Tokyo German Village Illuminations

Tokyo German Village adds some shine to a day trip with its illuminations. If you’re longing for some European Christmas fun and flair, don’t miss out.

What to expect

The German Village offers a slice of rural Europe in the heart of Chiba. You can wander through a stunning garden with tulips from The Netherlands and roses from England, before heading to the market area for a beautifully decorated square.

This season the illuminations go American, with the theme “Why USA!? Super Smile! German Village Goes to America”, marking the park’s 25th anniversary and America’s 250th. Expect a roughly five-meter Statue of Liberty lantern, a Brooklyn Bridge and yellow cabs in the Marktplatz, a giant Las Vegas ground artwork with a slot machine lever, and NASA-themed lights on the Ferris wheel.

Schedule

The illuminations run from October 31 to April 4, with a lighting ceremony on opening day. The lights come on after sunset and the park closes at 8 p.m. A Tokyo Lantern Festival runs alongside the illuminations over the same dates, with Chinese lanterns around the Lake Area and a stall area selling Chinese food. The exact lighting time changes through the season, so check this page for the calendar.

In previous years there have been fireworks on a few evenings in November and a nightly drone show from late November to the end of December, and we expect something similar this year. Neither has been announced yet, so check the park’s website before you go.

Tickets

Entry tickets are ¥1,500 for adults and ¥800 for children. Parking costs ¥1,500 per car until December 31, then ¥1,000 from January 1.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Tokyo German Village is the カピーナ号 (Capina-go) bus from JR Chiba Station. It’s a direct 40-minute ride and drops you right at the gates.

In previous years there have been more buses than usual to and from JR Sodegaura Station during the illuminations, mainly on weekends and holidays, and we expect the same this year. These weren’t free shuttles: last season tickets cost ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for kids. Check the park’s access page for this year’s timetable and fares.