Shinjuku Southern Terrace Night Illumination Festival 2016 – Christmas

Shinjuku Southern Terrace has always been popular in Tokyo for Christmas. Lights adorn the trees and bathe them in a pretty glow. Many people go to see them. So did I.

I know the terrace well, but 2016 was my first time there for this Christmas event. It was impressive. Light-ups are very popular in Japan, as they attract huge numbers of people! The creators should have been proud of themselves.

Some people photographed the lights, and others spent time at them with someone special. A few killed time looking at the lights before having a night on the town. And I’m also sure that Krispy Kreme, which is right in the middle of the area, was happy, as it was pretty crowded.

Even though I love photography, I admit I’m not the most creative type. I hesitated to start when I arrived as I had no idea how to photograph the lights! I’d had no experience with a place like that before.

But I walked around Shinjuku Southern Terrace and studied those taking pictures. There were so many. Most had smartphones, but some had DSLRs. A few even brought tripods. It was interesting and educational. I learned a few things from them. Well, they gave me the confidence to start.

This event made me start thinking about taking a tripod to them. Yes, they are another piece of kit to carry, but they give you two important benefits:

  • As the camera has support, you’ll be able to use lower ISO.
  • You can get creative with slower shutter speeds.

Many areas around Tokyo light up over the Christmas season. They then often continue into January. Marunouchi, Shibuya, Midtown, and Harajuku also put on shows. You can leave any comments and questions below. And if you’ve been to any of these events, please share your experiences.

Where is Shinjuku’s Southern Terrace?

It is over the road from JR Shinjuku’s south exit, near Takashimaya, the department store. Click here to see it on Google Maps.

Shinjuku Southern Terrace Christmas 2016 camera gear:

  • Camera Body: Pentax K-3
  • Lenses: Pentax SMC DA 18 – 135 mm f/3.5 – 5.6 ED AL (If) DC WR

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