Japanese Winter Delights - Spectacular Illuminations and Exquisite Dining! Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Dec 12 2023

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Japanese Winter Delights - Spectacular Illuminations and Exquisite Dining!

If you're visiting Tokyo in winter, the magical illumination events that grace the city are a must-see! This article will tell you everything you need to know about Japanese illuminations, as well as introduce some popular illumination events and two incredible restaurants to visit afterwards.

See full listings of Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Tokyo.

Facts About Japanese Winter Illuminations

While the origins of illuminated displays are subject to speculation, it is commonly believed that they were first introduced by Martin Luther, the German figure known for his religious reforms in the 16th century. Enthralled by the starry skies seen in forests, Luther attempted to recreate this scenery by decorating tree branches with numerous candles.

However, the lightbulbs now associated with illumination were actually introduced by Thomas Edison, the father of invention. In a marketing campaign in 1882, Edison decorated 900 buildings in Manhattan with 14,000 light bulbs, which, as you can imagine, amazed the public.

*Image taken of Jewellumination at Yomiuriland

The first electric light display to appear in Japan was in 1903 at the National Industrial Exhibition held in Osaka. During the evening opening, approximately 6,700 lights illuminated the venue, alongside a grand water fountain bedazzled in five colorful hues, drawing a large audience. The following year in 1904, the imported goods store Meidi-ya began decorating their storefront in Ginza, Tokyo, with lights from December 15, sparking a widespread enthusiasm for illuminations across Japan.

*Image taken of Jewellumination at Yomiuriland

■Tokyo's Top Illumination Destinations

Here are three recommended illumination displays to see in Tokyo this winter!

・Marunouchi Illumination (Tokyo Station (JR Lines, etc.), and other locations)
Marunouchi Illumination 2023 is a festival of light held in the Marunouchi district (Otemachi, Marunouchi, Yurakucho) surrounding Tokyo Station. Approximately 1.2 million champagne-gold LED bulbs adorn around 360 trees lining the 1.2-kilometer Marunouchi Naka-dori main street. From November 28 to December 25, this magical spectacle expands to a portion of Gyoko-dori Street, which runs between Kokyo Gaien National Garden and Tokyo Station. During the event period, the entire area becomes engulfed in the warm glow of twinkling lights.

Event period: November 16, 2023–February 18, 2024

Illumination time: 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm

・Yomiuriland Jewellumination (Keio-Yomiuri-Land Station on the Keio Line)
Yomiuriland Jewellumination 2023, LIGHT is LOVE is held in the Yomiuriland amusement park and is one of the largest illuminations in the Kanto region. The installation is curated by Motoko Ishii, a globally recognized pioneer in lighting design. The event features the world’s first gemstone-color-inspired LEDs, which illuminate the Giant Ferris Wheel, a 140-meter tunnel of light, and more, transforming the entire park into a jewel-studded winter wonderland. The Wave Pool area also presents a spectacular show of water and light consisting of water screen projections on a giant 15-meter ring with 188 fountains and a dynamic interplay of lasers and flames.

Event period: October 19, 2023–April 7, 2024
*Planned for a total of 152 days (excluding days when the park is closed). Only the daytime amusement park will be open on weekdays from March 1–15, 2024.
Illumination time: 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm

・Tokyo Midtown Midtown Winter Lights (Roppongi Station (Toei Oedo Line) and other locations)
Tokyo Midtown is an expansive urban complex comprising shops, restaurants, offices, hotels, green spaces, and galleries. In 2023, its annual illumination event will feature the ever-popular Promenade of Lights, which is a display of golden lights decorating the surrounding trees, as well as Gold Trees, a new addition to the Christmas installation at Midtown Garden. Gold Trees is made up of 36 golden pillars around 4 meters tall, blending sound, light, and mist to capture the essence of the seasons. In mid-November, visitors can stroll among the enchanting Gold Trees for an even more immersive experience.

Event period: November 16–December 25, 2023
*The Promenade of Lights will continue until February 25, 2024
Illumination time: 5:00 pm–11:00 - 11:00 pm
*Event schedules and details may be subject to change.

■Recommended Restaurants

After reveling in the beauty of Tokyo’s glowing lights festivals, continue your night of relishing the city's winter magic with a delightful dining experience.

Here are two fantastic restaurants conveniently located near the illumination events introduced above.

Wattle Tokyo (Tokyo / Creative Cuisine)

Wattle Tokyo serves contemporary Australian cuisine made with fresh produce from Australia's vast wilderness combined with seasonal Japanese ingredients.

The [Three Course Dinner] (6,500 JPY) offers a customizable dining experience, allowing you to select from a range of options for starters, mains, sides, and dessert. Indulge in the flavorful [Tasmanian Salmon Gravlax, Scandinavian Marinade] or savor the [Roasted Victorian Lamb], a rare find in Japan roasted to perfection by the talented chef. Each dish is designed to bring out the full essence of the individual ingredients.

The restaurant interior balances both sophistication and comfort, offering window seating facing the Imperial Palace in addition to round sofa seats and more, all with a soothing ambiance.

The Shin-Marunouchi Building is a large commercial complex hosting a diverse collection of around 150 unique shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to explore and shop after viewing the Tokyo illuminations.

Wattle Tokyo

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) / [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / [Weekdays, Saturday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) / [Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit
Address: 6F, Shin-Marunouchi Bldg., 1-5-1, Shin-Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

Yakiniku Ishigakijima Misakigyu Akasaka Branch (Akasaka / Yakiniku)

Yakiniku Ishigakijima Misakigyu Akasaka Branch treats diners to a unique yakiniku (grilled meat) experience with lavish helpings of Misaki Beef. Misaki Beef is a brand of cattle raised with specialized feed and great care amid the bountiful natural environment of Ishigaki Island, Okinawa. Upon entering, guests are greeted by an aging room filled with an assortment of cuts, whetting the appetite for the feast ahead.

A must-try is the [Choice Zabuton (Chuck Flap)] (5,500 JPY), which is a rare cut from the ribcage area of the chuck with only about 3 kg obtainable per cattle. It is exceptionally delicious, whether rare or well-done, so don’t hesitate to cook it as you like.

Also recommended is the scarce [Kuroge Wagyu Tongue] (3,300 JPY). A dash of salt and lemon is all that is needed to highlight the superior quality of the meat.

The restaurant offers a number of semi-private rooms that, upon prior arrangement, can be combined into fully private rooms for up to 12 guests. There is also an extensive selection of beverages including wine, champagne, Japanese sake, whiskey, and other alcohols that pair beautifully with the carefully selected Misaki Beef cuts for a true upscale dining experience.

Yakiniku Ishigakijima Misakigyu Akasaka Branch

Open: [Monday-Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Access: The restaurant can be reached within 3 minutes from any exit from Akasaka Station
Address: B1F, Ichigo Akasaka Bldg., 5-4-9, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

While the average temperature in Tokyo in late December is a chilly 7°C (44.6°F), taking a stroll through the radiant glow of decorative winter illuminations within the city will no doubt fill you with joy. Be sure to check out some Tokyo illuminations capped off with a delightful dining experience to beat those winter blues!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.