Hagoita Market in Asakusa
Toshi no ichi Hagoita (歳の市羽子板), or literally "Snowshoe Market," is a festival market held at Tokyo's most impressive temple: Asakusa. It takes place annually just before the start of winter and Christmas. This year, it will be held from December 17th to 19th, 2022. The market's origins date back to the Edo period (1603-1868), but it has evolved considerably since its early years.
The name of this market, Hagoita (羽子板), can be translated as "badminton racket," but in an older sense, different from the image one might have of a racket. Made of wood and rectangular in shape, these rackets are used for decorative purposes, but also as good luck charms for the whole family. These Engi-mono (縁起物), or lucky charms, are sold at about ten stalls near the entrance to Senso-ji Temple. The designs on the rackets can vary, but traditionally they depict a woman in a kimono or actors from Kabuki, the famous Japanese theater.
Will you be tempted by a racket?
Location: Asakusa, Senso-Ji temple
Marunouchi 丸の内
Located between the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, Marunouchi is the central district of the Japanese capital. From late November to mid-February, over 1.2 million lights are arranged to offer you an extraordinary and enchanting spectacle. Exiting through the central exit of the station, head west towards the palace. You will come across a 1.2-kilometer avenue called Naka-Dori, which is filled with illuminations and other surprises.
You will also find an 8-meter-tall Christmas tree inspired by clocks in the Marunouchi Building.
Location: Manunouchi, Naka-Dori
Roppongi Hills 六本木ヒルズ
When we think of illuminations in Tokyo, we immediately think of the business district near Tokyo Station that we discussed earlier, but also of the illuminations of Roppongi Hills and its famous avenue with Tokyo Tower in the background.
Once at Roppongi station, take the stairs towards the Mori Tower and you will reach the Christmas market. Modeled after German Christmas markets, you will discover a selection of beers, sausages and pretzels, as well as other familiar market treats.
It's up to you to find them!
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Location: Roppongi Hills, Mori Tower
Shibuya Blue Grotto 渋谷、青の洞窟
Behind this name lies a pedestrian avenue nearly 800 meters long, adorned with over 600,000 blue lights. These illuminations may be surprising at first, but the spectacle is undeniable. Between the darkness of night and the blue light effects, you'll truly feel as if you're in a cave, dozens of meters underground.
Location: Koen-Dori, towards Yoyogi Park
Meguro and its river 目黒川
目黒川、みんなのイルミネーション or everyone's illuminations.
The Meguro River is a very popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring. For those in a hurry and unable to wait until late March, the unique pink of the sakura can also be enjoyed in winter. The Meguro River's winter illumination takes place every year from early November to early January. Over 350,000 pink lights are strung along both banks of the river. The illuminations stretch for nearly 2.2 km between Gotanda and Osaki stations.
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Flea markets: Akasaka Antique Market
Cherry blossoms in Tokyo
