Tokyo Tocho Light Show 2026: Times, Programs & Free Spots

Shinjuku's number-one free night view spot — the Tokyo Tocho Light Show (TOKYO Night & Light)!

A large-scale projection mapping show that turns the entire outer wall into a giant screen — a signature Shinjuku night-view attraction you can enjoy for free with no reservations.

Here's the latest 2026 timetable, the differences between weekday and weekend programs, and the best viewing spots — all in one place.

Just add 30 minutes to your evening Shinjuku itinerary and you'll be more than satisfied.

✅ If you also want to enjoy the free observatory on the 45th floor of Tocho:

👉 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory: Free Night View from Tocho 45F

About TOKYO Night & Light

The official name of the Tokyo Tocho Light Show is TOKYO Night & Light.

It’s a projection mapping show held every evening, using the eastern outer wall of the No.1 Tocho Building as a giant canvas. It isn’t a short-term pop-up event. It’s permanent content that runs every day, year-round, so you can watch it for free anytime during your stay in Tokyo.

The most stunning thing about it is the sheer scale. It holds the Guinness World Record for the largest permanent architectural projection (a projected area of 13,904㎡), making it the biggest in the world. Standing in the plaza, you’ll be left speechless by a scale that makes the entire building look alive.

Tokyo Tocho Light Show — Key Information

Showtime Information (2026 Latest)

The light show runs on different schedules depending on when you visit (Golden Week vs. regular season) and the time of sunset. Be sure to check before you go to match it with your travel plans.

① Golden Week Special Schedule (April 25 – May 6)

During the current Golden Week holidays, the show runs 6 times a day — one more than the regular season. The lineup is especially gold: popular animation titles like Pokémon, Blue Lock, Godzilla, and PAC-MAN are all shown on both weekdays and weekends.

② Regular Schedule (from May 7)

Once Golden Week ends, the schedule changes to 5 shows daily. The key thing to note is that the weekday and weekend lineups are completely different. (See the section below for show-by-show details.)

③ Monthly First-Show Time Varies

The first showtime shifts depending on the seasonal sunset time.

⚠️ [IMPORTANT] Notice on Light Show Operation Changes in Late May 2026

From May 23 (Sat) to May 31 (Sun), the light show's operation will change due to TOKYO LIGHTS 2026, a light festival held throughout the Shinjuku area.

5 Programs at TOKYO Night & Light

True to Japan’s reputation as an animation powerhouse, world-famous Japanese titles light up the outer wall of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

1. Pokémon Card Game (TOKYO LUMINOUS NIGHT)

The Pokémon from the cards come alive with three-dimensional movement, painting the nighttime Tocho in a fantastical scene. Don’t miss it if you’re with kids.

2. Blue Lock (BLUE LOCK -TOKYO EGOIST-)

Iconic scenes from the popular anime Blue Lock transform the entire 14,000㎡ wall into a giant football stadium.

3. Godzilla Series (TOKYO GODZILLAs)

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Godzilla series, seven Godzillas from the franchise’s history gather in one place at Tocho. Don’t miss the overwhelming finale where every Godzilla appears together.

4. Godzilla: Attack on Tokyo (GODZILLA: ATTACK ON TOKYO)

A 100m life-size Godzilla launches a direct attack on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The intense interception by humanity’s new weapon, the “Super X2 Kai,” plays out vividly across the front of the wall.

5. PAC-MAN (PAC-MAN eats TOKYO)

The entire outer wall of Tocho turns into a giant retro game board. It’s the only popular title that runs every weekday too, so you can enjoy it whenever you visit.

How to Get to Tokyo Tocho Light Show

① Oedo Line Tochomae Station A4 Exit (most recommended ★)

It’s directly connected to Tocho via underground passage. Even on rainy, hot, or cold days, you can move comfortably — it’s the most convenient route for watching the light show.

② JR Shinjuku Station West Exit (about 10 minutes on foot)

If you’re using the JR Yamanote Line or similar, take the West Exit at Shinjuku Station and use the underground passage with the moving walkway. The signs (Tokyo Metropolitan Government) are clear, so you won’t get lost.

③ Best Viewing Spot: Center of Tocho Citizen’s Plaza

The light show is watched not from the 45F observatory, but from the 1F outdoor “Citizen’s Plaza.”

The entire eastern outer wall of the building becomes the screen, so if you stand too close to the building, the upper part gets cut off from view. The best place to take it all in at once is the center of the plaza or just slightly behind it.

5 Tips for the Best Viewing Experience

1. Aim for the first show

The first slot, which starts as soon as it gets dark, is the least crowded and the best for taking photos. The late slots after 21:00 are also less crowded and comfortable.

2. The 30-minute golden window after sunset

If it gets too dark, the texture of the outer wall itself can get washed out. Right after the magic hour — when the sky still has a hint of blue after sunset — is when the colors of the projection are most vivid.

3. Watch multiple programs from one spot

Each show is 30 minutes apart. If you stay in the plaza for about an hour, you can watch 2 to 3 different programs back-to-back. We recommend watching the show and then heading to the Shinjuku Station area for a late dinner.

4. Stroller & wheelchair friendly

Because of how the Tocho building is designed, ramps and elevator routes are perfectly arranged. The on-site security staff will kindly guide you along the route.

5. Check weather on SNS before visiting

In rain, strong winds, or other bad weather, the show may be cancelled without notice. Be sure to check the official X (Twitter) account (@tocho_tenbou) before heading out.

➡️ Check announcements on SNS (@tocho_tenbou)

Among Tokyo's many dazzling night-view spots, Tocho is the only one where free, large-scale projection works pour out every single night.

If you set aside just one hour between 7 and 8 in the evening during your Shinjuku itinerary, you can take home unforgettable photos and memories. The classic Shinjuku night-view course is to watch the sunset and night view from the 45F observatory of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, then come back down to the 1F to watch the light show — see the Tocho 45F observatory guide for the full route, and don't miss out.

🧡 Related Tokyo travel guides

👉 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory: Free Night View from Tocho 45F

👉 Things to Do in Shinjuku: Shinjuku Gyoen, Food, Shopping, and Golden Gai

👉 Shinjuku Golden Gai vs Omoide Yokocho: Tokyo's Best After-Dark Alleys