As another year draws to a close, the chilly embrace of December heralds the onset of winter. The streets, which should be hushed by the cold, are instead alive with a mesmerizing display of twinkling lights. This enchanting spectacle transforms the cityscape, coaxing people outdoors to bask in its romantic glow.
December 2023 in Tokyo was lit with various illumination events, captivating both tourists and locals alike. Roppongi stands out as a particularly popular destination. Here, amidst a backdrop of glimmering lights, visitors can explore an array of upscale boutiques, bustling restaurants, towering office buildings, and dynamic art museums that constantly showcase new exhibitions.
In this feature, we introduce illumination events that took place in December. Unfortunately, most of these have concluded but you can make a note of them for next year.
Luminous Bouquet
Roppongi Hills, a multifaceted complex connected to Roppongi Station, features a department store, an array of dining options, and the esteemed Mori Museum, which transforms into a radiant wonderland during this festive season. Upon arriving to the entrance of Roppongi Hills, visitors are greeted by an iconic, large spider statue, a popular backdrop for photographs.
The real spectacle, however, are the vibrant illuminations in this area. Each year, there is a different theme and this year’s theme was “Luminous Bouquet.” The trees encircling the courtyard bloom with a kaleidoscope of lights, cast a magical aura over the entire vicinity.
Marking the 20th anniversary of Roppongi Hills, the illuminations in varied hues, symbolized a heartfelt "thank you" to all who visited. This colorful expression of gratitude transformed Roppongi Hills into a luminous bouquet, celebrating two decades of community, art, and culture.
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sGopZpDzdQupWKPg8
Christmas Market 2023
Each year, Roppongi Hills also hosts a Christmas Market. This festive area was adorned with a warm glow of yellow-white lights, creating a cozy ambiance.
The festive spirit was further amplified by traditional decorations like red and green trees and charming nutcracker dolls, all contributing to an authentic Christmas vibe.
Within this merry enclave, an array of food stalls beckons, offering treats and beverages that perfectly complemented the yuletide spirit. Visitors could immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere by savoring these delights in the open courtyard.
The market was also a treasure trove of quaint shops selling a variety of Christmas-themed souvenirs and decorations. For those who were seeking a slice of this holiday charm into their homes, the Christmas Market at Roppongi Hills was an ideal destination for finding unique and exquisite home decor items.
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jM1Hx9iGsxLQd2tm9
DIOR Mohri Garden Illumination
A highlight of this year was the DIOR Mohri Garden Illumination, an exclusive event that was held from December 1st to 17th. Capturing the essence of this splendid occasion, we've taken photos that reflect the enchanting atmosphere created by DIOR.
The event took place in the Mori Teien Garden, a traditionally styled Japanese garden located behind Roppongi Hills.
This garden, usually not known for night-time brilliance, was transformed by DIOR's twinkling lights, bringing an unprecedented vibrancy to the area in 2023.
DIOR's illuminative artistry extended from Mori Teien to the Roppongi Hills Arena along Keyakizaka Road, where the mesmerizing lights draw in thousands of visitors annually. Notably, the courtyard featured a carousel showcasing DIOR products, and the air was infused with the fragrance of DIOR perfumes.
Adding to the allure was the DIOR Café, offering warm beverages to comfort visitors in the chilly December air. Patrons could enjoy their drinks in the courtyard. Furthermore, the event included exclusive art exhibitions, accessible only through prior reservations. Unfortunately, photography was not permitted in this segment, so we could not capture this aspect of the event.
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/j2vSbU17i4BY9y4a9
Keyakizaka Illumination
The crowning jewel of Roppongi's annual Illumination event was undoubtedly the Keyakizaka Illumination. This stunning display featured over 800,000 white and blue lights, illuminating the entire 400-meter stretch of Keyakizaka Street.
The spectacle was further enhanced by the iconic Tokyo Tower in the background, its orange lights adding a contrasting warmth to the cool hues of the illumination.
The allure of this event extends far beyond Japan's borders, attracting numerous international visitors eager to experience this radiant wonder. As evident from the photographs, the Keyakizaka Illumination draws a significant crowd. This year, attendance reached new heights as it marked the first full year of unrestricted travel post-COVID-19, drawing in more visitors than ever before.
A particularly favored spot for capturing the magic is the footbridge along the street. However, due to the overwhelming turnout this year, the bridge had to be closed for safety reasons, leading spectators to congregate in the crosswalks for photo opportunities. This shift in viewing spots posed a challenge for local officials, who worked diligently to maintain a safe and seamless flow of both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QB4v9L4eAcNWBkeF9
Although most of these illuminations have come to an end, we hope you enjoyed looking at the photographs. If you plan a trip to Tokyo in winter next year, keep these events in mind, and organize your trip so you can enjoy some of these dazzling displays.
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