If you’re doing some last-minute Christmas shopping in Tokyo, try and swing by some of these locations where you’ll find the best seasonal yet unorthodox designer Christmas trees.
Kinetic Christmas tree at Mikimoto Ginza by we+
If you’re in the Ginza area, swing by the Mikimoto’s flagship store where design studio we+ (Toshiya Hayashi and Hokuto Ando) have installed a 7 x 7 meter Christmas tree. It’s made from about 150 gold, silver and red ribbons that randomly and repeatedly stretch and contract.
Origami Christmas Tree at Andaz Tokyo by Yuko Nishimura
On the 51st floor lobby of the Andaz Tokyo in Toranomon Hills, paper artist Yuko Nishimura has created an origami Christmas tree. “A fold of paper represents a new memory formed,” explains the hotel, noting that the many repetitive folds are meant to symbolize the layer of memories that forms a story.
Plush Christmas Tree in Roppongi Hills by Domino Architects
If you find yourself exhausted and in need of a nap, head over to Roppongi Hills where, situated in the West Walk section, you’ll find a plush Christmas tree made entirely from soft and stretchy knitted fabric. Yusuke Oono of Domino Architects knows exactly what tired shoppers need.
Northern Lights Christmas Tree at Omotesando Hills by Keiko + Manabu
My travels haven’t yet taken me to the arctic regions to see the Northern lights but the next best thing (at least in Tokyo) is this Northern Lights-inspired Christmas tree by Tokyo and Seattle-based creative team Keiko + Manabu. Installed at Omotesando Hills, the tree and “icicles” light up in 20-minute intervals, delivering a colorful curtain of light.
White Kitte at Kitte by Suppose Design Office
The White Kitte Christmas tree is the only one that’s been around for several years now. But there’s a reason why it returns year-after-year to the shopping complex Kitte. Designed by Makoto Tanijiri of Suppose Design Office, the installation creates a wintry wonderland that looks like a piece of Norwegian winter landscape has been cut out and pasted into Tokyo.
