Yokohama Bay Quarter's "Christmas Forest"

As the nights grow longer and colder as we approach the winter solstice, winter illuminations are a great way to get you outside and accustomed to the chill and dark. On a trip to Yokohama City, I stopped by Yokohama Bay Quarter, a shopping and dining spot on the waterfront.

On my way to Bay Quarter, I passed through the Sogo department store where displays of bright lights and Christmas decorations tempted me to linger. But keep going across the Kamome pedestrian bridge that connects the two shopping facilities.

At the entrance to Bay Quarter, there were some small hints of Christmas decorations and lights, but nothing spectacular. Continue on to the third floor “hiroba”, the terrace between two wings of the building. Here you’ll find the 17th annual winter display.

This winter's theme is a "Christmas Forest". The arbor on the terrace is a photogenic spot with a profusion of colors and lights. The trellis is decorated with a kaleidoscope of flowers, foliage, and ornaments that you can walk around and under. The challenge for photography is light and contrast. You want to bring a good camera to capture the details and sparkle, and your smiling face is lit by the glow of the light reflected off the garlands and decorations. It’s quite the sight.

A kaleidoscope of flowers and greenery

But what really warmed my heart was the 8-meter-tall live fir tree. In contrast to the riot of color of the arbor, the tree has champagne-colored lights and a warm, golden glow.

An 8 meter tall real Christmas tree - my Christmas wish is a better camera!

Under the boughs laden with decorations and lights, there is a quirky landscape filled with realistic and fanciful animal sculptures and cottages. For the young and young at heart, it's fun to spot all the creatures under the tree.

An owl duo tucked in under the boughs

The display opened on November 5th and continues until December 25th, lit up daily at 4 p.m. My visit was on a weeknight around 7 p.m. There were a few couples and a woman and her dog with a festive collar. The restaurants around the terrace are open until 11 p.m., some of them overlooking the display and some with outdoor heat lamps to cozy up.

Maybe you can tuck your Santa letter into that box!