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Caretta Shiodome

3.9
·7k reviews·Minato City, Japan

A modern mall featuring stunning winter illuminations and restaurants with panoramic views of Tokyo Bay.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter evenings (Nov-Feb)

Magical light shows and festive vibes

CrowdHigh
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美しい・・・

Caretta Shiodome

Best Time

Winter evenings (Nov-Feb)

Magical light shows and festive vibes

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A modern mall featuring stunning winter illuminations and restaurants with panoramic views of Tokyo Bay.

3.9
(7k reviews)

"Home to some nice restaurants, especially on 46-47 floor. Recommended for dinner, especially on a clear night."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Lights

Shows start at 5 PM. Queue early to get a good spot for the popular winter illumination.

🍽️ Dinner with a View

Book restaurants on the 46-47th floors for stunning night views of Tokyo Bay.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Winter Illumination

Winter Illumination

Ground floor plaza

Mesmerizing light displays and musical shows, often themed, create a magical winter atmosphere.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

46th-47th floor restaurants

Dine with breathtaking vistas of Tokyo Bay and the city skyline, especially captivating at night.

Culinary Delights

Culinary Delights

Various restaurants

From exquisite unagi to delicious curry, find highly-rated dining experiences within the complex.

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Planning Your Visit

Winter Illumination Timing

The popular winter illumination runs from November to February. Shows typically start at 5 PM, with special musical light shows every 15 minutes and hourly features. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially on weekends.

Dining with a View

Restaurants on the 46th-47th floors offer stunning views of Tokyo Bay, particularly beautiful on clear nights. Consider booking a table for dinner to combine a meal with the illumination or city skyline.

Best Times

When
Winter evenings (Nov-Feb)
Why
Magical light shows and festive vibes
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays before 5 PM
Why
Fewer crowds for dining
Crowd
Low
When
Clear nights
Why
Best city and bay views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Relatively New to Tokyo - Restaurants with the Best City Views?

🎯 Arrive Early for Lights

Shows start at 5 PM. Queue early to get a good spot for the popular winter illumination. Reddit

🍽️ Dinner with a View

Book restaurants on the 46-47th floors for stunning night views of Tokyo Bay. Reddit

reddit.com

Better Neighborhood for first night in Tokyo?

reddit.com

Minato City hotel - good choice?

🍛 Taste the Best Curry

Don't miss the highly-rated curry spot mentioned by visitors for an authentic taste. Reddit

✨ Stay for Multiple Shows

You can stay for several light shows once you've entered the viewing area. Reddit

reddit.com

Moving to Minato (Northern part), any tips, suggestions?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Lights

Shows start at 5 PM. Queue early to get a good spot for the popular winter illumination. Reddit

🍽️ Dinner with a View

Book restaurants on the 46-47th floors for stunning night views of Tokyo Bay. Reddit

🍛 Taste the Best Curry

Don't miss the highly-rated curry spot mentioned by visitors for an authentic taste. Reddit

✨ Stay for Multiple Shows

You can stay for several light shows once you've entered the viewing area. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Caretta Shiodome is highly praised for its spectacular winter illumination and the breathtaking views from its upper-floor restaurants. Visitors rave about the quality of food, especially unagi and curry, and the magical atmosphere created by the light shows. While the illumination is a major draw, some find the shows themselves to be short.

"Very nice and popular Christmas Time attraction. The light show starts at 1700. The best part for my fellow travelers is that the train station is just underneath the is attraction. Lots of food options on the inside of mall but this little curry spot that I have posted pics of was they best curry in all of Japan if you ask me😋😋😋"

teshowme marshall

"Home to some nice restaurants, especially on 46-47 floor. Recommended for dinner, especially on a clear night, you can see a very beautiful view of Tokyo Bay. In winter, you can see a beautiful winter illumination, recommended!"

