TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI: Oi Racecourse Illumination Event in Tokyo

Planning a winter trip to Japan means getting to see cities across the country adorned with twinkling lights, bejeweled with “illumination” events that reflect Japan’s love of holiday lights. And for those planning a trip to the big city, one of Tokyo’s most famous illumination events is TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI, or Tokyo Mega Illumination. This breathtaking outdoor light spectacle has been voted the “No.1 Illumination Event Japanese People Want to Visit” for five consecutive years since 2020.
This top Tokyo event takes place annually at the Oi Racecourse, which is easily accessible from central Tokyo, or even Haneda Airport.

Tokyo’s Top Illumination Event: Transforming a Racetrack into a World of Light

Oi Racecourse, also known as Tokyo City Keiba, was the first horse racecourse in Japan to host night races that combined racing horses and sparkling lights, dubbed the “Twinkle Race.” Starting in 2018, the venue began organizing a dedicated winter illumination event on days with no races, transfiguring the vast racecourse grounds into the dazzling fantasy land of lights and colors that we now call TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI. This spectacular event has transformed Oi Racecourse, and these day’s its not only a destination for horse racing fans, but also an enchanting annual attraction for people of all ages.

TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI: Oi Racecourse Illumination (Tokyo Mega Illumination / 東京メガイルミネーション)
2-1 Katsushima, Shinagawa City, Tokyo
Event Dates: November 1, 2025 – January 11, 2026 | closed Nov. 10~14, Dec. 1~5, Dec. 24 ~ Jan. 1
Hours: 16:30 PM – 21:00 (final entry 20:00)
Directions: Take the Tokyo Monorail to Oi Keibajo-mae Station, about 2 minutes away on foot. Or, take the Keikyu Line to Tachiaigawa Station, about 12 minutes away on foot.
Official Website (en)

TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI Highlights

Every year over 260,000 m² (64 acres) of the Oi Racecourse grounds are transformed into a luminous wonderland, illuminated by more than 8 million LED lights. The venue is divided into two main zones: the Twinkle Area and the Radiant Japan Area, connected by the Twinkle Tunnel East. There’s a lot of ground to cover, but you’ll want to have your camera ready to go – you won’t want to miss any of these amazing areas.

See the Northern Lights in Tokyo

Start your journey in the Twinkle Area’s mysterious Aurora Forest, where multicolored laser lights are projected into the air above your head to recreate the mesmerizing beauty of the Northern Lights. It’s so otherworldly, you might find yourself thinking you’ve teleported straight from Tokyo to the arctic!

The centerpiece of this part of the illumination is the “Giant Tree” or “Mega Tree,” with its radiant canopy letting out a brilliant glow. Underneath the branches is a fairytale carriage, one of the event’s most popular photo spots. Every 20 minutes, a grand light and sound show begins, and the lights come alive as the music swells, adding to the magical picture-book atmosphere.

Enjoy the Traditional Japanese Vibes

Perhaps one of the reasons why local Japanese residents appreciate TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI is the event’s capable expression of traditional Japanese aesthetics through the medium of light. After passing through the tunnel from the Twinkle Area, visitors arrive at the Radiant Japan Area, an illumination zone inspired by Japanese tradition and natural beauty! One of the main highlights here is the “Primeval Japanese Landscape,” where visitors are immersed in a serene, nostalgic scene reminiscent of the Japanese countryside. In among the rice paddies, slowly shifting lights change color in time with the music, recreating the treasured Japanese experience of watching the seasons go by.

Nearby, the Wisteria Pergola glows with cascading purple wisteria blossoms and violet lights, creating a dreamy, romantic scene that feels straight out of a Japanese anime.

Stroll Through the Edo Sakura Tunnel

Nearby lies another highlight, the Edo Sakura Tunnel, a tunnel of brilliant lights stretching over 100 meters long. From afar the lights look like tiny glowing dots, but up close, you’ll see that each bulb is shaped like an adorable little cherry blossom flower. Walking through the tunnel feels like strolling under the blooming cherry blossom trees in spring, a magical experience brought to life in winter – and one of the event’s most popular spots.

Meet Tokyo’s Horses

What makes TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI so special? The event is unique in bringing together the “world of horses” and “world of lights,” creating an experience you won’t find anywhere else. You can really appreciate this illumination’s unique backstory when you notice highlights like the “Miniature Horse & Pony Event,” a regular event in the G-FRONT Zone where visitors can meet some of the facility’s tiny miniature horses and ponies. Guests are welcome to gently pet and take photos with these adorable animals – an experience guaranteed to delight both children and adults alike.

