Written by Aarohi Narain
Shinjuku gets a full seasonal glow-up (literally).
What to expect
Shinjuku Neon Walk is a free, open-air illumination trail.
Along the route, you’ll find an AI-powered screen that warps your reflection like a funhouse mirror, a glowing torii, Edo-style lanterns reimagined in neon, and a pair of illuminated trees that “talk” to each other through light and sound.
Choose your own route and stroll at your own pace.
Schedule 2025
The event goes from November 27, 2025, to January 7, 2026, 4:30 to 10 p.m.
Things kick off a bit later on the first day, starting at around 5:30 p.m. Also, on December 31, the event goes until 1 a.m.
Food trucks will pop up alongside the illumination trail on November 27 (5:45 to 10 p.m.); November 28–30 (5 to 10 p.m.); December 5–7; December 12–14; December 19–21; December 24–28; and December 31 (5 p.m. to 1 a.m.).
How to get there
The venue is the pedestrian walkway along Chūō-dōri (Shinjuku Subcenter Route No. 4), about a 6-minute walk from Shinjuku Station (depending on the line and exit you take).
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
