Winter is upon us and illuminations are in full swing. All over Tokyo ordinary places are becoming LED wonderlands. Here are some sites we recommend visiting to enjoy the illumination season.
One of the most known shopping areas of Tokyo is Omotesando. It is where high fashion brands can be found and are illuminated by the LED cover trees. It makes for a nice romantic stroll up and down the street. Usually you can take a picture from the bridges, but during high pedestrian traffic times it is closed to the public. Even without the bridges there are a few spots to take some great photos/selfies.
The Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination is unique in the sense that the street has a reflective tarp going from one end of the other. When the blue LEDs turn on it makes it look like a river reflecting luminescent lights in a cave. It adds a nice effect and at certain times there is even a little show where the lights flicker and fade for a few minutes. It makes for a nice experience.
Behind the Midtown shopping center in Roppongi is a garden. It is called Midtown Garden and is where 21_21 Design Sight is located. The main attraction is in Grass Square where the ever so popular Starlight Garden is held. During center times at night, lights shows occur and are certainly a treat. The path along the 21_21 Design Sight has trees and displays of illuminations. It makes for a nice stroll.
In front of the Shiodome Caretta shopping center is where an amazing illumination is held. The tree shaped LED centerpiece allows people to enter it and take a picture with it. At certain times a ten-minute light show is held. This year the show featured music from the live action movie of Beauty and the Beast. The color changes and illuminations coordinating with the music added to the experience.
Near the Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station is a street lined with trees decorated in LED lights. This illumination is on a small street called Naka-dori, which is in between many shopping centers. During the night the street is closed to traffic and allows visitors to enjoy shopping and walking under the gentle lighting of champagne gold.
