A new initiative, the Tokyo Nighttime Project, has been launched in the Nishi-Shinjuku district of Tokyo, designed to boost night tourism and bring a vibrant atmosphere to the area. The project, which officially began on November 28, 2024, focuses on combining traditional and modern aspects of the district with light displays, food stalls, and a range of cultural activities aimed at both locals and tourists.
The project’s centerpiece is the Nishi-Shinjuku Illumination Market, a stunning display of over 200,000 champagne gold LED lights that stretch along the famous Chuo-dori Avenue, running up to 200 meters near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The illumination creates a spectacular and festive atmosphere for visitors to enjoy during the winter months.
At the lighting ceremony, Olympic judokas Hifumi Abe and Uta Abe were invited as special guests to trigger the official switch-on of the lights. The two athletes pressed the button in a countdown ceremony, marking the beginning of what is set to be a major winter attraction for the city.
The Tokyo Nighttime Project is supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and organised by the Tokyo Nighttime Project Executive Committee. It will run through to January 13, 2025, with various activities taking place in the evenings to encourage more visitors to explore Tokyo’s nightlife and culture.
Traditional Meets Modern
Beyond the glittering lights, the Nishi-Shinjuku Illumination Market features food trucks and markets that offer goods and delicacies inspired by Edo culture, connecting Tokyo’s rich history with its contemporary urban setting. Visitors will be able to sample a variety of street foods and explore artisan stalls that reflect the traditions of Tokyo, adding a unique cultural dimension to the nighttime experience.
The Tokyo Nighttime Project also introduces a New Year’s Eve Countdown event, titled “Happy New Year Tokyo 2025”, to ring in the new year. Scheduled for December 31, this event is designed to unite both locals and international visitors in celebration. The event will feature an exciting mix of projection mapping, live performances from traditional Japanese drummers and DJs, as well as talk shows by celebrity guests. One of the highlights of the celebration will be the digital ema – a projection of New Year’s wishes from participants on votive picture tablets, an iconic symbol of Tokyo’s rich cultural heritage.
This event aims to showcase Tokyo’s ability to blend the old with the new, offering both a traditional and innovative experience to ring in the new year. It provides a rare opportunity for visitors to experience Tokyo’s unique fusion of culture, technology, and celebration, all in one vibrant setting.
The Tokyo Nighttime Project has been designed to make Nishi-Shinjuku a hub for evening entertainment and cultural exploration, encouraging tourists to visit the area year-round. With the city increasingly focusing on night-time tourism, the project looks set to become a key part of Tokyo’s winter event calendar.
For more details on both the Nishi-Shinjuku Illumination Market and the New Year’s Eve Countdown event, visit the official Tokyo Nighttime Project website: tokyo-nighttime-project.jp.
