Ongoing & Upcoming Events in Tokyo
Winter Lighting
Winter Lighting starts in November lasts until February!
Top Places to View Winter Lighting in Tokyo
Odaiba
In Chrismas season, the beautiful Christmas tree becomes a great addition to the views of Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower.
From November, 2018 (depending on the shopping center, building, hotel, etc.)
See how beautiful the views are on Why I Push Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks in Winter!
Shiodome
Shiodome is a very popular place in Tokyo for winter lights. It is a walking distance from Shimbashi and Hamamatsucho.
17:00 - 23:00, 15 November, 2018 - 14 February, 2019 in Caretta Shiodome
(18:00 - in January and February)
Blue Fantasy at Caretta Shiodome & Travel Planning Tips
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower features warm lights and the living Chrismas tree.
Tokyo Tower Winter Fantasy - Orange Illumination: 16:00 - 23:00, 2 November, 2018 - 28 February, 2019
(12:00 - 23:00 from December)
See Report of Tokyo Tower Winter Fantasy 2016
Ebisu
World's biggest Baccarat chandelier is displayed with lights.
Baccarat Chandelier Light Up: 11:00 - 24:00, 3 November, 2018, - 14 January, 2019
Christmas Tree Light Up & Marche: 16:00 - 24:00, 3 November, 2018, - 25 December, 2019
Go to Report of Ebisu Winter Lights
Tokyo Station
The Christmas lights at the very central station of Tokyo are famous for being modern and artistic.
From November, 2018, - February, 2019 (Depending on the street, building, etc.)
Tokyo Michi-Terrace 2018: 24 - 28 December, 2018
Tokyo Michi-Terrace 2014
Harajuku/Omotesando
The most fashionable street in Japan is lighted up in Christmas season.
Go to Harajuku Guide
Roppongi
Roppongi Hills, the streets and Tokyo Mid Town are filled with lights in winter.
From November, 2017
Tokyo Mid Town: 13 November - 25 December
Roppongi Hills: Until 25 December, 2018
Tokyo City View in Roppongi Hills & How to Get to Roppongi
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Colors' peak comes to Tokyo City in late November - early December!
The Best Season for Autumn Leaves in Japan
Lake Kawaguchi Autumn Leaves Festival (at the foot of Mt. Fuji): Middle November
Mt. Takao (hiking trails with a unique culture in Western Tokyo): Middle November
Kamakura: Late November - Early December (Same to Tokyo City)
The Best Spots for Autumn Colors in Tokyo
Rikugien Gardens
The Japanese garden built by samurais is very famous for its huge maple tree turned red. There are many beautiful spots to see inside Rikugien Garden. You can have a cup of matcha in the traditional style at the tea houses, too.
The garden is lighted up in the evening!
Sunset - 21:00, 17 November - 9 December
More Photos & Practical Guides: Photos & Reports of Autumn Colors of Leaves in Rikugien Gardens
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is one of the best autumn leaf spots in Tokyo. There are many maple trees around the pond, which has the essence of beauty of Japanese gardens.
More Photos & Practical Guides: The Japanese Garden of Koishikawa Korakuen ? Autumn Colors in Tokyo City
Mt. Takao
Mt. Takao is a 3-Star tourist spot in Western Tokyo, which is popular among anyone from serious hikers to casual tourists. Yakuoin Temple in the hillside has a unique culture of shugen.
Mt. Takao Maple Leaf Festival is held on 1 - 30 November.
Kiyosumi Garden
Kiyosumi Garden is another beautiful Japanese garden in Tokyo. As far as I see it, the specialty of this garden is early kinds of autumn leaves such as haze. You can see Tokyo Skytree from this garden.
More Photos & Practical Guides: Early Autumn Leaves in Kiyosumi Garden
Hamarikyu Garden
Hamarikyu Garden is a famous Japanese garden in the bay side district of Tokyo. If you are visiting Japan for autumn leaves, I advise you to visit Rikugien or Koishikawa Korakuen Garden rather than Hamarikyu. But I'm not saying Hamarikyu Garden is disappointing, so it depends on your schedule whether you choose this place or not.
More Photos & Practical Guides: Autumn Colors in Hamarikyu Garden, Tokyo City
Omotesando Ave. & Yoyogi Park in Harajuku
Go shopping in the beautiful streets lined by yellow maidenhair trees!
Hagoita Market
Annual Hagoita Market at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa is on 17 - 19 December!
For details, go to All About Hagoita Market in Sensoji Temple, Asakusa
4 Seasons in Tokyo
Explore 1 year in Tokyo on Event Calendar!
Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)
Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Forecast & Report 2018
The season of cherry blossoms is late March to early April in Tokyo.
Cherry Blossom Forecast for 2019 will come in late January, 2019.
Trip Planning Advice for Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Festival Visitors to Japan by a Local
Blog & Social Media of Tokyo Direct Guide
Why Do I Plan & Travel with Tokyo Direct Guide?
Featured on
- Nihongo Master - Japanese Language & Culture Sites
- Nomadic Notes - Travel Guides
- GPSmyCity - Travel Articles We Like
Thank You Messages from Fellow Travelers
"Tokyo Direct Guide has been incredibly helpful to me, providing both inspiration and useful informations. All the articles are great, well written, very detailed yet easy to follow, and I’m so happy I found them because they helped me plan the perfect trip to Tokyo. Keep up with the good work Kozue, you’re amazing!”
- A.A. from Italy
"I used your guide when I was in Tokyo in April and had a fantastic time! Keep up the great work!"
- S.L. from Australia
"I love your website, I was in Tokyo last year and will use it again on my next trip in March."
- J.C. from the USA
And more!
You'll want to travel with TDG. There are 4 Big Reasons.
The Easiest Tokyo Maps by a Local
If you want a shortcut to understand Tokyo, or you are about to give up to plan a trip to Tokyo with throwing away a thick travel guidebook, or you are lost in the city at this moment (I hope not!), here are the simplest resolutions.
The Easiest JR Train Map of Tokyo - You'll understand the outline of Tokyo and airport transport with only 1 page!
The Easiest Subway Maps of Tokyo - You won't get lost anymore. Tourist attractions are all covered with these maps and instructions.
The Quickest Hotel Booking
If you don't want any explanations and just want to book a good hotel now, the following are the quickest way to reach.
A List of Worldwide Luxury Hotels: All the hotels on this list are convenient because of good airport transport.
A List of Cheap Hostels: Cheap hostels in Tokyo are listed with short comments about their locations to help some backpackers who have the image that it is hard to find accommodation in Tokyo.
A List of Hotels for Tokyo Disney Resort Visitors: If you are visiting Tokyo Disney Resort, it will make your trip much better to book a hotel with partnership with TDR.