Winter in the Kanto area offers beautiful illuminations that light up the city, as well as authentic Christmas markets you can enjoy in various locations. In this article, we have carefully selected must-see spots in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Northern Kanto for 2025. From the classic three major illuminations of Kanto, to popular events in Tokyo, and notable spots in Yokohama and Chiba, we have compiled the perfect places for winter outings, whether for a date or a family trip.
How Cold is Winter in Japan? Average Temperatures in Kanto
Average Temperatures in the Kanto Region in 2024
| December | January | February | |
| Tokyo | 8.1℃ | 7.1℃ | 8.0℃ |
| Kanagawa | 9.0 ℃ | 8.0℃ | 8.5℃ |
| Chiba | 8.6℃ | 6.1℃ | 6.6℃ |
| Saitama | 6.2℃ | 3.9℃ | 4.9℃ |
| Gunma | 6.4℃ | 5.6 ℃ | 6.5℃ |
| Tochigi | 4.9℃ | 4.6℃ | 5.9℃ |
| Ibaraki | 5.6℃ | 3.3℃ | 4.1℃ |
When enjoying illuminations or Christmas markets on chilly nights, it is essential to take thorough measures against the cold. In the Kanto area, winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing even in central Tokyo, but there is a large difference between daytime and morning/evening temperatures, and it gets especially cold at night.
It gets even colder in the suburbs or at night, so don’t forget to prepare a thick coat, scarf, gloves, and other winter gear!
[Related Article]: Winter Domestic Travel Packing Checklist: What Essentials Should You Bring?
What Are the Three Major Illuminations of Kanto?
There are many illuminations in the Kanto area, but the first ones we would like to introduce are the “Three Major Illuminations of Kanto,” which have received special recognition.
These refer to three events selected by the Night View Tourism Convention & Bureau as representative winter illuminations of Kanto.
They are chosen through a popularity vote by certified night view appraisers across Japan and a strict screening process. The overwhelming scale and creative displays offer breathtaking winter scenery that you should experience at least once.
[Tochigi] Ashikaga Flower Park: Garden of Illuminated Flowers Flower Fantasy
Ashikaga Flower Park, known for its seasonal flowers such as wisteria and roses, welcomes visitors as the "Garden of Light" during the winter season. This illumination event has been selected not only as one of the "Three Great Illuminations of Kanto" but also as one of the "Three Great Illuminations of Japan," earning high praise for its scale and beauty.
The approximately 100,000㎡ park is decorated with over 5 million LED lights. The event is divided into three periods, each with different themes and displays, so you can enjoy a unique view depending on when you visit.
One of the highlights in the park is the production that expresses the changing seasons of Japan. Using reflections on the water and projection mapping, traditional Japanese landscapes are depicted with light. In particular, the illumination inspired by fluttering cherry blossom petals is especially popular among visitors.
- Event period: October 18, 2025 (Sat) – February 15, 2026 (Sun)
- Illumination hours: From around 17:00 (From early November to early January, from around 16:30)
- Venue: 607 Hasama-cho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi (Ashikaga Flower Park)
- Access: 3-minute walk from Ashikaga Flower Park Station
- Official website: Here
[Kanagawa] Enoshima "Shonan no Houseki"
Kanagawa Prefecture's Enoshima, a small island floating off the Shonan coast, features the Enoshima Sea Candle as its symbol. Around this landmark, a vast illuminated space over 70 meters in diameter unfolds. Various spots on the island are decorated with lights, including the "Shonan Chandelier" tunnel adorned with crystal beads. There are also photogenic areas such as the "Ryuren no Kane" (Bell of Dragon Love), known for matchmaking, and the "Enoshima Iwaya Illumination," where the entire cave is enveloped in light. This is a dream spot where you can enjoy both the illumination and the beautiful silhouette of Mt. Fuji at the same time.
