Pure gold Christmas tree gives Tokyo a $1.8-million sparkle

A gold Christmas tree decorated with 19 kilograms of pure gold wires, is displayed for sale for ¥200 million ($1.8 million dollars) at the Ginza Tanaka store in Tokyo, Japan, November 21, 2016. REUTERS/Toru Hanai

A $1.8-million gold Christmas tree added extra sparkle to downtown Tokyo on Monday ahead of the holiday season.

The special Christmas tree is made of 19 kilograms (42 pounds) of pure gold processed into 1-millimeter gold wire and stands about 2 meters (6.6 feet) high.

Ginza Tanaka, a luxury jewelry store in a famous Tokyo shopping district, displayed the tree to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the shop and to help spread Christmas cheer.

"In the current situation where the global economy is suffering as a result of economic instabilities like Brexit, we made this gold Christmas tree hoping it will wipe out gloomy news and provide a bright and shiny future," said Ginza Tanka store manager Takahiro Ito.

Above and below are close-up views of the gold wires and ornaments that make up the Christmas tree. REUTERS/Toru Hanai

The tree is for sale, but most customers just enjoy looking at it.

The gold Christmas tree will be displayed in the Ginza store until December 25. — Reuters