Winter in Yokohama shows a completely different face from daytime. In this season of clear air, the illuminations lighting up the city shine like jewels, warmly embracing the hearts of those who see them.
The futuristic buildings of Minato Mirai, the historic Red Brick Warehouse, and the quiet Ōsanbashi Pier overlooking the sea. Each place is decorated with lighting that highlights its characteristics, inviting visitors into a fantastic world.
This article introduces the charm of Yokohama’s illuminations in an easy-to-understand way and delivers information to enrich your winter nights. For those visiting Japan, winter in Yokohama will surely become an unforgettable highlight of the trip.
*The photos in the article are images or from past events.
1. What Are Yokohama’s Illuminations
Yokohama has long maintained an international atmosphere as a port city adjacent to Tokyo. Its open and stylish cityscape becomes even more attractive with illuminations in winter.
From mid-November to the end of December, or early January, illumination events are held in multiple areas of the city. Yokohama City teams up with local businesses, commercial facilities, and tourism organizations to create productions that make the most of each area's individual character.
Illuminations employ cutting-edge projection mapping and LED effects, creating artistic spaces that go beyond mere "light decorations." As night falls, tourist spots are enveloped in fantastic light, providing an impression that photos alone cannot capture.
2. Characteristics of Yokohama’s Illuminations
What makes Yokohama’s illuminations special is that they are not just about decorating with light. The design leverages the terrain of the port town and architecture so visitors can experience a story of light throughout the entire space.
Firstly, the harmony with the sea is beautiful. The lights of the illuminations reflected on the night sea surface gently sway, creating a fantastic landscape. Walking along the shore in the sea breeze at night feels like being in a different world.
Also unique to Yokohama is the fusion of history and modernity. For example, when warm light illuminates Meiji-era architecture like the Red Brick Warehouse, it creates a distinctive atmosphere where nostalgia and futuristic feelings coexist.
Furthermore, the illuminations are designed not only to be viewed but also to be "experienced." There are many interactive effects where sound and light are synchronized as you walk, and areas designed as photo spots, allowing visitors to enjoy actively.
3. Yokohama Illumination Spots
・Yokohama Port Ōsanbashi International Passenger Terminal & Yamashita Park (YORUNOYO)
Access: About a 7-minute walk from Minatomirai Line "Nihon-ōdōri Station"
Event Period: December 4, 2025 (Thursday) to December 30, 2025 (Tuesday)
Features: The entire city becomes a "corridor of light" with the event "YORUNOYO" featuring projection mapping and interactive art. In 2024, a dynamic light show will be combined with music and sea views, creating an extraordinary space.
From the Ōsanbashi deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of Yokohama Bay Bridge and the Minato Mirai nightscape. This place, wrapped in light and touched by the sea breeze, offers a special moment even on winter nights.
・Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (Christmas Market)
Access: 15-minute walk from JR "Sakuragicho Station" or "Kannai Station" / 6-minute walk from Minatomirai Line "Bashamichi Station"
Event Period: November 21, 2025 (Friday) to December 25, 2025 (Thursday)
Features: An event modeled after authentic German Christmas Markets. Wooden booths, hot wine, Christmas goods, sweets, and a gigantic tree about 10 meters tall are set up in the center.
The illuminated Red Brick buildings and illuminations from dusk to night create scenes you can’t help but capture on camera. It is especially lively on weekends, giving a bustling European winter atmosphere.
・Dockyard Garden (YORUNOYO)
Access: 5-minute walk from JR "Sakuragicho Station" / Directly connected to Minatomirai Line "Minatomirai Station"
Event Period: December 4, 2025 (Thursday) to December 30, 2025 (Tuesday)
Features: The former shipbuilding dock space is revived with illuminations and projection mapping. The grand video and music show projected on the rocky walls offers an immersive experience like no other.
Since the show is screened multiple times during the event, it is worth timing your visit. There are many dining options nearby, making it easy to stop by before or after the show.
・From Yokohama Station East Exit to Grand Mall Park (Yokohama Milight)
Access: A 5–15 minute walk from various lines at "Yokohama Station," or a 5-minute walk from Minatomirai Line "Minatomirai Station"
Event Period: November 6, 2025 (Thursday) to February 8, 2026 (Sunday)
Features: About 1.5 km of light promenade. Illuminations in blue and white tones create a sophisticated urban atmosphere.
This area is relatively spacious to walk, making it popular among couples and families. There are sometimes music events and photo contests, making it ideal to visit after daytime shopping.
4. Tips for Enjoying the Illuminations
Illuminations are nighttime events, but there are some tips for enjoying them.
First, make sure to prepare well against the cold. Winter in Yokohama is windy and cold, and the temperature feels even lower near the sea. Wearing gloves and scarves and carrying warm drinks will help you enjoy comfortably.
Next, visiting on weekdays or late hours lets you avoid crowds and enjoy at a relaxed pace. Especially at popular spots, the busiest times are between 6 and 8 pm on weekends, so avoiding these makes a big difference.
Also, deciding in advance which areas to visit will help make your experience efficient. Since multiple spots are concentrated within walking distance, planning your route avoids wasteful movements.
Furthermore, if you want to enjoy photography, check whether tripods are allowed. In many areas, their use is restricted to avoid congestion.
5. Nearby Gourmet
After enjoying the illuminations thoroughly, you will want to indulge in Yokohama's unique gourmet experiences. This city offers a very rich variety of Chinese cuisine, Western food, seafood, and sweets.
In the Chinatown area, you can casually taste authentic dim sum and Peking duck. Walking around and eating at food stalls with the illuminated Kanteibyo (Chinese temple) as the backdrop is also a recommended way to enjoy.
Around Minato Mirai, there are numerous restaurants and cafes where you can dine while looking out over the sea. Eating with night views deepens your travel memories even more.
There are also many shops offering winter-limited hot sweets and drinks that will heal your tired body from walking. Stopping by during your stroll lets you enjoy a delicious break.
In Conclusion
Winter in Yokohama is a special place where light art and the city's character harmonize. The illuminations of this city, where the sea and architecture, history and modernity intersect, provide not only beauty but also a warm experience for visitors.
The illumination experience brings emotions you can only feel when standing there. Seeking the atmosphere and moments that warmly touch your heart, which cannot be fully conveyed in photos or videos, we encourage you to visit Yokohama in winter.
Amid the night’s quiet and shimmering light, gentle memories will surely light up within your heart.
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