Great Winter Dating Spot! How to Enjoy Tokyo Mega Illumi

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP
Head Editor : TOKYO MEGA ILLUMI

Nothing is more exciting for a winter date than seeing illuminations!
Of all the many illumination spots in Tokyo, the Oi Racecourse, which presents Tokyo Mega Illumi is the hottest, ranked 1st for three years in a row (2020, 2021 and 2022) in the Walkerplus+ “Japan Top Illuminations Ranking.”
If you haven’t gone to see it yet, here is our guide on Tokyo Mega Illumi and recommended dating spots in the neighborhood. Plan your dates surrounding Tokyo Mega Illumi and enjoy your winter outing!

Table of contents

What Is Tokyo Mega Illumi?

The Oi Racecourse in Shinagawa holds a winter illumination event, Tokyo Mega Illumi, 2023-2024 Oi Racecourse Illuminations, while a horse race is not scheduled. The 2023-2024 Season is scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023 - Monday (holiday), January 8, 2024.
Its popularity is evident in the top ranking for three years in a row (2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023) in the Walkerplus+ “Japan Top Illuminations Ranking”, and first time selection as 1st for ”Best Ever Visited Illuminations in Japan (2022-2023)”.

Tokyo Mega Illumi’s biggest appeal is:
● Grand illumination covering the vast space made possible by horse race track
● Daily horse events
Yes, it is the combination of illumination and horses.

Tokyo Mega Illumi, the go-to spot for illuminations that pack all the unique delights only found at a horse racetrack!
Tokyo Mega Illumi, the go-to spot for illuminations that pack all the unique delights only found at a horse racetrack!

How to Get There

The Oi Racecourse which hosts Tokyo Mega Illumi is conveniently located, close to the heart of Tokyo and Haneda Airport!
From Haneda Airport, Tokyo Monorail will take you directly to the closest station “Oi Keibajo-mae,” then, it is just a 2-minute walk from the station! There is a huge parking lot. Not only by train, but it is also easy to get there by car.
For detailed directions, please refer to the official website.

To get to Tokyo Mega Illumi, Tokyo Monorail is the best way!

You are with your date, and you want to enjoy every minute, even during the transportation right? Then, Tokyo Monorail is recommended. Unlike regular trains, It runs on the higher rails where you, two, can enjoy the immense cityscape from the windows.

Kiki & Lala decorates the Wrapped Monorail inside and out with seasonal views

Tokyo Monorail collaborates with Kiki & Lala of Little Twin Stars - Sunrio’s popular characters - and runs their wrapped monorails. One of the two trains, Twinkle Tour Train, has four seasons as its theme. Each of their cars is decorated with Kiki & Lala having fun in spring, summer, fall and winter. As you look around each car, you may forget time! Do not get too involved with cute Kiki & Lala and forget to get off at the Oi Keibajo-mae Station. *Only regular train (which stops at every station) stops there.
For details of Tokyo Monorail’s schedule, see below:

Interior (Spring): Front Car, Summer: 2nd Car, Fall: 5th Car, Winter: 6th Car.
🄫2023 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L644458 Interior (Spring): Front Car, Summer: 2nd Car, Fall: 5th Car, Winter: 6th Car.

Entrance Fees and Open Days for Tokyo Mega Illumination

Entrance fees to the ever-popular Tokyo Mega Illumi event vary per season. Please see the chart below for details.

Entrance Fees

Below fares are for date-specified advanced tickets and same day window sales.

Entrance Fees
Entrance Fees

Date Availability for Different Rates

A Rates
11/20~11/22, 11/24, 11/27~12/1, 12/11~12/15, 12/18~12/21
B Rates
11/11~11/12, 11/18~11/19, 11/23, 11/25~11/26, 12/2~12/3, 12/9~12/10, 1/4~1/5
C Rates
12/16~12/17, 12/22, 1/2~1/3, 1/6~1/8
D Rates
12/23~12/25

Open Days

Open Days and Closures are indicated in the calendar below.
Open hours are from 4:30pm to 9:00pm. Last entry is 8:00pm. Please plan for plenty of extra time.

Open Days Calendar (2023-2024)
Open Days Calendar (2023-2024)

There are advance tickets, set tickets, etc. to save money at Tokyo Mega illumi. Check their website:

5 Must-Sees for a Couple

With the advantage of the vast Oi Racecourse’s vast grounds, Tokyo Mega illumi has so many illuminations, food joints and events that it may be hard to decide where to go first. Of the many attractions, if you are with a date, visit these spots and you are sure to have the biggest fun! Savor the fantastic ambience and astounding illumination to create a romantic winter memory.

1, Mega Illumi Show to take you to a fantacy world with a dazzling fountain

You must not miss the Mega Illumi Show which comes on every 20 minutes! The 2023-2024 performance features a whole new line-up of songs, meaning there’s plenty new to love, even if it’s not your first time.
A Rainbow Fountain Bathed in Light, Aurora Forest, and Giant Tree Playing with the Light are the three main programs in the Mega Illumi Show. When you visit here, go watch them first of all!

The breathtaking performance of vibrant “light x water x music!” A Rainbow Fountain Bathed in Light

“A Rainbow Fountain Bathed in Light” changes themes every 20 minutes. A dynamic fountain show with astonishing light and water effects. Exhilarating music and laser performance are a treat for the night.

The combo of a fountain and laser, “A Rainbow Fountain Bathed in Light”
The combo of a fountain and laser, “A Rainbow Fountain Bathed in Light”

We can see Aurora in Japan? The Aurora Forest

The latest laser technology puts up a mystical aurora above your heads in the Aurora Forest. Watch aurora together and the two of you will be steeped in a romantic ambience.

