- Introduction
- No1. Roppongi & Marunouchi Illuminations Walk
- No2. Hibiya Park Christmas Market
- No3. Omotesando Illuminations
- No4. Toshimaen Niwa no Yu Onsen Experience
- No5. Winter Skating (Tokyo Midtown & Hibiya)
- No6. Hatsumode at Senso-ji Temple
- No7. Winter Shopping in Ginza & Shinjuku
- No8. Electronics Store New Year Sales
- No9. Setsubun Festivals
- No10. Winter Wagashi & Nabe Cuisine
- Conclusion
- About Our Site & Hotel Recommendations
Introduction
Tokyo Winter is a special season where crisp air, dazzling illuminations, and traditional Japanese New Year events intersect. From December to February, Tokyo’s streets are filled with the festive atmosphere of Christmas and New Year, providing unforgettable experiences for visitors. Here are the top 10 things foreign travelers must experience to fully enjoy Tokyo Winter.
No1. Roppongi & Marunouchi Illuminations Walk
Overview
The illuminations, a symbol of Tokyo Winter, light up areas like Roppongi Hills and Marunouchi Naka-dori, creating a magical urban nightscape. Perfect for couples seeking a romantic atmosphere and travelers who love photography. Stroll through the city, enjoy the lights, and stop by a café for hot wine or winter-exclusive sweets to fully savor Tokyo Winter.
What to Do
- Stroll slowly and enjoy the illuminations and Christmas markets
- Visit popular photo spots
- Taste hot wine and seasonal sweets at nearby cafés
Information
Access: Roppongi Station, Tokyo Station (walking distance)
Official Site: Roppongi Hills Illumination / Marunouchi Illumination
Best Time: Mid-November to the end of December
No2. Hibiya Park Christmas Market
Overview
One of the most festive Tokyo Winter events, Hibiya Park Christmas Market features European-style stalls and illuminations. Ideal for families and couples who want to enjoy a Christmas atmosphere. Taste hot wine and German food while shopping for decorations and souvenirs, bringing a European winter festival vibe to Tokyo.
What to Do
- Taste hot wine and German dishes at stalls
- Shop for winter decorations and gifts
- Take photos of the illuminations
*Image Picture
Information
Access: Hibiya Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya, Chiyoda, Marunouchi Lines) – 1 min walk
Official Site: Hibiya Park Christmas Market
Best Time: Late November to December 25
No3. Omotesando Illuminations
Overview
Omotesando illuminations let visitors experience Tokyo’s fashion and trend culture during Tokyo Winter. Great for shopping lovers and photography enthusiasts, combining seasonal lights with cafés and shopping.
What to Do
- Stroll along the tree-lined avenue to enjoy the illuminations
- Take photos while resting at cafés or restaurants
- Enjoy winter shopping at nearby stores
Information
Access: Omotesando Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) – walking distance
Official Site: Omotesando Illumination
Best Time: Late November to end of December
No4. Toshimaen Niwa no Yu Onsen Experience
Overview
A perfect way to warm up during Tokyo Winter is an onsen experience. Toshimaen’s Niwa no Yu offers open-air baths and saunas, ideal for travelers seeking relaxation. Enjoy a traditional Japanese winter atmosphere in the crisp air while soaking in hot springs.
What to Do
- Relax in open-air baths and saunas
- Experience Japanese culture wearing a yukata
- Enjoy warm dishes at the on-site restaurant
Information
Access: Toshimaen Station (Seibu Ikebukuro Line) – 1 min walk
Official Site: Niwa no Yu
Best Time: December to February
No5. Winter Skating (Tokyo Midtown & Hibiya)
Overview
A classic Tokyo Winter activity is skating at outdoor rinks. Tokyo Midtown and Hibiya Park host winter-only skating rinks. Perfect for families, couples, and friends. Skate at night surrounded by illuminations for an active Tokyo Winter experience.
