For lovers of magical winter lights, the Shibuya Blue Cave is a must-see Tokyo winter illumination event. Formerly held in Nakameguro, this dazzling spectacle moved to Shibuya in 2016 and has since become one of the city’s most popular attractions, drawing millions of visitors. I went in 2022 to capture the incredible Shibuya illumination for myself.
As evening falls, a breathtaking transformation occurs. Approximately 600,000 brilliant blue LED lights switch on, bathing the trees from Koen-Dori to Yoyogi Park in a surreal, otherworldly glow. The moment the lights flicker to life, a collective gasp of delight ripples through the crowd, a testament to how much this event is adored.
The atmosphere is electric. The street becomes a sea of people, with couples and friends all trying to capture the perfect photo under the illuminated branches. It truly is a photo night, and the area is filled with the glow of countless mobile phone screens as everyone tries to capture the magic. Interestingly, I noticed that smartphones were the camera of choice for most. Only a handful of mirrorless or DSLR cameras were in the crowd.
Planning your visit is simple. Here is what you need to know about this illumination event:
As a photographer, I couldn’t resist sharing a few tips for getting the best shots.
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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