Tokyo in winter is a spectacle of light—with plenty of options for warming up and indulging. Dining options alone are dizzying. As of 2025, The MICHELIN Guide Tokyo counted a total of 170 MICHELIN-Starred restaurants—including 12 Three-Star establishments. In fact, it’s the city with the most MICHELIN Stars in the world, followed by Paris.
From streets glowing with festive illuminations to rich, seasonal delicacies, here are five ways to embrace the city’s winter magic.
1. Savor the Flavors of Wild Game
Winter calls for bold flavors, and Tokyo’s finest chefs elevate wild game into an art form. As the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to indulge in rich, game-forward dishes, like venison and pigeon, with thoughtful wine pairings. Wild game, a sustainable food source gaining popularity in recent years, is served in a variety of styles—from traditional roasts to innovative arrangements. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty stew or a delicately prepared fillet, wild game is the perfect winter indulgence.
Restaurants for enjoying wild game:
2. Wander Through Tokyo’s Dazzling Illuminations
Tokyo’s winter illuminations transform the city into a wonderland. Strolling beneath Marunouchi’s golden-lit trees feels like stepping into a dreamscape far from the city’s hustle. The gold hues of Marunouchi Nakadori Street make it a must-see, while Roppongi offers a different kind of glow. The Midtown Garden, known as the Walkway of Light, is enveloped in 320,000 warm orange lights, and nearby Roppongi Hills and Keyakizaka glow with blues and whites. Whether in the city’s business district or its most fashionable neighborhood, Tokyo’s lights create a perfect backdrop for grid-worth Instagram shots.
Restaurants near Marunouchi:
Restaurants near Roppongi:
3. Glide Over Tokyo’s Outdoor Ice Rinks Ice skating under Tokyo’s twinkling skyline is an unforgettable winter experience, whether on a rooftop rink in Ginza or beneath the towering Skytree. Rooftop Star Skating Rink, located atop GINZA SIX, is one of the best spots in the city to glide while taking in a dazzling view. At TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN ICE® SKATING PARK 2024, skate beneath the majestic Skytree. For an even larger rink, KOSÉ MIDTOWN ICE RINK in Roppongi offers the largest outdoor skating space in the city, with Hinokicho Park providing a serene natural backdrop.
Restaurants near Ginza:
Restaurants near Skytree:
Restaurants near Roppongi:
4. Shop Tokyo’s Winter Sales and Spring FashionsFor shopaholics, the best season for shopping sprees is winter. From December to January, you can see signs for sales throughout Tokyo. When sales enter their final stages, vivid new spring and summer collections adorn the shopping windows. You can also enjoy the first sales of the year and mystery bags at department stores in Shinjuku, Ginza, and Shibuya. Tokyo in winter is a must-visit for enjoying shopping at great prices, with tempting post-holiday discounts.
5. Indulge in a Luxurious Hotel StayA MICHELIN Key Hotel transforms a winter escape into an indulgence. From world-class dining to spa retreats, these stays are the pinnacle of comfort. Whether you’re gazing at the city lights from your suite or savoring an exquisite in-room meal, guests barely have to step outside. Our MICHELIN Key selections have restaurants, bars, spas, and fitness centers onsite. If your hotel is located near shopping districts, you can even treat yourself to some retail therapy.
Recommended Hotels:
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Written by
Wakana Kubo
Wakana Kubo is a Digital Editor for the MICHELIN Guide Japan, based in Tokyo. She loves food and travelling. Her favourites are beautiful beaches in the spring and summer, and onsens in the autumn and winter. With the motto “Always take on challenges with positive vibes,” she enjoys sharing Japan’s food culture and travel tips to the world.
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