Last Updated on 2026-10-14 by Tsubaki
If you think a racecourse is only for horse racing, you might not have heard of Tokyo Mega Illumi! Every autumn and winter, Oi Racecourse (大井競馬場) transforms into a wonderland of lights. It’s a memorable evening outing for couples, families, and friends—and an ideal stop for anyone who enjoys Tokyo’s illuminated nightscapes.
There used to be a time when foreign visitors could enter for free, but as Tokyo Mega Illumi has grown in popularity, those perks have become a thing of the past. I still like to come back with friends for an evening stroll almost every year. Considering the scale and creativity of the event, the admission price is more than reasonable.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this seasonal light-up event, from the must-see highlights and my personal impressions to tips on where to buy discounted tickets. Let’s dive in!
2026–2027 season update: This is Tokyo Mega Illumi’s final season before a temporary break while Oi Racecourse undergoes redevelopment. The event runs from October 31, 2026, to January 10, 2027, but it is open on selected days only—not on December 24 or 25. Below, I share this season’s dates, prices, ticket options, and the highlights I enjoyed on previous visits. Always check the official opening calendar and performance schedule before setting off.
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What is Tokyo Mega Illumi?
Tokyo Mega Illumi (東京メガイルミ) is a large-scale winter illumination event held at Oi Racecourse (大井競馬場) every autumn and winter. The 2026–2027 season runs from October 31, 2026, to January 10, 2027, with only 53 operating days.
Spanning nearly the entire racecourse grounds, Tokyo Mega Illumi creates a vibrant world of light with multiple themed zones inspired by traditional Japanese culture, natural landscapes, animals, and festivals. It truly feels like stepping into a glowing, dreamlike village.
Before my first visit, I honestly thought it would just be a small corner decorated with lights, but it turned out that nearly the entire venue is transformed. It takes about 90 minutes to walk from the entrance to the final area, and if you stop for photos, snacks, and breaks along the way, you could easily spend 2 to 3 hours here without realizing it.
What impressed me most was the depth and layering of the light installations. It’s not just about stringing up bulbs, many sections are thoughtfully designed with an artistic touch. You’ll see couples on dates, families with kids, and even photographers with tripods capturing long-exposure shots. It’s a place that people of all ages can truly enjoy.
Tokyo Mega Illumi 2026–2027: Dates, Tickets & Access
* 800 JPY (≈ $5.06 USD / £3.80 GBP / €4.51 EUR) * 1,300 JPY (≈ $8.23 USD / £6.18 GBP / €7.33 EUR)2026–2027 Tokyo Mega Illumi Event Details
Location: Oi Racecourse, 2-1-2 Katsushima, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0012 (Google Maps)
Season: October 31, 2026 (Sat) – January 10, 2027 (Sun), with 53 operating days; not every day in this period is open
Hours: Normally 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM (last entry 8:00 PM)
Closed: On race days and other specified dates, including December 24, 2026 – January 1, 2027. See the official opening calendar before travelling
Access: Around a 2-minute walk from Oi Keibajo Mae Station (Tokyo Monorail), or around a 12-minute walk from Tachiaigawa Station (Keikyu Line)
Advance tickets (date-specific): Adults aged 18+ ¥800–¥1,300; elementary, junior high, and high school students ¥400–¥700; preschoolers free. Admission prices depend on the date; gate tickets may cost more. Check official ticket information
Compare booking options: KKday | Klook | Asoview (Availability, season-specific tickets, and prices vary between platforms)
Note: This is the final season before the event temporarily stops for venue redevelopment. Same-day ticket sales and entry may be restricted at busy times; buying a date-specific ticket ahead is recommended.
Tokyo Mega Illumi Highlights: Fountain Shows, Sakura Tunnel & Horses
Fountain Light Shows & the Mega Tree
One of the biggest highlights at Tokyo Mega Illumi is the series of water and light shows held across the venue. With large-scale fountains and synchronized lighting effects, the entire performance rivals the nighttime spectacles you’d find at major theme parks. It’s honestly breathtaking, you’ll probably find yourself going “Wow!” out loud.
(Since I didn’t manage to get a great photo, I’m using images from the official site here.)
On my previous visits, the standout light displays included:
・A Rainbow Fountain Bathed In Light
・Mega Tree
・Aurora Forest
・Twinkle Light Show
The giant Mega Tree is one of the signature displays being shown for the final time this season. Programme details, showtimes, and individual performances may change, so check the current official schedule rather than assuming every past show is still running.
Horse Performances & Animal Encounters
Tokyo Mega Illumi is especially memorable because of Oi Racecourse’s horse-related experiences. The 2026–2027 season includes miniature-horse and pony encounters as well as a fountain performance featuring lead horses. Check the official schedule for dates, times, and weather-related changes.
On my previous visit, seeing children interact with the miniature horses was a lovely experience. Children’s riding activities may take place on selected dates, but they can have eligibility rules, limited spaces, or additional charges, so don’t assume they run every day or are always free.
