated events in the city, is Jewellumination. This gemstone-inspired LED illumination lights up several areas of the park with the grandest display and decorations, exuding a wonderful feeling that you get upon witnessing a fireworks display, except this one doesn’t end! Head to Yomiuriland Jewellumination this holiday season, and lose yourself under these beautiful displays! Your trip to Tokyo is surely going to be one for the books.
Yomiuriland Jewellumination
Address: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi, Tokyo 206-8566, Japan
Website: Yomiuriland Jewellumination
Takes place: October to April
2. Seaside ice skating at Urban Dock Lalaport Toyosu
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
From December to January, the waterfront retail complex LaLaport Toyosu turns its seaside deck into a sleek ice skating rink. You’ll have one of the most enlivening experiences once the rink lights up with beautiful colors at night. Gliding under the stars and overlooking the calm waters, ice skating at LaLaport could be your romantic holiday activity with your loved one. If you’re coming to Tokyo with your little ones, make sure to bring them by the rink for a once-in-a-lifetime experience too!
Urban Dock Lalaport Toyosu
Address: Japan, 〒135-8614 Tokyo, Koto City, Toyosu, 2 Chome−4−9
Website: Urban Dock Lalaport Toyosu
Takes place: December to January
3. Christmas Sweets Buffet at Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
What’s a holiday without sinking your teeth into sugary goodness? Drop the candy shops for now, and instead, head down to Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo to indulge yourself in some sweet treats at their Christmas Sweets Buffet. The dessert buffet is Keio Plaza’s collaboration with L’Occitane. Fair warning, you’re coming to an all-you-can-eat sweets buffet. The sugar high is going to get real after. If you have some serious sweet tooth, this is your chance to experience heaven on earth.
Keio Plaza Hotel
Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-8330, Japan
Website: Keio Plaza Hotel
Takes place: October to December
4. Bright Christmas Party at Maxell Aqua Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
With all the activities that you can do during the holidays in Tokyo, it’s hard not to get overwhelmed. You have to know what you’re looking for to make the most out of your trip. If an extremely delightful and colorful dolphin show sounds like something you can get behind, then Bright Christmas Party at Maxell Aqua Park should be on top of your list! This evening-only show wows spectators with beautifully illuminated surroundings and a heartwarming performance from the dolphins.
Maxell Aqua Park
Address: Japan, 〒108-8611 Tokyo, Minato City, Takanawa, 4 Chome−10−30
Website: Maxell Aqua Park
Takes place: November to December
Tokyo Tour Guide
Ayano
Hello! I am Ayano, a local host in Tokyo. I have been living in Tokyo for over 10 years, so I know a wide range of restaurants, bars, cafes, and tourist spots! Leave your Tokyo sightseeing to me. I have traveled to various countries and had unforgettable experiences. Being passionate about traveling, I really want to take you to the captivating places in Tokyo. As photography is my hobby, I wi... Read more
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5. Sanrio Puroland
Do you have a little one who’s Hello Kitty-obsessed? Maybe you yourself are fond of the Sanrio characters! Either way, Sanrio Puroland welcomes you this Christmas season! Let these cute and fluffy characters bring more joy to your holiday. Take a peek at Lady Kitty’s house, ride the train with My Melody, and get to know everyone from Sanrio by joining the board ride tour. Commemorate your visit to Puroland by visiting their specialty shops and taking home some goodies with you!
Sanrio Puroland
Address: Japan, 〒206-8588 Tokyo, Tama, Ochiai, 1−31
Website: Sanrio Puroland
6. Tokyo Disney Resort Christmas
Disneyland is probably the world’s most popular theme park that is loved by people of all ages. Naturally, the 115-acre (47 hectare) Tokyo Disney Resort is one of the must-visit destinations for visitors to Tokyo, and it is definitely not to be missed during Christmas season. Enter the kingdom of dreams and fantasy and fulfil all your Christmas fantasies in the magical world of Disney. Try to set aside at least 2 days to wander around in both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea theme parks as there are plenty to see and experience during this special season.
At Tokyo Disneyland, the “Disney Christmas Stories” parade is a showcase of pop-up storybooks of Disney characters having fun during Christmas. You will also be able to experience being part of the Disney story at the pop-up storybook photo location. Celebrate Christmas together with the festive decor around the park. Dressed in new costumes to match the sparkling Crystals of Wishes, make your wish along with the Disney Friends. Light up the central Christmas tree on the harbour and soak in the mesmerising atmosphere that you will never forget
Tokyo Disney Resort Christmas
Address: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture
Website: Tokyo Disney Resort
Takes place: November to December
7. Caretta Shiodome Illumination
Every year around mid-November, the Caretta Shiodome will be crowded with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the captivating light show. In fact, it has proven to be such a hit with both the locals and tourists since it started in 2005 that the Caretta Shiodome Illumination is known as one of the best winter illuminations in Tokyo. The best part of this winter illumination is, it lasts all the way till Valentine’s Day. Enjoy the prolonged holiday mood!
