Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by Tsubaki
If you think a racecourse is only for horse racing, then you probably haven’t heard of Tokyo Mega Illumi! Every autumn and winter, Oi Racecourse (大井競馬場) transforms into a dazzling wonderland of lights. It’s not just a perfect date spot for couples or a fun evening stroll for families, even night-view lovers will fall in love with the magical atmosphere here.
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. Still, I find myself coming back every year for a relaxing evening walk. 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!
Switch language：繁體中文
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 event typically kicks off in mid-October or November and runs through late January or even early March the following year (the schedule varies annually).
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.
I made a Instagram reel about this place, please check it out!
Event Details & Opening Hours
Location:2 Chome-1 Katsushima, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0012（Google Maps）
Access:
・Take the Tokyo Monorail and get off at Oi Keibajo Mae Station （大井競馬場前駅）— about a 2-minute walk.
・Or take the Keikyu Main Line to Tachiaigawa Station（立会川駅）— about a 10-minute walk.
Event Period: Mid-October to January or March of the following year (dates vary by year)
Opening Hours: 16:30–21:00 (Last admission at 20:00)
Closed on: Race days and certain maintenance dates (Check the official website
in advance)
Official Ticket Prices:
・Adults: ¥1,000–¥1,200 (approx. USD $6.50–$8.00)
・Children: ¥500–¥800 (approx. USD $3.30–$5.30)
Discounted Tickets: Available on KKday | Klook | Asoview
(Prices vary by platform. It’s worth comparing for the best deal!)
Recent Event Dates:
・2024 Season: November 2, 2024 (Sat) – January 12, 2025 (Sun)
・2025 Season: November 1, 2025 (Sat) – January 11, 2026 (Sun)
Official Website: https://www.tokyomegaillumi.jp/index.html
Highlights of Tokyo Mega Illumi
4 Major Water & Light Shows
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.)
The main light shows currently include:
・A Rainbow Fountain Bathed In Light (虹色に輝く光の大噴水)
・Mega Tree (メガツリー)
・Aurora Forest (オーロラの森)
・Twinkle Light Show (トゥインクル・ライトショー)
Each zone is immersive enough to make you stop, stare, and snap away until your phone storage is full.
Horse Performances & Animal Encounters
What makes Tokyo Mega Illumi truly unique is its tie-in with the Oi Racecourse’s very own horses. During the illumination season, you can watch equestrian performances up close and admire the professional horse trainers in action.
There’s also a free mini-pony interaction area, where kids can get up close with adorable ponies. It’s heartwarming and makes for the perfect family photo op. In addition, there are horseback riding experiences specially designed for children, making this event a big hit with families.
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’re planning a Tokyo trip during the autumn or winter season, and want something affordable, memorable, and unique, I definitely recommend adding Tokyo Mega Illumi to your itinerary!
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.
Location:2 Chome-1 Katsushima, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0012（Google Maps）
Access:
・Take the Tokyo Monorail and get off at Oi Keibajo Mae Station （大井競馬場前駅）— about a 2-minute walk.
・Or take the Keikyu Main Line to Tachiaigawa Station（立会川駅）— about a 10-minute walk.
Event Period: Mid-October to January or March of the following year (dates vary by year)
Opening Hours: 16:30–21:00 (Last admission at 20:00)
Closed on: Race days and certain maintenance dates (Check the official website
in advance)
Official Ticket Prices:
・Adults: ¥1,000–¥1,200 (approx. USD $6.50–$8.00)
・Children: ¥500–¥800 (approx. USD $3.30–$5.30)
Discounted Tickets: Available on KKday | Klook | Asoview
(Prices vary by platform. It’s worth comparing for the best deal!)
Recent Event Dates:
・2024 Season: November 2, 2024 (Sat) – January 12, 2025 (Sun)
・2025 Season: November 1, 2025 (Sat) – January 11, 2026 (Sun)
Official Website: https://www.tokyomegaillumi.jp/index.html
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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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