December in Japan is usually very bright because of winter illuminations. In Tokyo alone, you could find it in a lot of places. Ever since I lived in Tokyo, I have never missed going to Roppongi Hills to see the winter illumination. Every year people gather to see it, especially because Tokyo Tower can be seen from a distance. The thing is, the crowd was 2 or 3 times more than the previous years, probably because tourists are now allowed inside Japan. Also this time, I explored the nearby garden which was illuminated too.
Saturday and my boyfriend invited me to have late lunch with him in a nearby Chinese restaurant but when we got there, it was already closed. After thinking deeply, he told me we'll be eating at Roppongi, which is nowhere near home and people scream luxury over there! I was not dressed extravagantly but at least, I looked decent. 😅
After a quick lunch at Shake Shack, my boyfriend left for work but advised me to roam around before going home since I was already in the area. I was in a dilemma if I should watch a movie or just roam around, pretending to shop. I still have a cough so the movie theatre wasn't a good option then I remembered it's December already, and an idea came to mind: why don't I visit the illumination around here for the 3rd year in a row?
Mohri Garden
I went first to the Japanese garden. The grasses were filled with blue lights looking like water. I should have brought my camera with me but my phone will do for now.
This garden has a pond in the middle so it's nice to see the water's reflection like this.
When you get closer to the artwork, it's not a connected heart but when viewed farther, it's connected. It's a simple art but it's nice to look at that people take turns in taking a photo of it.
I discovered the garden was being lit with blue because of the movie, Avatar: Way Of Water. The grasses were like water, and water connects all things, life to death, darkness to light. Ooops, that's a line from the movie, not mine. Better watch it in the cinemas near you. (endorser LOL) 😅
Keyakizaka Illumination
The whole street, aside from being so crowded and regulated, was being lit up so brightly. This is located at the back of Roppongi Hills.
The first time I came here 2 years ago, I really think it was so magical and up til now, I still think it is. Being under these trees so bright, I felt I was experiencing a White Christmas over here.
I just discovered the view at the top was also nice because of course, not so aerial view but for me, you'd feel overwhelmed if you're on the street than here at the top.
Here at the top of the footbridge, there's actually a line to be able to take photos of the street and it's also being organized by the staff of Roppongi Hills.
Christmas Market
After getting cold outside indulging myself with the bright lights outside, I went inside and discovered a crowded Christmas Market. There were Christmas items that you can buy and food too! I saw sausages when I was passing by. I think most Christmas Markets in Japan are influenced by Germans, I'm not sure about this theory but that's what I have observed.
The Christmas Market is not so large. I only saw a few stores. People like Christmas Markets like this because it's intriguing for them. I saw signages of Amazon here so I think this event was sponsored by them. I was also about to get my fill of wine and sausages but I was discouraged by the crowd and my wallet too so in the end, I was just watching them until I got tired.
Spotting Christmas Trees
There were a few Christmas Trees that you can spot while roaming around Roppongi Hills.
The first one I spotted was when I was on the footbridge, waiting for my turn to have a photo. This Christmas Tree wasn't too grand but when you step inside its small red carpet, you'd get to hear sounds from the tree. There were 2 red carpets, so you'd get to hear 2 sounds as well. It's really fun and I saw some people having fun with it.
The 2nd one is grander than the first one I saw. It's located inside Roppongi Hills in the west section. The design is so unique because it seems like glass, you can see color reflections. It also felt like it was floating. It's interesting to see so I took my time to appreciate its beauty.
It changes colors reflected on the tree for every few seconds. I didn't want to debug how it does it but I can see lights being shone upon it. 😅
The last one I saw was outside. It's noticeable enough before taking the long elevator going down to the station. As you may have noticed in the photo, it's sponsored by Cartier.
They just recently opened here in Roppongi Hills and the store was so grand. Many ladies people have been taking photos of its unique layout, and of course, the handsome man outside.
Christmas is felt here in Roppongi Hills. I personally enjoyed looking at the decorations they did. Actually, Christmas in Japan is for lovers which are so different from what I have been used to in my home country, which is for family. Here in Roppongi Hills though, I get to celebrate it even alone because of the illumination and the events here and there.
Even if you're not a Christian, I'm still wishing you a merry merry Christmas! Happy holidays to you and your family!
Thanks for reading!
See you around! じゃあ、またね！
All photos are taken using my iphone unless stated otherwise.