- Event period: November 22, 2025 (Sat) – February 28, 2026 (Sat)
- Illumination hours: From 17:00
- Venue: 2-3-28, Enoshima, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa (Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden)
- Access: 20-minute walk from Katase-Enoshima Station
25-minute walk from Enoshima Station - Official website: Here
[Kanagawa] Sagamiko Illumillion
The adventure resort "Sagamiko MORI MORI," located less than an hour from central Tokyo, hosts "Sagamiko Illumillion," one of the largest illumination events in the Kanto region with 6 million lights. The dynamic scenery, making use of the vast grounds and elevation differences, is a major attraction. The experience of riding the lift and viewing the illumination from above is especially popular every year.
This season, there will also be a collaboration with the popular character "Tamagotchi." Under the theme "Tamagotchi's Sparkling Illumination!", areas and photo spots that recreate the Tamagotchi world will be featured. Limited-edition collaboration food and merchandise will also be available, making it an exciting space for Tamagotchi fans.
- Event period: November 15, 2025 (Sat) – May 10, 2026 (Sun)
- Illumination hours: 16:00–21:00 (varies by season and day; last entry is 30 minutes before closing)
- Venue: 1634 Wakayanagi, Midori-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa (Sagamiko MORIMORI)
- Access: 8 minutes by bus from Sagamiko Station (get off at Sagamiko MORIMORI-mae)
- Official website: Here
Enjoy in the City Center! Illuminations & Christmas Markets in the Tokyo Area
From amusement parks to popular commercial facilities, Tokyo offers a variety of enchanting illumination spots and Christmas markets.
[Tokyo] Azabudai Hills Christmas 2025
The Christmas market will be held again this year at the Central Plaza of Azabudai Hills, located in the heart of Tokyo. Passing through the arched gate, you'll find a genuine European atmosphere with 12 food stalls and 5 merchandise stalls lined up. The fir tree, illuminated in champagne gold, gently decorates the venue, creating a space where you can experience a European Christmas while still in the city center.
- Event period: November 22 (Sat), 2025 – December 25 (Thu), 2025, 11:00–21:00
- Venue: Central Plaza, 1-3-1 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Azabudai Hills Arena and Lawn Area)
- Access: Short walk from Kamiyacho Station
2 minutes on foot from Roppongi-itchome Station - Official website: Here
- Special website: Here
[Tokyo] Keyakizaka Illumination "SNOW & BLUE"
This illumination is known as a winter tradition in the bustling Roppongi area of Tokyo. About 930,000 LED lights wrap the 400-meter Keyakizaka Street in "SNOW & BLUE" colors. The blue and white lights, reminiscent of a snowy landscape, create a beautiful and somewhat nostalgic atmosphere. The view of Tokyo Tower floating at the end of the illumination is a unique sight you can only see here.
- Event period: November 4 (Tue), 2025 – December 25 (Thu), 2025
- Lighting hours: 17:00–23:00 *Lighting times may vary on the first day and depending on crowd conditions on other days
- Venue: Roppongi Keyakizaka Street, 6-12 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Short walk from Roppongi Station
- Official website: Here
- Special website: Here
[Tokyo] Roppongi Hills Christmas Market 2025
This authentic Christmas market is modeled after the Christmas market in Stuttgart, Germany. At the O-Yane Plaza, 10 huts are set up, including the German Christmas goods specialty store "Käthe Wohlfahrt" and food stalls offering mulled wine and sausages. After enjoying the Christmas market, it's also recommended to visit the Keyakizaka Illumination nearby.
- Event period: November 22 (Sat), 2025 – December 25 (Thu), 2025, 11:00–21:00
- Venue: O-Yane Plaza, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Short walk from Roppongi Station
- Official website: Here
- Special website: Here
[Tokyo] MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS 2025
A Christmas event of lights and music that you can enjoy in the garden of Tokyo Midtown. The main attraction, "CHRISTMAS GARDEN LIGHTS," features bubbles and snow effects, culminating in a three-minute music show. The popular performance from last year returns with even more shows this year. The entire garden is filled with a Christmas atmosphere, including the "Path of Light" gently wrapped in golden lights and the "EMOTION PALETTE TREE" made with real fir trees.
There is also a skating rink right next to the event, so you can fully enjoy the winter season.
