I'm not quite sure when the whole Christmas lights thing came into vogue on Tokyo. I don't recall it being quite so big thirty years ago when I first came to Japan. I think Disneyland might have had something to do with it somewhere along the line...
What it means today though, is that one can plan to go just about anywhere, and there will be trees and streets lit up in all sorts of ways.
This afternoon, I went along to the illumination at Marunouchi, outside Tokyo Station and really at the heart of business Tokyo.
I arrived a bit early and had to wander around a bit waiting for the 5.30pm light-up but managed to pass the time with a delish hot chocolate, which seemed appropriate.
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| A hint of moon rising over Tokyo Station |
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| Looking towards the Imperial Palace end of Marunouchi |
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| One of the many examples of public art along the street |
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| Moon again, Tokyo Station, again |
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| Old, new, passing time |
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| Waiting for the little lights |
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| And they're on |
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| Through the sculpture |
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| Down the avenue |
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| Little lights working hard |
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| Branching out |
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| Illuminated |
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| And people used the lights as a backdrop for wedding photos...brave |
The lights came on exactly at 5.30pm and lots of people were there to take in the spectacle. Yes, it was cold, yes, it was windy but, with a hot chocolate in hand, anything is possible. There'll be a bit more of this between now and the end of the year.
Even some more lights...
[Camera : Canon EOS 60D, 28-80mm, 4.41pm-4.49pm, 5.31pm-5.48pm; 11 December 2016]
