Is the Chateau Square at Ebisu Garden Place Still Lit Up at Night?
So, I recently found myself in Tokyo with a friend, and we decided to check out Ebisu Garden Place. I’d heard so much about the Chateau Square
illuminations, and even though I knew the iconic chandelier was gone, I was still curious to see if the place still had that magical glow at night. Spoiler alert: it did, and it was so worth the trip.
The Journey to Ebisu
First off, let me tell you about the journey. My friend and I were coming from the Kanto region, but not exactly close to Tokyo. We left way too early (classic us), thinking we’d hit traffic or get lost. But nope, we arrived at Ebisu Station with an hour to spare. What did we do? We indulged in way too many snacks from the convenience store nearby. I mean, who can resist those melon pan and onigiri? Not us, apparently.
First Impressions of Ebisu Garden Place
When we finally made our way to Ebisu Garden Place, I was struck by how elegant it felt. The place has this European charm, with its cobblestone pathways and chic cafes. We wandered around for a bit, taking in the atmosphere and snapping way too many photos of random things (like a particularly photogenic potted plant). But the real star of the show was Chateau Square.
The Illuminations: Still Magical
As the sun set, the square started to light up. And let me tell you, it was breathtaking. Even without the chandelier, the illuminations were stunning. The lights wrapped around the trees and buildings, creating this warm, golden glow that felt like something out of a fairy tale. My friend and I just stood there for a moment, taking it all in. It was one of those “wow, I’m really here” moments. We even struck up a conversation with a local couple who were also admiring the lights. They told us that the illuminations are a year-round thing, which was a relief to hear. They also recommended a little café nearby for dessert, which we totally indulged in later. (Pro tip: try the matcha parfait. You’re welcome.)
Reflections and Quirks
Of course, no trip is perfect. I accidentally spilled a bit of my coffee while trying to take a selfie with the lights (classic clumsy me). And we may have overdone it with the snacks earlier, so dessert was a bit of a struggle. But honestly, those little imperfections made the experience even more memorable. It felt real, you know?
Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Ebisu Garden Place, and especially Chateau Square, has this timeless charm that makes you want to return. Whether it’s for the illuminations, the food, or just the vibe, it’s a spot that never disappoints. If you’re planning a visit, don’t overthink it—just go. And maybe go easy on the snacks beforehand.
Your Turn!
Have you been to Ebisu Garden Place? Did you catch the illuminations? Or maybe you have a favorite spot in Tokyo that feels just as magical? Share your stories and tips in the comments—I’d love to hear them! And if you’re planning a trip, let me know if you have any questions. I’m always happy to help a fellow traveler. 😊
