Tokyo Skytree, lit up for Christmas   東京スカイツリーのイルミネーション

If you'll be spending Christmas in Tokyo, why not drop by between 16:30 and 22:00 from December 10 to 25 to enjoy the festively illuminated Tokyo Skytree? For two weeks, this famous tower in the Japanese capital will become the "Champagne Tree" on even days, and the "Candle Tree" on odd days. The tower will be lit well in the Tokyo night, in the yellow-gold of champagne as well as a flamboyant red, reflecting on the Sumida River at the foot of the building.

Concerts and ice

Other festivities are also planned throughout December at the foot of Skytree. Every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas, seven concerts will be held from 19:00 (13:00 on 25 December). And the Skytree isn't the only building to get into the festive spirit: Sumida Aquarium becomes the "Blue Night Aquarium", with soft music and a romantic atmosphere. Shows are also scheduled at Solamachi Mall, and the restaurants there will offer special festive menus (reservations required). Last but not least, a skating rink has been installed in the area until 5 March 2017, so you can glide on the ice whilst admiring the impressive 634 meter height of the Skytree. Who says the Japanese don't celebrate Christmas?

Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida Ward, Tokyo

Access: a few minutes walk from Tokyo Skytree station

See also: our selection of the best illuminations 2016-2017 throughout Japan.