Tokyo’s top FREE illuminations 2019-2020
Japan can be a very expensive place to travel to, especially during christmas…but it doesn’t have to be!! There are tons of free activities to do in Tokyo during christmas, including tons of FREE illumination sites! These illuminations are next level to anything you’ve seen before and they are guaranteed to get you in the christmas spirit! So if you’re planning on going to Tokyo this christmas (2019) and you’re traveling on a budget, keep scrolling to read this list of the BEST FREE illuminations in Tokyo.
1. Shibuya Blue Cave Illuminations
We’re kicking off the list with one of the best and most popular illumination shows in Tokyo, The Shibuya Blue Cave Illuminations.
This event is located in Shibuya on the way to Yoyogi Park! The long street is lined with blue glowing trees and the floor is covered with a shiny material which is apparently supposed to imitate water!! The scenery is beautiful and it’s somewhere you have to visit…especially if you’re looking to get a good instagram shot!!
It’s honestly unbelievable that such an amazing illumination site is free! But due to this, it does get quite busy during the evening so I would suggest going on a week day if possible!
At the end of the illumination road there are tons of food cars and stalls selling delicious food and drink! A lot of to is traditional Japanese food so if you’re looking to experience Japanese street food, this is a great place to go!
Address
2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052
Access
Take the JR Yamanote line to Shibuya station.
Dates & Hours
Yet to be announce but usually opens during mid-late November!
Website
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2. Kichijoji Illuminations
This is certainly an illumination site that is not well known to tourist who are traveling to Japan but these illuminations are truly beautiful! Every christmas the town of Kichijoji goes all out with it’s christmas illuminations, putting up a huge christmas tree and decorating the whole town with illuminations! This year they have even put up a small christmas house decorated with illuminations that they have said is “Santa’s house”.
There has been a lot of thought put into all the illuminations in Kichijoji, and due to being one of the less known places for illuminations, you can enjoy them and get into the christmas spirit without being surrounded by crowds of people! If you’re unsure on what else there is to do in Kichijoji, check out our article all about Kichijoji HERE!
Address
1 Chome-19-1 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0004
Access
Take the JR Chuo Line to Kichijoji Station
Dates & Hours
3/11/2019~13/01/2020. Everyday 17:00PM – 12:00AM.
Website
https://musashino-kanko.com/musashino-event/musashino-illumination/ (Japanese)
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3. Roppongi Illuminations
Every year in winter, the area near Roppongi hills is decorated with tons of lights on the surrounding trees and also in the nearest park. On top of that Roppongi Hills are constantly putting on light shows in the neighboring park each with a different theme! Last year the theme was space!
The best thing about these illuminations and digital art show is that they are both COMPLETELY FREE! Anyone can go and enjoy these gorgeous illuminations without paying a thing!
You will see many Japanese couples hanging out here as it is a super popular date spot in Tokyo!
Roppongi is a must go to place if you’re looking to see amazing illuminations in Tokyo but are traveling on a budget! The i went, this really got me in the Christmas spirit!
Address
106-6108 Minato-ku, Tokyo 6-10-1 Roppongi.
Access
Take the Namboku Line to Roppongi Station
Dates & Hours
from 11/11/2019 – 25/12/2019. Lights turned on when it starts going dark.
Website
https://www.roppongihills.com/en/events/next_month.html
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4. Odaiba Decks Illuminations
Odaiba is very famous for many things but it’s beautiful scenery in winter is one of the top things it’s famous for! Odaiba is small island off of Tokyo, offering amazing views of both the rainbow bridge and Tokyo city! In winter, this is made even better due to all the Christmas illuminations being turned on and a huge LED Christmas tree being placed there!
Due to Odaiba being an island there is a small beach there which is where all the illuminations are focused! The scenery is truly beautiful with the rainbow bridge and Tokyo city in the background! I’d highly recommend anyone who is traveling to Tokyo to go here…it’s also completely FREE!
Address
1061 Chome-6-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo 135-0091
Access
Take the Saikyo Line to Tokyo Teleport Station
Dates & Hours
Throughout the year. Lights turned on when it starts going dark.
Website
https://www.odaiba-decks.com/en/yakei/
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5. Meguro River Illuminations
I’m sure you’ve all heard of the Meguro River which is EXTREMELY famous for it’s cherry blossoms during the spring months. But not many people know that it is also very beautiful at christmas time! Illuminations are places in all the trees surrounding the river, it really is a winter wonderland! In some trees there are even pink lights to imitate cherry blossoms, so if you can’t make it to Tokyo during the spring, you can see the christmas version of the sakura!
This river is truly a beautiful place to go and walk along with loved ones. There are also many shops along the river and food stands! If you’re looking for somewhere to sit and enjoy the illuminations, why not visit the worlds LARGEST starbucks, which is located right next to the river!
Meguro River is a must go place for those traveling to Tokyo this christmas!
Address
2 Chome-19-23 Aobadai, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0042
Access
Take the Hibiya Line to Naka-Meguro Station
Dates & Hours
08/11/2019~05/01/2020. Every day 17:00PM – 22:00PM.
Website
https://www.nakamegu.com/archives/category/event (Japanese)
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6. Omotesando (表参道)
Omotesando is famous for it’s many designer shops and cute cafes. But during the Christmas months it also becomes famous for it’s amazing illuminations which are wrapped around all the trees and line each side of the road. These illuminations are absolutely gorgeous and really make you feel like it’s Christmas! As soon as it starts dropping cold and the Christmas illuminations are turned on I love going straight to Omotesando to do some Christmas shopping and grabbing a Christmas themed drink from one of the many cute cafes. All whilst enjoying the beautiful illuminations.
Address
4 Chome-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Access
Take the Ginza Line to Omotesando Station
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