Caretta Shiodome Illumination
Address: 1-6 Tokyo Hibiya Parki, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Website: Shiodome Caretta Illumination
Takes place: November to February
8. Marunouchi Bright Christmas
Christmas arrives early in the Western-style Marunouchi shopping area, where the annual Christmas Festival will be held. This year, the festival celebrates magic with a Harry Potter theme. Lining the street are pretty Christmas ornaments as well as huge Christmas trees which are beautifully illuminated in the evenings. Enjoy the visual feast while sipping an aromatic cup of coffee in a cool cafe along the street. Come and check out the magical tree and the enchanting world of Hogwarts!
Marunouchi Bright Christmas
Address: 2-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Website: Marunouchi Bright Christmas
Takes place: November to December
9. Tokyo Christmas Market
You don’t need to fly to Europe to immerse yourself in the romantic Christmas ambience. At the Hibiya Park Fountain Square, relish in the German-style Christmas market atmosphere with about 30 stalls selling European gourmet and Christmas ornaments. Besides, you can also participate in interesting DIY workshops such as making candles and snow dome. There is also a musical band all the way from Germany that will be performing daily at the square and delight you with Christmas carols. Most importantly, feel the warmth and charm of the German Christmas tree standing tall at 14 metres (46 feet) right in the park!
Tokyo Christmas Market
Address: 1-6 Tokyo Hibiya Parki, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Website: Tokyo Christmas Market
Takes place: December
10. Tokyo Sky Tree Town Dream Christmas
The best of Tokyo’s Christmas lights and decorations come alive at Tokyo Sky Tree. Standing at 634 metres (2080 feet) tall, it is the tallest tower in the world upon completion in March 2011. This iconic broadcasting, restaurant and observation tower can be viewed from Asakusa, the old town of Tokyo. Feel the stark contrast of a traditional district against the modern state-of-the-art architecture as you explore the nostalgic area. This unique fusion of old-meets-new is especially spellbinding from November all the way till Christmas when the Tokyo Sky Tree Town Dream Christmas is held.
Every evening, the Tokyo Sky Tree will be illuminated for the festive season. A German-influenced Christmas Market at the Solamachi Complex will offer visitors traditional Christmas confections such as stollen, waffle, and chocolate fudge. At the Sumida Aquarium housed on the 5th and 6th floor of Tokyo Sky Town, there is an exquisite Blue Night Aquarium to check out marine creatures such as jellyfish and penguins at night. Open only in the evenings, it is an interesting “cradle of water that nurtures life” with changes to the aquarium lights to create a lovely night effect. The list of fun attractions in this area is so long, you will keep coming back for more!
Tokyo Sky Tree Town Dream Christmas
Address:1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida Ward, Tokyo
Website: Tokyo Sky Tree Town Dream Christmas
Takes place: November to December
11. Odaiba Illumination YAKEI
There are many enchanting illuminated lights in Tokyo, but none beats the one-of-a-kind experience you get at Odaiba Illumination YAKEI. This is the only spot in Tokyo that offers a panoramic view of the Tokyo Bay area, including Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower at night. Furthermore, unlike other Christmas spots, this attraction is open all year round. At the seaside deck on the third floor, there are 40 trees and a 20-metre (66 feet) tall memorial tree, enveloped by 220,000 lights with the breathtaking Tokyo Bay as the backdrop. Enjoy the interactive Illusion Dome display that detects human motion, projecting the reflections across its walls, changing colours or animating your movements.
Odaiba Illumination YAKEI
Address: 3rd floor of Decks Tokyo Beach,1-6-1 Daiba, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Website: Odaiba Illumination YAKEI
Takes place: November to December
12. Tokyo Michi Terrace [EVENT HAS ENDED]
Another holiday event that brings all of Tokyo together is Tokyo Michi Terrace, a fairground and Christmas illumination on the Marunouchi Building of Tokyo Station. The bright and colorful LED display brings out the holiday spirit and allows visitors to slow down in this otherwise busy part of the city. A German-inspired Christmas market fills the streets, and Tokyo Station is filled to the brim with festive decorations.
Tokyo Michi Terrace
Address: 1 Chome-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Website: Tokyo Michi Terrace
[EVENT HAS ENDED]
Soak in the joyful Christmas spirit
Christmas is the time to spread joy and happiness all around. Everywhere in Tokyo, you will find plenty of Christmas cheer from November leading up to New Year’s Day. If you have yet to experience the fabulous holiday spirit celebrated throughout Tokyo, it is not too late to make your plans now. Head to the above sites and see for yourself the enthralling atmosphere surrounding this festive season. Japan’s Christmas celebrations will be an experience so impressive you wish you had discovered it earlier!
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of these attractions may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.
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