- Event Period: November 13 (Thu), 2025 – December 25 (Thu), 2025, 17:00–23:00
- Venue: Midtown Garden, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Short walk from Roppongi Station
3 minutes on foot from Nogizaka Station - Official Website: Here
[Tokyo] Marunouchi Illumination 2025
The approximately 1.2-kilometer path from Tokyo Station to Marunouchi Naka-dori is enveloped in champagne gold lights. The warm glow from about 286 street trees and the red-brick Tokyo Station building create a refined winter scene unique to Marunouchi.
At the same time, "MARUNOUCHI BRIGHT HOLIDAY 2025 'Disney JOYFUL MOMENTS'" will be held, where Disney character decorations will appear in places such as Marunouchi Building and Shin-Marunouchi Building, creating a space that both adults and children can enjoy.
[Marunouchi Illumination 2025]
- Event Period: November 13 (Thu), 2025 – February 15 (Sun), 2026
- Venue: Around 1-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Around Tokyo Station and Marunouchi Naka-dori - Access: Short walk from Tokyo Station
5 minutes on foot from Yurakucho Station
5 minutes on foot from Otemachi Station
[MARUNOUCHI BRIGHT HOLIDAY 2025 "Disney JOYFUL MOMENTS"]
- Event Period: November 13 (Thu), 2025 – January 4 (Sun), 2026 *Excluding January 1 (Thu, holiday), 2026.
- Venue: Various locations in Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Marunouchi Building, Shin-Marunouchi Building, Marunouchi Oazo, Marunouchi Brick Square, and more - Official Website: Here
[Tokyo] Tokyo Mega Illumination 2025-2026
This spectacular illumination event takes place on the spacious grounds of Oi Racecourse. The fountain, lights, and music come together in an impressive show, and the newly updated "Twinkle Light Show" this season is a must-see.
The area is also attractive for its Japanese atmosphere, featuring the 100-meter-long "Edo Sakura Tunnel" and "Japanese Scenery," which expresses the original landscape of Japan through light. In the "Aurora Forest," a magical world of light created with the latest technology unfolds. In addition, there are plenty of unique experiences you can only enjoy at a racecourse, such as interacting with miniature horses and shows featuring guide horses.
- Event Period: Saturday, November 11, 2025 – Sunday, January 11, 2026
- Event Hours: 16:30~21:00 (Last entry 20:00)
- Venue: Oi Racecourse, 2-1-2 Katsushima, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 2-minute walk from Oi Keibajo-mae Station
- Official Website: Here
[Tokyo] Yomiuriland Jewellumination
This illumination event, produced by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, is inspired by the colors of gemstones. This year's theme is "LIGHT HOP⤴," and the entire amusement park will be lit up with 14 types of gemstone-colored lights, including the new Diamond Jewelry Color.
The event also features spectacular fountain shows and attractions that operate amid the lights, offering high entertainment value. From rides such as the Ferris wheel, you can enjoy a rare view of both Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower at the same time.
- Event Hours: To be determined
- Venue: Yomiuriland, 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi-shi, Tokyo
- Access: 5 minutes by bus from Keio Yomiuriland Station
10 minutes from Yomiuriland Station
20 minutes from Shin-Yurigaoka Station - Official Website: Here
- Special Website: Here
[Tokyo] Tokyo Christmas Market 2025 in Jingu Gaien
This authentic Christmas market features a 14-meter-tall "Christmas Pyramid" brought from Seiffen Village in Germany, standing at the center of the venue. Decorations inspired by Grimm's fairy tales and European stories adorn the venue, and the colorful lights and music invite you into a festive Christmas world.
At the venue, traditional European huts line up, offering mulled wine, German cuisine, and Christmas ornaments for sale, allowing you to experience a traditional German Christmas.
