The Christmas Lights of Tokyo
A Japanese Christmas of glowing streets, markets and Tokyo Tower.
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In Japan Christmas is not a family holiday but a time for couples and lights. Christmas Eve is a romantic evening, and the city competes for the finest illuminations. Other traditions are KFC chicken and a white sponge cake with strawberries. The walk goes from the lights in the garden at Tokyo Midtown to Keyakizaka in Roppongi Hills, where the street glows blue and white with Tokyo Tower at the end. It continues to the foot of the tower, the Zōjō-ji temple and the Christmas market in Shiba Park. Go after dark.
The stops
- 1
Tokyo Midtown
The garden behind Tokyo Midtown becomes a field of lights in December, with an ice rink.
- 2
Roppongi Hills and Keyakizaka
Keyakizaka glows blue and white, with Tokyo Tower at the end of the street. The Christmas market is in Roppongi Hills.
- 3
Tokyo Tower
The red and white tower from 1958 is a favourite spot for couples on Christmas Eve.
- 4
Zōjō-ji
A Buddhist temple with Tokyo Tower right behind the main hall.
- 5
Shiba Park
The Tokyo Christmas Market is held here in December, with German-style stalls.
About the trip
- Where
- Tokyo
- Getting around
- On foot
- Time
- 2 h 27 min
- Distance
- 3.9 km
- Stops
- 5
- Season
- November–December
- Themes
- Views, Food
Practical
- Start
- Tokyo Midtown, right above Roppongi station (Hibiya and Ōedo lines).
- Finish
- Shiba Park, by Onarimon station (Mita line), or a 10-minute walk from Hamamatsuchō (JR).
- Toilets
- In Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills, in Tokyo Tower and in Shiba Park.
- Accessibility
- A step-free route with lifts in the complexes. Keyakizaka and the slopes towards Tokyo Tower are gently inclined. Very crowded on Christmas Eve.