Tokyo

Tokyo's ‘Blue Grotto’ Illumination

Recreating a piece of Italy in Naka-Meguro

Steve Morton Jan 08, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Having only recently started on November 23rd and running until December 25th 2014, this is one of Tokyo’s newest winter illuminations</p>

<p>A short walk away from Naka-Meguro Station, this impressive display stretches for over 500 meters along the river</p>

<p>Many cafes and restaurants are lined along the river, providing a great place to soak up the atmosphere</p>

<p>The illuminated river with Naka-Meguro Station in the background</p>

<p>A view of the opposite and ‘quieter’ side of the river</p>

<p>The start of the main display at Horai-Bridge</p>

<p>Unfortunately, this new event attracted a record number of visitors meaning that the lights had to be turned off on weekends and National Holidays in order to relieve severe traffic congestion caused by the large crowds. With this fact in mind, there is some doubt as to whether this event will take place again next year. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!</p>

<p>Passing under the bridge below Naka-Meguro Station</p>

<p>Trying to get a clear shot amongst the sea of spectators</p>

<p>The crowds lining up alongside Asashi-Bridge</p>

<p>As the Station fades into the distance the glow of the lights gets stronger</p>

<p>The neon lights of the restaurants trying to complete with the blue glow emanating from over 400,000 LED’s</p>

<p>An ambient and moody looking Naka-Meguro Station</p>

<p>It’s easy to understand why this display is referred to as the ‘Blue Grotto’ or ‘Blue Cavern’</p>

<p>Even the roads alongside the river have been transformed into a ‘Blue Cavern’</p>

<p>A final look at Naka-Meguro’s ‘Grotta Azzura’, (Blue Cavern); I only hope I get the chance to visit the real place in Italy!</p>

Taking its inspiration from Italy’s Grotta Azzura (Blue Cavern), the Naka-Meguro’s ‘Ao-no-Dokutsu’ Illumination represents one of the newest additions to Tokyo’s ever popular winter sparkle.

Famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms during the spring, you will be able to witness the spectacle of the Naka River being magically transformed into a giant ‘Blue Cavern’ by over 400,000 blue LEDs reflecting brightly of the water’s surface.

With its very distinctive blue glow, this is a great time to stroll along this picturesque river where many pleasant cafes and restaurants provide the perfect spot to soak up the ‘moody and ambient’ atmosphere.

Steve Morton @steve.morton138

Yokohama based content creator, editor, and researcher. Steven likes, eating, reading and traveling on a streamlined budget guaranteed to make any self-respecting local gulp. When not too busy with work assignments, Steven attempts to not get lost while following Japanese tourist maps.Follow me o...