It was still early to go home after checking the Hibiya Magic Time Illumination 2024 so one friend suggested we walk towards Tokyo station to see the Marunouchi area's illumination. Oh another illumination, great!
We just went back to the main wide road, crossed the street, walked 2 blocks and we're now at the start (or should it be end?) of the Marunouchi illumination. Usually people start entering the illumination area from Tokyo station, but we're around Ginza/Hibiya area now, so we're at the end of the illumination, technically. There's no entrance or exit though so whichever you start is all good!
The Marunouchi Illumination features bright lights along Marunouchi area's Nakadori street. They usually start the illumination mid November, right around when the autumn foliage starts in Tokyo, and end at winter time. The entirety of the illumination ends at January or February but some areas like collabs end today - December 25.
I've heard of Marunouchi Illumination before, as it's one of the most talked about illumination in Tokyo but I've never really visited til last weekend. I was planning to but it's all in the plans. 😅 One of my friends have attended in the past so we got ourselves a guide for that night. So finally, I was able to attend it this year!
I was a bit surprised they made the street a little bit cozy seeing different kinds of chairs. Even when it was cold, some people were lounging in the wooden sofa. Can’t blame them, sitting under these bright lights seems so magical especially when you’re with someone special.
Aside from the chairs and tables, you’d see food stalls and shopping carts in the street. Too bad some were already wrapping up when we passed by, a friend wanted to have coffee because it smelled good but those were actually the last for that day.
Later on, we found a stall with people queuing and to satisfy my curiosity, I went to the end of the line.
They were selling hot chocolate, hot coffee, hot wine and a heartland beer. To heat the drinks, they put the bottles inside this big pot t hat being heated. It was my first time seeing this. The hot chocolate was on the pricier side, 800 yen for a cup, which tasted good. I figured this stall is from the expensive looking restaurant behind it so I might have tasted a luxury that night. LOL
Some restaurants were also full that night. I think they’re all expensive though. I guess this street is for the elites?
Besides the food and shopping experience, it was also fun to see interesting art displays on the street. They turned the street into an art gallery and what’s being displayed here were various sculptures. Most of them were bright and really attention grabbers.
As we go further and deeper into the illumination, we noticed there were Super Mario exhibits in some buildings. Hence that was the start of our subquest: finding Super Mario and his friends.
We found these mushrooms at first! They were so playful looking! We found them in a park like place inside the building we just went to. It seems like an open area where people could sit and enjoy nature amidst the surrounding buildings.
Later on, we found the grand display! Seems like this is a special event where Super Mario collaborated and made Marunouchi brighter this holiday season. The golden stuff you see in the game were hanging and they looked super cool!
And well as for me of course I would not miss the opportunity to be in the game. I just had to strike a pose as if I came out from the green pipe. Hahaha I had fun even when there were lots of people looking at me.
Another side quest was this time travel inspired Christmas tree we found inside another building. This was probably the tallest Christmas tree I’ve seen this holiday. I haven’t been out a lot recently so I have only seen a few Christmas trees. And yeah we don’t have one at home.
That was the end of the walk I had in Nakadori street. I thought there would be a big crowd as I saw videos that the place looked crowded and difficult to move. It wasn’t so I was thankful we were able to move freely and without any difficulties. Some trees still have colored leaves in them. I bet it’s nicer here when it’s the peak of autumn.
After the illumination at the Marunouchi street park, we popped out in the wide passageway connecting the Imperial Palace and Tokyo station. I always think the trees around here are always illuminated, but I wasn’t expecting a skating rink here. Unfortunately the skating rink ends today.
We’ve reached Tokyo station - our goal for that night. It’s always grand to see the station like this but surely inside it’s chaotic as this is a major train station. My friends and I parted ways here. We’ll see each other again next year hopefully!
Merry Christmas everybody!
Happy Wednesday! Don't forget to checkout the #WednesdayWalk initiative by @tattoodjay.
Thanks for reading!
See you around! じゃあ、またね！
With love,
All photos are taken using my phone unless stated otherwise.
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It's a beautiful and elegant place. Are you not one of the elites? 😅 Merry Christmas! 🎄
No no hahaha I'm not one of the elites LOL
Merry Christmas @cup-bearer!
Hiya, @lauramica here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Top 3 in Travel Digest #2420.
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Thank you!!
You are very welcome @wittyzell! it was well deserved. ☀️
Keep up the great work 💪
Ganda talaga!
Merry Christmas po!
Merry Christmas, Witty! ♥
Merry Christmas ayane! Hope you are feeling good!
Wow! Japan, is a wonderful place to be. Thank you for sharing Wittyzell.
Thank you too! It's really nice out here