Event Guide · Tokyo & Around

Marunouchi Illumination

November–FebruaryCentral Tokyo2026: Nov 12 (Thu) – Feb 14, 2027 (Sun)
Search by dates and destination
Overview

Overview

An annual winter illumination that lights up the street trees along about 1.2 km of Marunouchi Naka-dori in front of Tokyo Station in its signature "champagne gold." 2026 marks its 25th year, and during the concurrent "MARUNOUCHI BRIGHT HOLIDAY," a Harry Potter-themed symbol tree appears at the Marunouchi Building.

When
Usually mid-November to mid-February of the following year (about 3 months)
Confirmed dates: 2026: Nov 12 (Thu) – Feb 14, 2027 (Sun)
Venue
Marunouchi Naka-dori Avenue (Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station, Otemachi to Yurakucho)
Highlights

Highlights

About 250 street trees along the cobblestoned Naka-dori are wrapped in roughly 775,000 champagne-gold lights (2025 figure), and together with the windows of luxury brand stores they create a sophisticated atmosphere. It's best enjoyed on a stroll combined with the illuminated Marunouchi building of Tokyo Station.

Times

Times

Lighting hours (regular)16:00–23:00

2025 example. Lighting hours for 2026 had not been published at the time of writing (details due to be announced in late October)

Lighting hours (December)16:00–24:00

2025 example (extended from Dec 1 to 31)

Symbol tree "HOGWARTS SNOW TREE"

Nov 12 – Dec 25, 2026, at Marucube on the 1st floor of the Marunouchi Building. A lighting show set to film music is planned (times not yet announced)

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Admission is free and no reservation is needed. Right after the lights come on (16:00–18:00), before office workers head home, is relatively easy for walking
  • ✓The illuminated Tokyo Station Marunouchi building and Gyoko-dori are close by, so you can see them together (in 2025, there was also a limited-time display on Gyoko-dori)
  • ✓In December, the Christmas decorations in nearby buildings such as the Marunouchi Building and Shin-Marunouchi Building are also worth seeing. On cold days you can take a break indoors
  • ✓Naka-dori has wide sidewalks, but when stopping for photos, choose a spot where you won't block foot traffic
  • ✓Weekends around Christmas are very crowded, so a weekday visit is recommended
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Tokyo Station (JR lines, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)About 3 min on foot from the Marunouchi South or North Exit
  • Nijubashimae (Marunouchi) Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)Right outsideExits come out around the middle of Naka-dori
  • Yurakucho Station (JR Yamanote Line and others)About 3 min on footSouth end of Naka-dori
  • Otemachi Station (Tokyo Metro lines, Toei Mita Line)About 3 min on footNorth end of Naka-dori
From major stations
  • Shinjuku Station: JR Chuo Line Rapid to Tokyo Station (About 15 min)
  • Shibuya Station: JR Yamanote Line to Yurakucho or Tokyo Station (About 25 min)
  • Haneda Airport: Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku Line for Tokyo Station (About 35 min)
Extra buses & shuttles
None
IC cards (Suica etc.)
IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used on JR, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway
Getting back
  • Tokyo Station is huge and transfers take time. If you're taking the subway, Nijubashimae or Otemachi Station means less walking
  • On Friday nights in December, stations are crowded with people heading home from year-end parties
  • For taxis, the taxi stand at Tokyo Station's Marunouchi Exit is convenient
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
Weekends in December and evenings around Christmas (around 18:00–21:00)
Quieter times
Weekdays in November, January, and February, right after the lights come on (16:00–17:00), or later from 21:00
Time needed
30 minutes to 1 hour to walk Naka-dori and back. 1.5–2 hours if you also see the decorations around Tokyo Station and inside the buildings
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
JMA normal lows for Tokyo are around 9–10°C in November, 4–5°C in December, and 1–2°C in January and February. It gets cold at night
What to wear
A light coat in November, and a winter coat, gloves, and a scarf from December to February. Wind between the tall buildings can make it feel colder
Rain, snow & typhoons
As an outdoor illumination of street trees, it is normally lit even in the rain. Follow official announcements in severe weather
Where to check for cancellations
Marunouchi official website (https://www.marunouchi.com/), Marunouchi Call Center (03-5218-5100)
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Take your trash home. There are few trash bins along Naka-dori
  • !Don't block the sidewalk when taking photos. Avoid using tripods and selfie sticks when crowded
  • !Flying drones is prohibited (central Tokyo, including the area around the Imperial Palace, has flight restrictions)
  • !Chiyoda City bans smoking on the street by ordinance (violators are subject to a fine)
  • !Do not touch the illumination lights or the trees
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Toilets are available in nearby commercial facilities such as the Marunouchi Building, Shin-Marunouchi Building, and KITTE
Lockers & luggage
There are many coin lockers inside Tokyo Station (some fit large suitcases, but they tend to fill up from the evening)
Paying at food stalls
Many restaurants and shops in the area accept credit cards, transit IC cards, and QR code payments
ATMs
Convenience store ATMs (Seven Bank, etc.) and Japan Post Bank ATMs are available inside Tokyo Station and in nearby buildings
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
Naka-dori is flat with wide sidewalks, making it easy to get around with a wheelchair or stroller. Nearby stations and buildings have elevators
Food

Food

Local favorites
Restaurants in the Marunouchi Building and Shin-Marunouchi BuildingCafés along Naka-doriEkiben (station bento) and sweets inside Tokyo Station
Vegetarian & halal
Nearby commercial facilities and Tokyo Station have some vegan, vegetarian, and halal-friendly restaurants, so check store information in advance
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Marunouchi IlluminationPR

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Attractions

Attractions in Central Tokyo

Theme park

Tokyo Disney Resort (Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea)

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Located in Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, this resort centers on two theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. It’s about 20 minutes from Tokyo Station on the JR Keiyo Line, close enough for a day trip from central Tokyo. Park tickets are date-specific with variable pricing and must be bought in advance on the official website or official app.

