If you’re doing some last-minute Christmas shopping in Tokyo, try and swing by some of these locations where you’ll find the best seasonal yet unorthodox designer Christmas trees. Happy Holidays!
Christmas Tree of Light at Omotesando Hills
“Christmas Tree of Light” is a spiral-shaped luminescent tree standing 28 ft high (8.4m) and made from 40,000 fresnel lenses. It was designed by architect Yuji Okitsu, who explained that he was inspired by one of the most distinctive features of the Omotesando Hills building, designed by Tadao Ando: a spiral ramp surrounding the expansive atrium. The double structure of spirals and rings was created to express the cross-cultural exchange centered on Omotesando.
Wooden Christmas Trees at the Tokyo Edition Hotels
I guess all Christmas trees are technically “wooden.” But these trees, designed by architect Kengo Kuma and on display at the Tokyo Edition hotels in Toranomon and Ginza, are made entirely from domestic timber that include oak, ash, walnut and silver maple. They were designed in collaboration with furniture maker Karimoku. And what makes the trees special is that, instead of being discarded after the holidays, they will be turned into tables and chairs.
“komorebi” Christmas tree at Tokyo Editions Toranomon
“kigumi” Christmas tree at Tokyo Editions Ginza
Santa Tree at Tokyo Midtown
This incredibly fun tree at Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi is made from over 1600 Santa ornaments. The 13ft tree (4m) is filled with snow-themes ornaments that complement the illuminations outside in the garden area.
this tree was spotted by our intrepid reporter Christl, who named it the Bajillion Santa Tree
Super Mario at Marunouchi Building
It’s debatable whether you can call this one a tree or not, but the details don’t matter when it comes to Mario. At the Maru Cube venue on the first floor of Maru Building, a huge “tree” measuring 43 ft (13 m) puts on an impressive display of Mario and friends. Mario-themed Christmas decorations also dot other areas as well.
December 30, 2024 at 11:20 pm
I look forward to this feature each year. My favorite Christmas tree so far is still Nendo’s tree that glitters in the breeze, from 2022. A clever design beautifully brought to life. Happy New Year!