- Event Period: Friday, November 21, 2025 – Thursday, December 25, 2025
- Event Hours: First day 16:00–21:30, all other days 11:00–21:30 (Last entry 20:30 / Last order 21:00)
- Venue: In front of the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery and General Ball Game Field, Meiji Jingu Gaien, 1-1 Kasumigaoka-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 12-minute walk from Gaienmae Station
10-minute walk from Aoyama-itchome Station - Official Website: Here
Featured Illumination Spots in Yokohama, Chiba, and Northern Kanto
In addition to Tokyo, there are many unique illumination events and seaside Christmas markets that color the Kanto region in winter.
[Ibaraki] Ibaraki Flower Park Moonlight Rose Garden 2025 ~ Time Enchanted by Lights and Magic
Ibaraki Flower Park, where 800 varieties of autumn roses and marigolds are gently illuminated against the backdrop of a satoyama night. Inside the park, flickering bonfires and lantern lights create a peaceful atmosphere. There are also interactive illuminations with changing lights and playful installations that allow you to control the lighting effects, letting you enjoy the nighttime garden with all five senses.
Workshops such as making bottle lanterns with dried flowers are also held, so you can enjoy the illuminations while holding a lantern you made yourself.
- Event Period: October 11, 2025 (Sat) ~ January 26, 2026 (Mon)
- Venue: Ibaraki Flower Park, 200 Shimoaoyagi, Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Access: 30 minutes by bus from Ishioka Station
- Official Website: Here
- Special Website: Here
[Chiba] Tokyo German Village Illumination
Tokyo German Village, which can be reached in about 45 to 60 minutes one way from the Tokyo metropolitan area, is a theme park boasting an area about 19 times the size of Tokyo Dome. On winter nights, the park is decorated with illuminations, including 3D illuminations on the lawn, a light show synchronized with music, and a fantastical "Tunnel of Light" about 70 meters long.
The view of the illuminations from the Ferris wheel is breathtaking. In addition, you can drive around the park in your car, making it comfortable even during the cold season or when visiting with small children.
- Event Period: To be determined
- Venue: Tokyo German Village, 419 Nagayoshi, Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture
- Access: 35 minutes by bus from Sodegaura Station
- Official Website: Here
[Kanagawa] YORUNOYO 2025: Yokohama Transformed by Nighttime Lights
This illumination event colors the night of Yokohama, which has been selected as one of "Japan's New Three Major Night View Cities." Over 3 kilometers from Minato Mirai to Yamashita Park are wrapped in light, with this year's theme featuring "flowers" as the motif.
Be sure to check out the interactive contents, such as "Kujirand," the illuminated whale at Osanbashi Pier, and the 250-meter-long experiential "Bright Garden" at Yamashita Park!
- Event Period: December 4, 2025 (Thu) – December 30, 2025 (Tue)
- Illumination Hours: 17:00–21:05
- Venue: Around Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture (Shinko Central Square, Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal, Yamashita Park, etc.)
- Access: 10–20 minutes on foot from Bashamichi Station, Minato Mirai Station, and other stations
- Official Website: Here
[Kanagawa] Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
A Christmas market with the atmosphere of a European port city, held against the backdrop of Yokohama’s Red Brick Warehouse. It is so popular that it was ranked No.1 in the “Christmas Markets You Want to Visit” ranking by the Japanese outing information site “Jalan.”
This year’s concept is “Time,” creating a special space where the “time” of the Red Brick Warehouse, which has a history of over 110 years, overlaps with the “time” of its visitors.
The Christmas tree, a real fir tree that serves as the symbol of the venue, will be the largest ever at approximately 12 meters tall. Numerous food and merchandise booths line the area, offering mulled wine, German cuisine, and Christmas goods imported directly from Europe. It is also a beloved winter date spot in Yokohama.
- Event period: November 21 (Fri), 2025 – December 25 (Thu), 2025
- Opening hours: November 21 (Fri) 17:00–21:00 (last order 20:30)
November 22 (Sat) – December 5 (Fri) 11:00–21:00 (last order 20:30)
December 6 (Sat) – December 25 (Thu) 11:00–22:00 (last order 21:30) - Venue: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Plaza & Red Brick Park
- Access: 6-minute walk from Bashamichi Station
12-minute walk from Minatomirai Station - Official website: here
- Special website: here
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