#Japan #Tokyo #Autumn Illumination #Mejiro Garden #TERASU

Mejiro Garden's Autumn Illumination: The 'TERASU' Experience

Event Overview

From November 22 to December 7, 2025, Mejiro Garden in Toshima Ward will transform into a mesmerizing spectacle with its annual autumn illumination event, known as 'TERASU.' Spanning 16 days, the event will welcome visitors every evening from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM, with the last admission at 8:30 PM. Entry is priced at 300 yen, with free admission for preschool-aged children, and no prior reservation is necessary (though some special events may require registration).

About Mejiro Garden

Mejiro Garden is a beautiful pond-style garden nestled amid the urban landscape of Tokyo, providing a serene oasis filled with lush greenery. The garden typically operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with free entry during standard hours, while a fee applies during the lighting events. Located just five minutes from JR Mejiro Station and 15 minutes from JR Ikebukuro Station, Mejiro Garden is easily accessible, although it does not offer parking facilities.

For inquiries, please contact:
Mejiro Garden Management Office
3-20-18 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-5996-4810
Email: [email protected]

The Concept of 'TERASU'

Every year, Mejiro Garden’s autumn illumination captures the hearts of many visitors. This year, in a bid to enhance community engagement, the event has adopted the theme 'TERASU,' meaning 'to illuminate.' This initiative aims to transform the garden into a social hub—a space where local residents and visitors alike can come together.

The tranquil garden becomes a canvas where autumn leaves shimmer in the water, creating a tranquil environment. The team has collaborated with local artisans and schools to bring creative flair to the event, reinforcing the link between the garden and the community.

This year, for the first time, visitors will play a role in shaping the lighting design. A lighting design school is partnering with the event, allowing students to present their concepts, which will then be selected through visitor voting. The theme for this year’s lighting design is 'Tatsuta-hime’s Dyeing Festival,' symbolizing the vibrant seasonal changes through visuals that represent autumn blooms, silver grasses, maple leaves, and snow.

Additionally, the nearby Kosoe Nursery Training School has contributed handmade lanterns for the event, each inspired by traditional Edo period motifs known as 'monkiri asobi.' These delicate lanterns will softly illuminate paths throughout the garden, enhancing the atmosphere.

To enrich the evening experience, various food options will be available, alongside performances of traditional music and yoga sessions in the tea house, encouraging deeper engagement with the cultural aspects of the event.

Daytime Visits Encouraged

The garden is not solely a night-time marvel; from 9 AM to 5 PM, visitors can enjoy the autumn foliage free of charge.

Local Cuisine Collaboration

As part of the event, local restaurants will set up stalls, serving unique dishes, including matcha and wagashi, to enhance the autumn illumination experience.

Participating Vendors

• - Nov 22 & 23: 'Bunzo' - Offering mixed grain rice balls and fried chicken.
• - Nov 22-24: 'MAC's CARROT' - Featuring beer and food.
• - Nov 29 & 30: 'Cacao Workshop Tribute' - Treats like chocolate bars and orange peels.
• - Dec 6: 'Connecting Marche' - Collaborating with Zero Waste Action for crafts and workshops.

The Kosoe Nursery Training School also opens its café terrace as a resting area on weekends, providing food and restroom access, along with food truck events.

Cultural Events at the Tea House

At the tea house 'Sekichou-an,' visitors can enjoy performances accompanied by the illumination, tea ceremonies, and yoga sessions. Some events require prior registration, which will begin on October 17. Check the Mejiro Garden website for details: Mejiro Garden Website.

Upcoming Events at Sekichou-an

• - Nov 21: Pre-Opening Camera Day (Special tripod access)
• - Nov 24: Tea Ceremony.
• - Nov 29: Shamisen and Koto Performance.
• - Dec 5: Yoga Under the Lights.
• - Dec 6: Gypsy Guitar Concert.
• - Dec 7: Gold Leaf Pack Experience and Kimono Event.

Special Discount Coupon

Tickets for the autumn illumination also come with a coupon that can be used at TRAD Mejiro, adding more value to your experience. We encourage everyone to visit and create lasting memories during this beautiful seasonal celebration.