Traditional Japanese Culture Zone
During the event, the central area of the racecourse is transformed into a stunning Japanese cultural light-up zone, one of the signature features of Tokyo Mega Illumi. These installations combine Japan’s history, nature, and color aesthetics to create a beautifully immersive atmosphere.
Some of my personal favorites include the Edo Cherry Blossom Tunnel, Wisteria Walk, and the Retro Alley.
Edo Cherry Blossom Tunnel
This dreamy tunnel is lined with sakura-shaped lights, creating a scene straight out of springtime. With its glowing pink petals, it feels like walking through a fairytale. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the most popular photo spots, nearly everyone stops to take a shot here.
Wisteria Pergola
Strands of shimmering purple “flowers” cascade from above like a waterfall of light. Though they’re artificial, the installation still delivers a jaw-dropping visual impact that makes you stop and stare.
Retro Alley
This charming underground corridor features art murals fused with elements of Japanese horse racing culture. Along the walls, you’ll find introductions to ten famous racehorses, each with a unique name and backstory.
The twist? The horse names are cleverly hidden within the murals, turning the walk into a fun treasure hunt. If you enjoy interactive elements, this is a great way to engage with the space!
Note: The names are written in Japanese, so it might be a bit tricky if you don’t read Japanese, but that’s part of the fun!
Food Stalls & Hot Drinks
Beyond the illuminations, there’s plenty to eat and drink. You’ll find indoor dining options as well as outdoor food stalls selling hot takoyaki, wagyu skewers, sweet treats, mulled wine, and more.
On a chilly night, enjoying warm food and drinks while surrounded by beautiful lights is just the coziest experience, it really makes the whole visit feel even more satisfying.
You can check the full food lineup on the official website as well.
Final Thoughts
At first, I was skeptical, a light-up event held at a racetrack? I figured it’d just be some lights casually thrown into the venue. But the moment I stepped inside, I was blown away by how carefully designed and immersive everything was. The whole layout was way beyond my expectations.
From the moment the gates open at 4:30 PM, you can easily spend 2 to 3 relaxing hours here, strolling, taking photos, enjoying the shows, and warming up with hot food.
If you are heading to Tokyo this winter, Tokyo Mega Illumi is worth adding to your itinerary while there is still a chance to visit. The 2026–2027 season is the last before the event takes a break for redevelopment, so check the date-specific opening calendar before making plans.
After the event, take a short stroll over to the nearby Tachiaigawa Shopping Street. It’s a lovely retro street with a cozy vibe, the perfect place to find a small izakaya and wind down the night over warm drinks and good food. A beautiful way to end your night full of lights and wonder.
2026–2027 Tokyo Mega Illumi Event Details
Location: Oi Racecourse, 2-1-2 Katsushima, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0012 (Google Maps)
Season: October 31, 2026 (Sat) – January 10, 2027 (Sun), with 53 operating days; not every day in this period is open
Hours: Normally 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM (last entry 8:00 PM)
Closed: On race days and other specified dates, including December 24, 2026 – January 1, 2027. See the official opening calendar before travelling
Access: Around a 2-minute walk from Oi Keibajo Mae Station (Tokyo Monorail), or around a 12-minute walk from Tachiaigawa Station (Keikyu Line)
Advance tickets (date-specific): Adults aged 18+ ¥800–¥1,300; elementary, junior high, and high school students ¥400–¥700; preschoolers free. Admission prices depend on the date; gate tickets may cost more. Check official ticket information
Compare booking options: KKday | Klook | Asoview (Availability, season-specific tickets, and prices vary between platforms)
Note: This is the final season before the event temporarily stops for venue redevelopment. Same-day ticket sales and entry may be restricted at busy times; buying a date-specific ticket ahead is recommended.
For more winter outing ideas, see my Tokyo Christmas and illumination guide (in Traditional Chinese). Dates, tickets, and opening hours change by season; refer to official announcements for the latest details.
Tokyo Mega Illumi 2026–2027 FAQs
When is Tokyo Mega Illumi 2026–2027?
The final season runs from October 31, 2026, to January 10, 2027, but it is open on just 53 dates, rather than every day. Check the official opening calendar before travelling.
Is Tokyo Mega Illumi open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day 2026?
No. The event is scheduled to be closed from December 24, 2026, through January 1, 2027, including December 24 and 25. Plan for a different date if you are visiting Tokyo over Christmas.
Can I buy Tokyo Mega Illumi tickets on the day?
Gate tickets may be available on certain dates, but entry and same-day sales can be restricted during busy periods. I recommend booking a date-specific ticket in advance and checking the official ticket information before visiting.
How much are Tokyo Mega Illumi 2026–2027 tickets?
Date-specific advance tickets cost approximately ¥800–¥1,300 for adults (18+) and ¥400–¥700 for elementary through high school students. Preschool children enter free. Prices vary by date and platform.
How long should I plan to spend at Tokyo Mega Illumi?
From my own experience, around 90 minutes is enough for a straightforward walk-through. For photos, light shows, and food stops, plan 2–3 hours to explore at a relaxed pace.
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Traveler’s Note:
The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.
Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.
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