What to Do
- Rent skates and skate on the rink
- Take photos at the illuminated rink at night
- Enjoy warm drinks at nearby cafés
*Image picture
Information
Access: Hibiya Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya, Chiyoda Lines) – 5 min walk / Roppongi Station – 5 min walk
Official Site: Tokyo Midtown Winter Skating
Best Time: December to February
No6. Hatsumode at Senso-ji Temple
Overview
Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the New Year, is a cultural highlight of Tokyo Winter. Senso-ji attracts millions every year, offering travelers a close-up experience of Japanese tradition. Draw fortunes and taste sweet sake and Japanese snacks along Nakamise Street to enjoy the vibrant New Year atmosphere.
What to Do
- Make wishes during Hatsumode
- Draw a fortune and buy lucky charms
- Taste sweet sake and traditional snacks along Nakamise Street
Information
Access: Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Toei Asakusa Line) – walking distance
Official Site: Senso-ji Temple
Best Time: January 1 – January 3
No7. Winter Shopping in Ginza & Shinjuku
Overview
Tokyo Winter coincides with the year-end and New Year sales. Ginza and Shinjuku are ideal for shopping, from luxury brands to Japanese-exclusive items. Enjoy winter sales and “fukubukuro” (lucky bags) for an authentic Japanese shopping experience.
What to Do
- Shop at brand stores and department stores
- Check out seasonal sales and fukubukuro
- Take breaks at cafés and restaurants while exploring
Information
Access: Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro lines) / Shinjuku Station (JR lines)
Official Site: Ginza Mitsukoshi / Isetan Shinjuku
Best Time: Late December to early January
No8. Electronics Store New Year Sales
Overview
A unique Tokyo Winter experience for gadget lovers. Major electronics retailers host “lucky bags” and winter sales, letting visitors enjoy Japanese shopping culture.
What to Do
- Check out fukubukuro and New Year sales
- Buy popular electronics and Japan-exclusive products
- Explore the surrounding winter cityscape
Information
Access: Yodobashi Camera / Bic Camera locations (Shinjuku, Akihabara, Yurakucho)
Official Site: Yodobashi Camera / Bic Camera
Best Time: January 1 – January 3
No9. Setsubun Festivals
Overview
The Setsubun festival marks the end of Tokyo Winter. Held at temples like Senso-ji and Zojo-ji, visitors can participate in the bean-throwing ritual, taste sweet sake, and experience a traditional cultural celebration unique to winter Tokyo.
What to Do
- Participate in bean-throwing to chase away evil spirits
- Taste sweet sake and buy lucky charms
- Capture the festival atmosphere in photos
Information
Access: Senso-ji Temple – Asakusa Station / Zojo-ji Temple – Onarimon Station (5 min walk)
Official Site: Senso-ji Temple / Zojo-ji Temple
Best Time: Around February 3
No10. Winter Wagashi & Nabe Cuisine
Overview
Tokyo Winter is perfect for savoring seasonal Japanese food. Enjoy winter-only sweets like strawberry daifuku and yuzu yokan, or hot pot dishes such as sukiyaki and yosenabe. Join a cooking class or visit specialty stores for a deeper culinary experience.
What to Do
- Try seasonal Japanese sweets
- Enjoy hot pot dishes at specialty restaurants
- Participate in a cooking class to experience making Japanese winter dishes
Information
Access: Shibuya / Ueno stations
Official Site: Toraya
Best Time: December to February
Conclusion
Tokyo Winter is full of attractions ranging from illuminations, Hatsumode, Christmas markets, traditional festivals, winter food culture, to shopping. Visiting between December and February ensures you can fully experience the magic of Tokyo Winter. Use this top 10 guide to make your Tokyo winter trip unforgettable.
Thank you for reading to the end, and we hope your trip will be excellent, and this page is useful.
About Our Site & Hotel Recommendations
Our site provides detailed area-based sightseeing guides for Tokyo travel. We offer insights on culture, food, and events in neighborhoods such as Roppongi and Asakusa, helping visitors make the most of Tokyo Travel.
If you are looking for hotels near these events and attractions, check out the following:
- Shinjuku area hotels: here
- Shibuya area hotels: here
- Roppongi area hotels: here
- Asakusa area hotels: here
- Shinagawa area hotels: here
The Wonderful Travel Tips
Yuichi Yokoyama
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