The latest laser technology creates the “Aurora Forest”
The latest laser technology creates the “Aurora Forest”

Experience the curious world of great trees and light! “Giant Tree Playing with the Light”

“Giant Tree Playing with the Light” offers you a whimsical and incredible experience with a huge tree and the dancing light on it.

Whimsical and curious space created at the “Giant Tree Playing with the Light”
Whimsical and curious space created at the “Giant Tree Playing with the Light”

2. Meet the horses in a fantastic arena! The Horse Event

You can enjoy illuminations plus horses only at Tokyo Mega Illumi! The Horse Event lets you take photos with miniature horses and ponies dressed in illumination.

Take a shot with an adorable miniature horse dressed in a lighted robe
Take a shot with an adorable miniature horse dressed in a lighted robe

3. The excitement knows no end! An array of expressions with illumination

The light tunnel “Edo Cherry Blossom Tunnel” is a 100m stretch of cherry-blossom-shaped light bulbs along with lovely music. The dreamy presentation “A Dazzling Waterfall” describes the source of a river and mother nature’s story. At the “Wisteria Pergola,” purple artistic flowers hang like a sparkling waterfall. Tokyo Mega Illumi is full of spots with diverse presentations.

“Edo Cherry Blossom Tunnel,” a fancy 100m-long stretch of cherry-blossom-shaped light bulbs
“Edo Cherry Blossom Tunnel,” a fancy 100m-long stretch of cherry-blossom-shaped light bulbs
“A Dazzling Waterfall” describes mother nature’s story with lights
“A Dazzling Waterfall” describes mother nature’s story with lights
Countless flowers bloom in this majestic space. Great for picture-taking
Countless flowers bloom in this majestic space. Great for picture-taking

“What will we see next?” You cannot help but get excited!

4. You can walk & eat or take a break! Plenty of food joints

Not only illumination and horse events, but Tokyo Mega Illumi also provides plenty of eateries! Look at illuminations while eating “Horseshoe Churros.”

“Horseshoe Churros” in the shape fit for the horse race arena
“Horseshoe Churros” in the shape fit for the horse race arena

Warm up yourself by eating “Motsu Nikomi,” talked about among horse race fans, or “Oshiruko,” the Japanese sweet bean soup.

“Motsu Nikomi,” perfect for a cold night
“Motsu Nikomi,” perfect for a cold night
2023-2024 All-New Drink: Hot Chocolate. Warm up from the inside out.
2023-2024 All-New Drink: Hot Chocolate. Warm up from the inside out.

A lot of gourmet food which will fill your stomach and heart!
When you get tired of walking or get chilled, stop by at the eateries on the grounds!

5. Only at Tokyo Mega Illumi! Original horse goods

Tokyo Mega Illumi offers a number of original horse goods! Stuffed miniature horses, the popular glowing keychains, and many more. If you are a horse lover, you will be delighted with the variety. Would you like to get matching goods for the two of you?

Adorable stuffed miniature horses with chains
Adorable stuffed miniature horses with chains
Tokyo Mega Illumi’s popular original goods! Horseshoe / horse-shaped glowing keychains
Tokyo Mega Illumi’s popular original goods! Horseshoe / horse-shaped glowing keychains

Great Dating Spots in the Vicinity

Around Tokyo Mega Illumi, there are lots of charming dating spots along Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport. During the hours until the illumination gets turned on, use Tokyo Monorail and visit fascinating places together!

1. Shinagawa Aquarium

Under the theme of “Interaction with the Sea and Rivers,” the Shinagawa Aquarium has 450 species of different creatures waiting for you to see. You can watch the performance show by dolphins and seals up close which is so much fun.
There are also set tickets that offer a discount on admission to both Tokyo Mega Illumi and Shinagawa Aquarium, so those who wish to enjoy both may consider purchasing a set ticket.

See as creatures seem to just float by from the underwater tunnel.
See as creatures seem to just float by from the underwater tunnel.
Watch the dolphins show up close
Watch the dolphins show up close

2. Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower has the observation deck with a sweeping view over the metropolis of Tokyo, beloved by dating couples. Take to the main deck 150 meters in the sky for full, 360-degree panoramic views out over central Tokyo.
Don’t forget to check the Sky Walk Window, a glass section of the floor where you can peer out at the earth below your toes!
Lose yourself in the exhilarating thrills that are anything but ordinary.


Like Shinagawa Aquarium, Tokyo Tower has the discount set ticket combined with Tokyo Mega Illumi. If you would like to enjoy both, consider the set ticket for Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Mega Illumi.

The imposing 333m-tall Tokyo Tower
The imposing 333m-tall Tokyo Tower
Tokyo’s cityscape from Tokyo Tower
Tokyo’s cityscape from Tokyo Tower

3. Tennozu Isle

The man-made island, Tennozu Isle, floats in Shinagawa District’s waterfront area with facilities for art, food and culture clustering. Meander on the boardwalk near the waterfront and enjoy the art dotting the town. The sperb view of the metropolis and the ocean is one of Tennozu Isle’s appeals.

The entire Tennozu Isle viewed from the Tennozu Canal
The entire Tennozu Isle viewed from the Tennozu Canal
Artwork dots the island. The mural on Sanshin Warehouse’s wall is dynamic
Artwork dots the island. The mural on Sanshin Warehouse’s wall is dynamic

Summary

We have shared the appeals of Tokyo Mega Illumi, ranked top at the Nationwide Illumination Ranking as well as dating spots along Tokyo Monorail. What did you think?
Tokyo Mega Illumi has not only illuminations and horse events but also Sanrio’s popular character show and other events. If you are interested, check the official website.
If you are planning a trip to Tokyo with your date, how about putting the Tokyo Mega illumi at the center and visiting the surrounding dating spots?