Christmas Trees in Tokyo in 2024
As the year draws to a close, Tokyo is beautifully transformed with stunning Christmas installations. From the sparkling luminarias that light up the city to the dazzling Christmas trees, a magical atmosphere envelops the streets and stores, creating a festive wonderland.
Among the many captivating installations, from the Christmas tree at Omotesando Hills to the one in Tokyo Midtown, one stood out and truly amazed me - the masterpiece created by my favorite architect, Kengo Kuma.
The renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, in collaboration with Karimoku Furniture - a leader in Japanese craftsmanship - has designed two remarkable and sustainable Christmas trees. These wooden creations are located at The Tokyo Edition in Toranomon and Ginza, embodying both artistry and environmental consciousness.
The first tree, at Toranomon, is named “KOMOREBI - Sunlight Through Leaves”. It is composed of interconnected wooden circles, symbolizing the peaceful beauty of a forest illuminated by sunlight.
The second tree, at Ginza, is named “KIGUMI - Woven Wood”. Crafted from six types of wood, including oak, Japanese maple, and North American walnut, it highlights the richness and versatility of natural materials.
What makes these trees truly extraordinary goes beyond their stunning shapes. After the festive season, they will be repurposed into functional furniture, such as desks and tables, continuing their journey to enhance living spaces with elegance and sustainability.
At Tokyo Midtown, two captivating Christmas trees have delighted visitors.
The first, known as the “Santa Tree”, is playful and unique, adorned with countless miniature Santa Claus figures. Through an accompanying app, visitors can enjoy an augmented reality (AR) experience that brings the tree to life, showcasing snow and Santa with his cheerful friends directly on their phones.
The second called the “Feathery Snow Tree” which exudes elegance and sophistication is positioned in the Galleria. Its design features a fluffy, white fabric motif, reminiscent of snow gently resting on tree branches during the winter season, creating a serene and magical atmosphere.
At Omotesando Hills, the breathtaking installation by Japanese architect Yuji Okitsu has captivated visitors. The spiral tree, crafted from forty thousand meticulously hand-assembled lenses, strikes a stunning resemblance to an inverted chandelier upon first glance.
Its lights change colors in harmony with the accompanying music, creating a mesmerizing and dynamic visual experience.
The French artist Marianne Guely - renowned for her paper installations - has adorned the Roppongi Hills gallery with an exclusive and elegant white tree. Inspired by the symbolism of snow, the design beautifully captures the essence of both luxury and simplicity, creating a stunning and alternative take on the traditional Christmas tree.
Luxury brands are unequivocally embracing the magic of the festive season, showcasing their unique creativity through captivating installations. These elaborate displays are not just about celebrating the holidays; they are a testament to the brands' commitment to creating unforgettable experiences that inspire and delight audiences, blending tradition with innovation in their luxurious style.
At the Tiffany & Co. store, visitors can admire the elegant Tiffany tree, crafted from a sleek stainless-steel structure. The tree is adorned with Christmas ornaments featuring the brand’s iconic “Blue Box” and the famous “Bird on a Rock” design. Additionally, a spectacular large-scale installation of the “Bird on a Rock” can be found on the streets of Marunouchi, adding a touch of grandeur to the festive atmosphere.
In Roppongi Hills, Dior presents two stunning Christmas trees alongside the mesmerizing pop-up, “The Ball of Dreams.”
The first tree is a stylish, stylized design in gold, adorned with Dior perfume bottles, emanating a sense of luxury and modernity. The second tree embraces a more traditional aesthetic, a classic white tree embellished with snow, Dior bottles, and a radiant golden sun featuring the brand’s iconic logo. This elegant creation is beautifully situated by the lake, adding to the festive charm of the setting.
The Christmas tree by Coach, located on Cat Street in Harajuku, takes a more traditional approach compared to other installations.
This classic green tree is beautifully decorated with Christmas ornaments, including baubles, gingerbread men, and candy canes. Adding a unique touch, Coach has introduced a new decoration featuring a cat dressed in a pink sweater, a playful sign to the iconic street's name.