Randy Chandra

"Lights were beautiful to see at night. The light show was nice, but very short. You can view the show from nearby shops or open places, but can also walk through the exhibit if you wait in line or queue. Once you make it into the show, you can stay for multiple shows."

LeWayne Ballard

What People Like

Spectacular winter illumination
Stunning bay and city views
Excellent unagi and curry

What People Dislike

Light shows can be short

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Caretta Shiodome is conveniently located directly beneath the Shiodome Station, accessible via the Oedo and Yurikamome subway lines. This makes it incredibly easy to reach via public transport. Reddit

Yes, it's in the Shiodome area, which is close to Ginza for shopping and the Hamarikyu Gardens for a peaceful escape. It's also a good base if you're exploring the Odaiba area. Reddit

While it's a bit of a walk (around 20-25 minutes), you can walk from Tokyo Station through the Marunouchi district towards Shiodome. Alternatively, a short subway ride is recommended. Reddit

The Oedo Line and Yurikamome Line both stop directly at Shiodome Station, which is connected to Caretta Shiodome. These are your most direct options. Reddit

Yes, Caretta Shiodome has parking facilities. However, given Tokyo's excellent public transport, using the subway is often more convenient and cost-effective. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the main illumination plaza is generally free. However, for the special musical shows, you might need to queue or wait for entry into the viewing area. Reddit

The winter illumination typically runs from November to February, with shows starting around 5 PM daily. Specific timings for musical shows are usually every 15 minutes and hourly. Reddit

There are no admission fees to enter the restaurants on the 46th-47th floors. You only pay for your food and drinks. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner. Reddit

Caretta Shiodome features a museum, though its exhibits can change. Check their official website for current exhibitions and opening hours. Reddit

While the general viewing area is free, you can walk through the illuminated paths. If you wish to stay for multiple shows, you may need to queue again or wait in designated areas. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The light show is a popular winter attraction featuring dazzling LED lights synchronized with music. Themes often vary annually, with past shows including Aladdin and other Disney-inspired performances. Reddit

Individual musical shows are relatively short, often around 5-10 minutes. However, you can stay and watch multiple shows back-to-back once you are in the viewing area. Reddit

The main plaza offers the most immersive experience. You can also view parts of the display from nearby shops or open areas, but the direct view is best. Reddit

While the illumination is family-friendly, the primary draw is the light show and dining. The mall itself has various shops that might appeal to older children. Reddit

Caretta Shiodome is a shopping mall featuring a variety of retail stores, from fashion and accessories to lifestyle goods. It's a good place for some retail therapy. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The 46th and 47th floors house numerous restaurants offering diverse cuisines with spectacular views. Visitors highly recommend specific spots for unagi (eel) and curry. Reddit

Absolutely! Many restaurants on the upper floors are designed to provide panoramic views of Tokyo Bay, especially stunning on clear evenings. Booking in advance is advised. Reddit

While some high-end restaurants offer fine dining with views, there are also more casual eateries and food courts within the mall that can cater to different budgets. Reddit

Reviews frequently praise the unagi (eel) and curry dishes available. Exploring the various restaurants on the upper floors will reveal a wide range of Japanese and international options. Reddit

For restaurants on the 46th-47th floors, especially those with prime views, reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during peak hours and the winter illumination season. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The winter illumination itself is a prime photo spot, especially with the musical light shows. The panoramic views from the upper floors also offer incredible cityscape and bay photos. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the light shows. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash that might disrupt the experience for others. Reddit

For the illumination, dusk and nighttime are ideal. For city views from the restaurants, a clear evening just after sunset provides a beautiful transition from day to night. Reddit

Tripod usage might be restricted in crowded areas, especially during the illumination shows. It's best to check specific venue rules or opt for handheld shots to be safe. Reddit

