After the Halloween parties and celebrations are over, Tokyo and its surroundings start to brighten up for upcoming holiday season: Christmas and New Year. In the recent years, illuminations gained popularity and many people look forward to this time of year as they enjoy the holiday atmosphere created by the illuminations. Below, are some of the best illuminations in Tokyo that we think are definitely worth a visit:
Seibuen-yuenchi illuminations
Seibuen-yuenchi is an amusement park located in Saitama, accessed by Seibu-Yuenchi station or Yuenchi-nishi stations of Seibu line. It has varying attractions depending on the season; for instance, in the winter it changes into a winter wonderland.
We would recommend visiting this illumination to those who enjoy large-scale illuminations alongside music and other attractions. It is lots of fun to visit with children, but also great for couples.
Illuminations are lit at the following times of year:
1st season from October 31st to January 4th. The park itself is open from 10:00, illuminations start from 16:00 until 21:00 (illuminations lit from 17:15).
2nd season from January 10th to February 15th, only on weekends and holidays, opening hours are shorter (until 20:00).
3rd season from March 21st to April 5th, opening hours are the same as in the first season, but illuminations are lit from 18:30.
Entrance fee: 900 yen for illuminations only (500 yen for children), 1300 yen for illuminations and ride-all-you-want, out of the 7 rides. For groups of people over 20, there is a 100 yen discount.
The 7 rides or attractions include: Gyro Tower (its 360 degree views allow you to see right across the surrounding area and illuminations), Ferris wheel (one ride lasts 15 minutes), Merry-go-round (carousel with amazing 12-color gradients on the roof), Viking, Octopus, Hello Kitty train, Illuminated Magic Mirror Maze.
So you can get a feel for this wonderful, winter event, here is a Youtube video of the illuminations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Dlt9f8BPlc#t=28
The Illumination map can be found here: http://www.seibuen-yuuenchi.jp/illumi-ju/spot.html
Showa-kinen park illuminations
The most special thing about these illuminations is that they also feature a 5-minute fireworks display, which is not very common during winter in Japan.
Showa-kinen park is located in Tachikawa city of Tokyo. It can be accessed from Tachikawa station on the JR Chuo line or Tachikawa-kita station on the monorail. It is a large park covering 180 hectares with a history dating back to 1921 (back then is was a military base, it was opened as a park in 1976).
The special program for the winter season is called WinterVista Illumination and runs from December 6th to December 25th. It starts at 17:00 and closes at 21:00. Last year, the fireworks were scheduled on the Emperor’s birthday (December 23rd) and the following day (December 24th).
In the park, visitors can write their New Years wishes and decorate a message candle tree with their wish (200 yen per candle/until 20:30), go through a labyrinth of lights (300 yen per person/until 20:30), ride on a ghost train (300 yen per person), skate on an ice rink (1200 yen for adults and 1000 yen for children/ until 20:00), enjoy concerts at weekends and holidays (free of charge) and enjoy the light performance of rhythmic tower illuminations (a total of 5 melodies/free of charge).
The entrance fee is 410 yen for adults, 210 yen for seniors and 80 yen for children.
Illuminations free of charge:
In the different places in and around Tokyo, not only are there illuminations in parks and larger venues, but also many smaller public spaces are also decorated with seasonal lights. Some of the most popular places to see this are as follows:
Shiodome
Shiodome Carretta Illuminations are one of the largest and most popular free illumination displays. It is worth visiting as it features some interesting projection mapping as well.
Shinjuku Southern terrace and Mosaic Street
Traditionally lights are up in the evening around the South exit of Shinjuku station. Couples often go there to have a romantic walk and make their New Years wishes together.
Midtown and Roppongi
The Roppongi area is also a popular destination to see the illuminations at the end of the year. Walking around Ginza, Yurakucho stations and the Marunouchi building makes for an enjoyable evening stroll.
Besides those mentioned here, there are many other spots around Tokyo and because it is not very cold in December in Japan, it is definitely worth having a wander and taking in the sights and the different illuminations around the city.
