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A post shared by Kenji Sato (@robincyan13) on Dec 2, 2013 at 2:28am PST

There are many enchanting illuminated lights in Tokyo, but none beats the one-of-a-kind experience you get at Odaiba Illumination YAKEI. This is the only spot in Tokyo that offers a panoramic view of the Tokyo Bay area, including Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower at night. Furthermore, unlike other Christmas spots, this attraction is open all year round. At the seaside deck on the third floor, there are 40 trees and a 20-metre (66 feet) tall memorial tree, enveloped by 220,000 lights with the breathtaking Tokyo Bay as the backdrop. Enjoy the interactive Illusion Dome display that detects human motion, projecting the reflections across its walls, changing colours or animating your movements.

Tokyo Sky Tree needs no further introduction. Standing at 634 metres (2080 feet) tall, it is the tallest tower in the world upon completion in March 2011. This iconic broadcasting, restaurant and observation tower can be viewed from Asakusa, the old town of Tokyo. Feel the stark contrast of a traditional district against the modern state-of-the-art architecture as you explore the nostalgic area. This unique fusion of old-meets-new is especially spellbinding from 10 November all the way till Christmas when the Tokyo Sky Tree Town Dream Christmas 2016 is held.

Every evening from 4.30pm to 8pm, the Tokyo Sky Tree will be illuminated for the festive season. A German-influenced Christmas Market at the Solamachi Complex will offer visitors with traditional Christmas confections such as stollen, waffle and chocolate fudge. At the Sumida Aquarium housed on the 5th and 6th floor of Tokyo Sky Town, there is an exquisite Blue Night Aquarium to check out marine creatures such as jellyfish and penguins at night. Open only in the evenings, it is an interesting “cradle of water that nurtures life” with changes to the aquarium lights to create the lovely night effect. The list of fun attractions in this area is so long, you will keep coming back for more!

You don’t need to fly to Europe to immerse yourself in the romantic Christmas ambience. At the Hibiya Park Fountain Square, relish in the German-style Christmas market atmosphere with about 30 stalls selling European gourmet and Christmas ornaments. Besides, you can also participate in interesting DIY workshops such as making candles and snow dome. There is also a musical band all the way from Germany that will be performing daily at the square and delight you with Christmas carols. Most importantly, feel the warmth and charm of the German Christmas tree standing tall at 14 metres (46 feet) right in the park!

Every year around mid-November, the Caretta Shiodome will be crowded with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the captivating light show. In fact, it has proven to be such a hit with both the locals and tourists since it started in 2005 that the Shiodome Caretta Illumination is known as one of the best winter illuminations in Tokyo. This year, the theme is Canyon d'Azur, featuring eight pillars of light that can be activated with the ring of a bell. Witness the plaza transform into a glittery rainbow-coloured building with the six-minute light show. Best part of this winter illumination is, it lasts all the way till Valentine’s Day. Enjoy the prolonged holiday mood!