If you can’t get enough of the horses, be sure to join in on the “Horse Watch,” when visitors are allowed to visit the horse paddock and see some of the animals doing their thing in their pasture.The miniature horses and ponies run around, nap, or graze as they please, and sometimes you’ll even catch them getting pampered by grooming staff. It’s a rare chance to spend a peaceful moment with real, live horses in the middle of Tokyo.

After meeting the sweet little ponies, don’t miss the Lead Horse Fountain Show*, an impressive performance featuring the racetrack’s lead horses, who gracefully parade alongside a rainbow-colored fountain show set to music. The lights combine with the movement of the horses and the flow of the water to create a beautifully synchronized spectacle that captivates audiences of all ages.

^{*The Lead Horse Fountain Show is held only on weekends, national holidays, and January 2.
*Showtimes: 17:20 / 18:20 (Schedule may vary depending on weather conditions or the horses’ health.)
*Photography is allowed, but please keep a safe distance from the horses for your safety and theirs.}

Family Fun & Kid-Friendly Attractions

In addition to the many flashy light displays that illuminate the racecourse grounds, TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI also offers a variety of fun zones perfect for family playtime! Kids can run and explore in a world filled with colorful lights and music, keeping warm and cozy even in the chilly Tokyo weather – it’s a fun and cozy atmosphere for the whole family!

One of the most popular areas among young visitors is the Color Shadow zone, where simply moving your body in front of a the wall of shifting lights lets you cast colorful shadows that dance and change hues. Kids make shadow puppets big and small, cute and scary, or play with each other’s silhouettes, going in for a shadow-hug or working together to create one big heart. It’s a playful space where kids’ imaginations can run wild!

Another family-favorite spot is the Moving Light zone, located in the open area in front of the racetrack. Here, multi-colored lights move dynamically across the ground, inviting kids to dash across the plaza and chase the lights to their hearts’ content. (Of course, adults who want to join in the fun are welcome to run around too!)

Snacks & Sparkling Souvenirs to Make Kids’ Eyes Glitter

It’s easy to lose track of time and spend all night enjoying the illumination’s many different areas, but it’s important to take breaks, and even refuel when you need it! There are a few different places to grab a bite to eat on the racecourse grounds, with restaurants and food trucks offering a variety of different Japanese and Western dishes, as well as light snacks. Since you’re at the racetrack, you’ll definitely want to try the adorable horseshoe-shaped churros, and you can order a glowing drink to match the glittering atmosphere.

MEGA ILLUMI Kira Kira 3-Tier Tin / Miniature Horse Aurora Pouch / Light-Up Keychain, Light-Up Candy, Chocolate-Filled Cookies

Before heading home, stop by the souvenir zones located in G-FRONT and L-WING to shop the selection of cute horse-themed items and glittering souvenirs. Highlights include light-up lollipops, chocolate-filled cookies, sparkling keychains, and stylish plastic pouches decorated with little aurora ponies! This year’s most popular new addition is the three-tier sweets tin, a shiny collectible filled with treats – when all the contents are gone, you can keep using the tin as a memento of your time in Tokyo!

Photo Tip: If you do your shopping when you first arrive, the sparkling light-up treats are great props for all your pictures!

Tips for Enjoying Your Tokyo Illumination Experience

To make your night of lights even more memorable, the Japankuru team has put together a few simple tips to help you enjoy TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI to the fullest!

First, start by checking the event calendar in advance! There are certain days when the illumination is closed, and certain days with special events, so a little extra planning will help make sure your visit is a success. You can even check that day’s schedule, which includes fountain show times and more, to make sure you don’t miss anything during your visit!

Once you’ve decided when to visit, you’ll want to buy tickets in advance to snag the best deal. While same-day tickets are available at the racecourse, advance tickets are often discounted, and they can be more convenient too.

If you run cold, remember to dress warmly! This event takes place outdoors during the coldest months of the year, so checking the weather and wearing the right jacket is key to staying comfortable. Don’t let the winter weather distract you from the dazzling lights!

Before You Visit TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI…

✅ Check the TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI calendar.
✅ Plan around showtimes.
✅ Purchase tickets early for special discounts.
✅ Dress warmly!

Add This Tokyo Winter Tradition to Your Trip to Japan!

Whether you’re traveling with family, a partner, or friends, TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI is one of those Tokyo experiences truly worth adding to your trip. The twinkling lights and sweet miniature horses bring an enchanting warmth to Japan’s coldest nights, making this event one loved by locals and traveling visitors alike. If you’re still wondering what makes Japan’s most popular illumination event so special, now’s the time to find out – snag a ticket and come see the wonder of Tokyo Mega Illumination with your own eyes!

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