Advance, date-specific tickets required
Studio tour

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

This indoor walk-through attraction takes you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series. It opened in June 2023 on the former site of Toshimaen. There are no rides; instead, you explore sets, props, and costumes on foot at your own pace.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendlyAdvance, date-specific tickets required
Theme park

Sanrio Puroland

Tokyo & Around ・ Tokyo / Tama

A fully indoor theme park where you can meet Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and other Sanrio characters. Parades, musical shows, rides, and character greetings are packed into a four-story building, so you can enjoy a full day regardless of the weather.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendlyAdvance, date-specific tickets required
Experience

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM

Tokyo & Around ・ Tokyo / Toyosu

An immersive museum by the art collective teamLab where you walk barefoot into the artworks. It's a series of vast spaces, including works you wade through water to experience, where your whole body becomes one with the art. It's scheduled to run until the end of 2027.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Zoo

Ueno Zoological Gardens

Tokyo & Around ・ Tokyo / Ueno

Japan's oldest zoo, located inside Ueno Park. With affordable admission, it's a central Tokyo zoo that's easy to combine with Ueno's art galleries and museums.

Aquarium

Sumida Aquarium

Tokyo & Around ・ Oshiage / Tokyo Skytree Town

An urban aquarium on the 5th and 6th floors of Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi. It's entirely indoors and directly connected to the station, so you can drop by whatever the weather. It stays open into the evening, making it easy to pair with the Skytree observation decks or sightseeing in Asakusa.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Aquarium

Kamogawa Sea World

Tokyo & Around ・ Kamogawa, Chiba

An aquarium on the Pacific coast of the Boso Peninsula where you can see performances by four species: orcas, belugas, dolphins, and sea lions. Admission includes all performances. It's about 2 hours from Tokyo Station by the Limited Express Wakashio or the direct Akushi-go highway bus (アクシー号), so it works as a day trip.

Amusement park

Yomiuriland

Tokyo & Around ・ Inagi

An amusement park in Inagi, Tokyo, with something to enjoy year-round: pools in summer and illuminations in winter. Inside the park is PokéPark KANTO, an area where more than 600 Pokémon live. It's about 10 minutes from Keio-yomiuri-land Station by the Sky Shuttle gondola.

Aquarium

Sunshine Aquarium

Tokyo & Around ・ Ikebukuro

An urban aquarium on the roof of the World Import Mart Building in Ikebukuro's Sunshine City. Themed as an oasis in the sky, it consists of indoor exhibits on two floors and the outdoor Marine Garden. It's within walking distance of Ikebukuro and Higashi-Ikebukuro stations, making it easy to drop by between other Tokyo sightseeing.

Events

Events & festivals in Tokyo & Around

February–March

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Izu

Usually early February to early March (about one month). Peak bloom is usually mid- to late February

February–December

Atami Fireworks Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Izu

Usually held a dozen or more times a year in spring (April–May), summer (July–August), autumn (September–November), and winter (December–February). Each show runs around 20:20–20:40 (from 20:15 in July and August)

Next show: Oct 25, 2026 (Sun), followed by Nov 8, Nov 23, Dec 6, Dec 25, and Feb 21, 2027 (all 20:20–20:40)

March

Tokyo Marathon

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually a Sunday in early March

2027: Mar 7 (Sun)

April–May

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Fuji Five Lakes

Usually mid-April to late May (April 11 – May 24 in 2026; may vary with bloom conditions)

Photo coming soonApril

Bunkyo Azalea Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually around April 1–30 (the 55th festival was held April 1–30, 2026). Peak bloom is usually mid- to late April

May

Sanja Matsuri

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually mid-May, on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday around the third Saturday of May (May 15–17 in 2026, with the ceremony to install the deities in the mikoshi on the Thursday evening before)

August

Tokyo Koenji Awa-Odori

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually the last Saturday and Sunday of August (around 17:00–20:00)

November

Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Fuji Five Lakes

Usually early to late November (about 3–4 weeks). The leaves are usually at their best in early to mid-November

2026: Nov 7 (Sat) – Nov 29 (Sun)

November

Tori-no-Ichi

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually on the Days of the Rooster in November (2–3 days, 12 days apart). At Otori Shrine in Asakusa, it runs from midnight to midnight (0:00–24:00) on each Rooster Day

2026: two days, Ichi-no-Tori on Nov 7 (Sat) and Ni-no-Tori on Nov 19 (Thu) (no market on the days in between)

December

Hagoita-ichi (Battledore Market)

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Every year December 17–19 (Senso-ji explicitly states "the three days from December 17 to 19")

2026: Dec 17 (Thu) – Dec 19 (Sat)

Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.

Last checked: 2026-09-30