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Editor’s Pick: The Best of Tokyo’s winter illumination events

By TF Tribe on November 8, 2021

Everyone who lives in Japan knows festive lights are everything but religious.

Every year, lots of money are poured into winter illumination and unique lighting artistry to get people into the holiday spirit and spur shopping and eating opportunities. This year is no different.

Although Japan’s infection rates have fallen significantly, travel restrictions are still in place. Going to city illumination events with the kids wrapped in warm woolies may yet be the most insta-worthy way to beat this year’s winter boredom.

Marunouchi Bright Christmas 2021 until Dec 25, 2021

This year, the business center of Marunouchi district plays tribute to Harry Potter and “Gift from the Wizarding World”. Keep your eyes peeled for a 3D hologram display creating special illusory effects of magical creatures flying around the 9-meter tall imposing tree.

Runs from November 11th (Thursday) -December 25th (Saturday), 2021 Marunouchi Building, TOKYO TORCH Park, Marunouchi Brick Square, Marunouchi Oazo, etc. 17: 00 ~ (* Last round is 21: 00 ~)

WIZARDING WORLD characters, names, and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (S21)

Yomiuri Land Jewelmination until April 3, 2022 (Diamond tunnel)

Many things excite children and strolling through this illuminated garden hand in hand with mom and dad, is one of the warmest ways to spend a relaxing winter evening. ■ Admission fee ・ One-day pass (admission + unlimited rides on vehicles) Adults 5,800 yen, junior high and high school students 4,600 yen, elementary school students / seniors 4,000 yen, preschoolers 2,400 yen ・ Admission fee (only for amusement park) Adults 1,800 yen, junior high and high school students 1,500 yen, elementary school students / seniors 1,000 yen, preschoolers 1,000 yen

Tokyo German Village until March 21, 2022

Over 3 million festive lights go into this annual illumination event to create eye candy images that appeal mostly to children. Now on its 16th year, the Tokyo German village yet packs another punch with illuminated trees and garden that warm the heart.

■ Tokyo German Village Winter Illuminations 2021-2022 runs until March 21, 2022 (Monday) After sunset ~ 20:00 (last admission 19:30) 419 Nagayoshi, Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture

Tobu Zoo Winter illumination until Feb 13, 2022

Over the years, Tobu Zoo has proven that winter illumination and animals make for an entertaining combination.Three million holiday-themed animated lights and LED displays will once again engage create magical vision and animal-themed lanterns.

■ Tobu Zoo “Winter Illuminations 2021-2022” runs from November 20, 2021 (Sat) -February 13, 2022 17: 00-20: 00 110 Suka, Miyashiro-machi, Minamisaitama-gun, Saitama Prefecture

Huis Ten Bosch’s Christmas in the City of Lights until Dec 26, 2021

Traveling from Tokyo to Nagasaki for festive lights may not exactly be in your trip bucket. But if you have the chance to escape from the noise of the city and be some place else this Christmas, choose Huis Ten Bosch where Japan’s largest illumination event takes place. The charming Dutch village promises to be just as magical as the real European city with animated lights and European gourmet food to boot. Take a stroll with the family through the Silver Forest dotted in snowflakes that stretches to the “Path of Light” filled with charming lanterns and dazzling lights.

■ “Christmas in the City of Light” Date: November 6th (Sat) -December 26th (Sun), 2021 Location: Huis Ten Bosch Address: 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch Town, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture