In the 19th century, Yokohama became the first Japanese port to fully open to the world. As it became the gateway to Japan and, at the same time, Japan’s window to the world, the city grew into a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, ideas, and experiences. Yokohama’s legacy of bringing people together has only grown over time, and nowhere is this more evident than at its winter illumination events. As each year comes to an end and the days grow shorter, there’s no shortage of light in Japan’s second-largest city, where dazzling displays and installations attract massive crowds of people, who come to walk among the electric, rainbow-colored displays. Come join them at any of Yokohama’s incredible illumination events, and if you are thinking of holding an event of your own during the winter season, then be sure to get in touch with YCVB for more information.

The Glowing Legacy of Yokohama’s Yorunoyo

Yorunoyo exemplifies the best qualities of Yokohama: the latest technology, an artistic spirit, and a maritime culture, all joined together to create unforgettable experiences in one of Japan’s most exciting cities. With each year, this illumination event outdoes itself, becoming bigger and more mesmerizing.

Yorunoyo started out in 2020 with the mission of leaving behind a legacy in Yokohama that would last for a century. The event has now blossomed into a signature illumination festival in Yokohama.

The Yorunoyo logo’s hexagonal shape is deeply symbolic. Each angle measures 120 degrees, representing the expansive 120-degree view of the Minato Mirai port area that visitors can enjoy from Osanbashi Pier. This design reflects the unobstructed views of the city and its limitless potential.

Highlights for 2024 include a stunning light projection of a whale illuminating Osanbashi Pier, along with star tree illuminations brightening the seaside Yamashita Park.

The theme of the event changes each year but always revolves around connectedness between people and Yokohama’s heritage. Historical buildings, trees, and flowers that have been watching over the people who call this city home, however briefly, are typically the canvasses for Yorunoyo’s light installations, reminding everyone how the city started and allowing them to imagine where it might go from here.

PACIFICO Yokohama and Minato Mirai Light the Way

A tour of Yokohama’s illuminations wouldn’t be complete without a stop at PACIFICO Yokohama, Yokohama’s flagship convention and exhibition center. A mini-city in itself, PACIFICO is cosmopolitan Yokohama concentrated in one location. Over the years, it has hosted numerous international conferences, meetings, and other such events. In essence, PACIFICO brings people together to foster cross-cultural communication, and this is one of the reasons why it hosts its own winter illumination every year, from early November to mid-February.The illuminations are typically concentrated in three areas: The entrance to PACIFICO Yokohama (Queen Mall Bridge), the Pukarisanbashi Pier, and the flower bed by the entrance to the PACIFICO Conference Center.

 

Tradition and Modernity Come Together at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse’s Illumination and Annual Christmas Market

Serving in the early 1920s as the bonded warehouses for the city’s shipping industry, the distinct, European style Red Brick Warehouse is one of the most popular attractions in Yokohama. Full of shops and restaurants, its two buildings host various events throughout the year against the beautiful backdrop of Yokohama’s waterfront. Winter in particular is a busy time for the Red Brick Warehouse thanks to its illuminations.       

Every December, light-sculptures are placed around the Red Brick Warehouse area, turning it into a festive winter wonderland. 2024 is  the15th anniversary of the Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market, featuring light　installations and European-style Christmas ornaments that transport visitors to a charming German village in the middle of Yokohama. The centerpiece of the market is a ten-meter-tall Christmas tree decked out in lights displayed in changing patterns throughout the day. The tree is complemented beautifully by the warehouse’s illuminated canopy of lights, creating a star-filled sky above guests as they shop for German sausages, mulled wine, Christmas decorations, and other festive items.

However, the Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market does eschew one Christmas tradition: the gift of coal to those on Santa’s naughty list. To lessen the event’s carbon footprint, the event space has employed various, long-term sustainability initiatives, including the use of GTL (gas-to-liquids) as an alternative fuel for their generators. GTL is known to reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 8 percent compared with conventional diesel oil. This move should go some way to helping the event’s organizers stay off Santa’s naughty list.

Yokohama: A City of Light

To find out more about any of the areas mentioned in this article,

visit the Yokohama Official Visitor’s Guide:

Be sure to also check out the official sites for more information about the illuminations.

*Links are in Japanese.

• Yorunoyo
• PACIFICO Yokohama Winter Illumination 
• Yokohama Milight 
• Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market