Use a tripod if possible for sharper images in low light. Experiment with longer exposure times and a slightly higher ISO. A wider aperture can also help capture the lights. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Caretta Shiodome offers a family-friendly experience, especially during the winter months. The winter illumination is a major draw, providing a visually stimulating and magical environment that children often find captivating. The musical light shows are engaging, and the sheer scale of the display can be awe-inspiring for younger visitors. Reddit

While the dining options on the upper floors might lean towards more adult-oriented experiences, there are usually more casual eateries or food courts within the mall that can cater to family needs. The convenience of being directly connected to Shiodome Station also makes it easy to access with children via public transport. Consider visiting earlier in the evening before peak crowds to ensure a more comfortable experience for the whole family. Reddit

💑 Couples

For couples, Caretta Shiodome presents a perfect blend of romance and spectacle. The winter illumination provides a magical backdrop for a date night, with its dazzling lights and enchanting music creating an intimate atmosphere. Walking through the illuminated displays hand-in-hand is a classic romantic experience. Reddit

Coupled with a dinner at one of the restaurants offering stunning views of Tokyo Bay and the city skyline, it makes for an unforgettable evening. Booking a table with a window seat in advance is highly recommended to maximize the romantic ambiance. The combination of visual beauty and fine dining makes Caretta Shiodome a top choice for couples visiting Tokyo. Reddit

🍽️ Foodies

Caretta Shiodome is a destination for food lovers, particularly those seeking high-quality Japanese cuisine with a view. The restaurants on the 46th and 47th floors are celebrated for their culinary offerings, with specific mentions of exceptional unagi (eel) and flavorful curry dishes that have garnered significant praise from visitors. Reddit

Exploring the diverse range of dining establishments allows foodies to discover authentic tastes and unique culinary experiences. Whether you're looking for traditional Japanese fare or international flavors, the upper floors offer a sophisticated gastronomic journey. Pairing these delicious meals with the spectacular city views elevates the dining experience to another level. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Winter Illumination

Caretta Shiodome is renowned for its spectacular winter illumination, a must-see event that transforms the plaza into a dazzling wonderland from November to February. The displays are not just static lights; they are often synchronized with music, creating immersive light shows that captivate visitors of all ages. Past themes have included popular franchises, adding an extra layer of excitement. The shows typically begin around 5 PM, with frequent musical performances every 15 minutes and hourly specials featuring beloved songs. Reddit

To make the most of this experience, arriving early is key, especially on weekends or holidays, as the area can get quite crowded. While the main viewing area is free, securing a prime spot requires some patience. Visitors can often stay to watch multiple shows once inside the designated viewing zone. The combination of vibrant lights, enchanting music, and the crisp winter air creates a truly memorable atmosphere, making it a highlight for many visiting Tokyo during the holiday season. Reddit

Beyond the main plaza, the surrounding areas of the mall are also decorated, adding to the festive ambiance. It's a perfect opportunity for photography, capturing the magic of the season. Remember to check the official Caretta Shiodome website for the specific theme and schedule for the year you plan to visit, as it can change annually. Reddit

Dining with Unforgettable Views

The 46th and 47th floors of Caretta Shiodome are home to a collection of restaurants that offer more than just a meal; they provide breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and the city skyline. On a clear night, diners can gaze out at the illuminated cityscape, the Rainbow Bridge, and the distant Tokyo Tower, creating a truly romantic and impressive dining experience. This makes it a popular choice for special occasions or a memorable evening out. Reddit

Visitors frequently rave about the quality of food available, with specific mentions of exceptional unagi (eel) and delicious curry. These culinary highlights, combined with the stunning vistas, make dining at Caretta Shiodome a standout experience. It's advisable to make reservations, particularly for restaurants offering the best views, as they tend to be in high demand, especially during the winter illumination season. Reddit

Whether you're seeking a sophisticated dinner or a more casual meal, the variety of restaurants ensures there's something for everyone. The opportunity to enjoy world-class cuisine while overlooking one of the world's most dynamic cities is a significant draw for visitors to the Shiodome area. Reddit

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