Christmas Colors: 5 Popular Winter Yokohama Illumination in the Minato Mirai District (2023)

1. Yokohama Miraito: A Colorful 1.5 Kilometer Stretch of Illumination

The traditional illumination event that lights up the approximately 1.5-kilometer route from Yokohama Station East Exit is held again this year. Stretching from the Yokohama Station East Exit to Grand Mall Park, various areas of Yokohama Minato Mirai will be enveloped in the brilliant light of about 350,000 predominantly blue LED bulbs.

In addition, the electricity used for the illumination lighting is completely generated from natural energy sources such as solar and wind power.

・Event Period: November 9, 2023 to February 11, 2024
・Admission: Free
・Hours: 4 PM – 11 PM (*On December 9 and 16, lighting will be extended at Grand Mall Park only)
・Closed Open daily

2. ANIMATION FILM TREE: Hosting “Tom and Jerry” and Other Fun Looney Tunes Themes!

Adjacent to Yokohama Sogo near the east exit of Yokohama Station, the 10th floor atrium of the Sky Building will feature the ANIMATION FILM TREE, inspired by Tom and Jerry and Looney Tunes.

This event is a part of the Christmas exclusive event “YOKOHAMA MINATOMIRAI CHRISTMAS 2023 Warner Bros. 100th ANNIVERSARY ~Power of Story~,” a collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment, held simultaneously at locations such as the Yokohama Landmark Tower. Make sure to also visit other sites like the Yokohama Landmark Tower and MARK IS Minatomirai.

・Event Period: November 7, 2023, to December 25, 2023
・Admission: Free
・Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM (*According to each floor’s business hours)
・Closed Irregular closing days

3. YOKOHAMA MINATOMIRAI CHRISTMAS 2023 – Warner Brothers 100th ANNIVERSARY Power of Story Collaboration

A Christmas exclusive collaboration project celebrating Warner Brothers’ 100th anniversary. In addition to the Yokohama Landmark Tower, the event will also be held at Landmark Plaza, the 69th-floor observatory ‘Sky Garden,’ MARK IS Minatomirai, and the Sky Building.

At Sakata’s Tane Garden Square on the first floor of Landmark Plaza, the main tree, “IMAGINATION FILM TREE,” will be displayed. At the 69th-floor observatory ‘Sky Garden,’ there will be a special exhibition where visitors can meet various DC superheroes with ‘BATMAN’ as the main theme and delve into the history of Warner Brothers.

・Event Period: November 7, 2023, to December 25, 2023
・Admission: Free
・Hours: Tree lighting from 7 AM to Midnight
・Closed Irregular closing days

4. YOKOHAMA CROSS NIGHT ILLUMINATION: Where beautiful light fills the city

The Shinko Square area in Minato Mirai will host a spectacular illumination event called “The Illuminated Yokohama at Night “. The event will feature an urban-style illumination that will light up the area at night. Last year, visitors were delighted by a glamorous illumination at the Shinko Central Square. The event featured light domes, including a 20-meter and 10-meter diameter “CROSS DOME”, that added to the beauty of the event.

“PORTAL”

This year, the event is held under the theme of “Circulation, Encounter, and Blending,” and at Shinko Central Square, a projection mapping display will unfold. The entire city will come to life with an illumination show that syncs with light and music, performed every 30 minutes.

・Event Period: November 27, 2023, to January 4, 2024
・Admission: Free
・Hours: 5 PM – 9:05 PM
・Closed Open daily

5. Pacifico Yokohama Winter Illuminations 2023: Beautiful light competition with Yokohama Harbor as a backdrop!

(Photo from a past event is shown)

The Pacifico Yokohama Winter Illumination is an annual event that takes place from early November to late February. The illumination is held at three main locations: the entrance of Pacifico Yokohama, also known as Queen Mall Bridge, Pukarisanbashi Pier, and the symbol tower on the pedestrian deck of Plaza’s second floor, Plaza Glass Tower.

・Event Period: Typically from early November to late February
・Admission: Free
・Hours: 5 PM – Midnight
・Closed Open daily (*subject to change)

* This article was originally published in November 2022 and updated in October 2023. Please note that dates, times, and content are subject to change or cancellation depending on circumstances. For the latest information, please check the official websites before your visit.
* The photos are for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual event.

Written by:

Mae Kakizaki

Active as a freelance writer and editor since 2019. Utilizing her background as a monthly magazine and portal site editor, she currently contributes walk-around-town articles to websites.