2026 Keyakizaka Guide: Tokyo Tower Christmas Photos
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If you’re looking to capture an iconic Tokyo Christmas photo, look no further than Keyakizaka in Roppongi Hills. Every December, the street’s Zelkova trees are decked out in brilliant ‘Snow and Blue’ lights, creating a magical winter scene that perfectly frames the distant Tokyo Tower. Best of all, this stunning photograph is surprisingly easy to get, and this guide will show you exactly how.
This is a seasonal photograph, as the lights are only on from mid-November to Christmas night. By the way, ever wondered about the name? “Keyakizaka” has a simple meaning: Keyaki is the Japanese word for the Zelkova tree, and zaka means hill. Together, they perfectly describe this “Hill of the Zelkova Trees.”
The 3 best Tokyo Tower photo spots
You have three spots to capture this Tokyo winter illumination shot, all of which are near each other:
- The pedestrian bridge: This overpass gives you a fantastic elevated view over the traffic and straight down the illuminated street towards Tokyo Tower.
- Street level (sidewalk): Shooting from the sidewalk under the bridge offers a completely different perspective. Here, the cars and people are more prominent in the frame, and the glowing Zelkova trees stretch dramatically above you.
- Street level (the crossing): On the street level under the bridge is a pedestrian crossing. When the lights change, you can run into the middle along with several hundred other people who are vying for the same photo. The lights on the pedestrian crossing stay green for about 20 seconds. Do not linger when the signal changes, as the traffic controllers will shoo you off.
An escalator and stairs conveniently connect the upper and lower levels, so be sure to try both!
How to get there
Keyakizaka is located on the south side of the Roppongi Hills complex. The easiest way to get there is by subway to Roppongi Station, which is served by:
- Toei Oedo Line
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
From the station, walk to the south side of the main Roppongi Hills building to find the pedestrian bridge over the road.
Click the image below to see the street on Google Maps:
Photo tips for your visit
- This is a very popular location, so keep these tips in mind:
- The bridge window: The pedestrian bridge has a large glass window, but it’s often covered in fingerprints. For the clearest photos, you’ll need to carefully raise your camera up and over the glass to avoid spots in your shot.
- The crowds: During the Christmas period, this spot can get very busy. While most people take their pictures and move on, you may have to wait for a good spot if you arrive at a peak time.
- Changing lights: Be aware that Tokyo Tower’s lights can change. For 2025, look out for the ‘Infinity Diamond Veil’ color shifts on Mondays and Thursdays between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Shutter speed: With traffic moving below, keep a close eye on your shutter speed to get the sharpness you want.
- Leave your tripod at home as the area is far too crowded.
- For the most up-to-date information, consult the official Roppongi Hills/Keyakizaka Illumination website.
Best time for photography
- Best time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (to catch the “Blue Hour”) or after 10:00 p.m. to avoid the heaviest crowds.
- Lights on: We’ll publish the dates once they are on the official website.
- Hours: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Is this the perfect Tokyo Christmas photo?
It might well be! I’ll let you decide for yourself since it’s a subjective question. But I do know that the view along Keyakizaka is excellent and easily accessible, making it a great Tokyo winter illumination photo opportunity. No special gear is required, making it perfect for any photographer.
Do you have a favorite Tokyo Tower photo spot? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Date of photos: 16 December 2025
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