Community Events
1.
Neriya Kanaya: Japanese Sake & Kokuto Shochu Techno Night
Organized by Meet My Amami and Hatachi no Sake Project and in special collaboration with Nishihira Distillery, this event brings Japanese alcohol to the front and center. The name of the event, “Neriya Kanaya,” means “paradise beyond the sea” or “utopia” in the Amami Oshima dialect, and was chosen because the organizers’ goal is a world where everyone enjoys alcohol from Japan’s remote islands.
At the event, you can try sake by Obata Sake Brewery from Sado Island, Niigata and brown sugar shochu by Nishihira Distillery from Amami Oshima in Kagoshima.
There will also be a DJ lineup, namely Amika_rdashian, Koki (Systems), Meleetime (Masala), Guchon and Dogeatingdogs.
Date & Time | Dec 22, 2023・18:00-23:30 |
Price | Advanced ¥1,800 | At door ¥2,000 |
Location | Mugi no Oto / Hey-rasshai / BRAIAN BAR |
More Info | Includes one drink |
2.
Trunk Hotel Winter Market 2023
Head down to Trunk Hotel in Shibuya for its “Old Meets New” winter market — dedicated to finding the value in older items.
Over a mug of hot wine or a glass of sangria, take part in paid workshops in upcycling, and shop for the perfect gifts for loved ones this festive season.
Date & Time | Dec 22-25 2023・11:00-21:00・December 22 15:00-22:00 |
Price | Free |
Location | TRUNK HOTEL |
3.
Christmas Dinner Live Show at Sphinx
Sphinx, a new Egyptian restaurant in Iidabashi throws a party for Christmas weekend. The corner restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating is offering a special Christmas menu and shisha for those interested. More Than Music is setting up a communal vibe with music to match the Christmas atmosphere of a dinner and mixer.
Three musicians are performing on the night: FiJA, Yusuke Morita and Isafat.
Date & Time | Dec 24, 2023・18:00~ |
Price | Admission ¥3,500 | MTM Members ¥0 (sign up for MTM membership) |
Location | SPHINX |
4.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King at The National Ballet of Japan
A beloved holiday tradition, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King returns this winter. There will be 17 performances from December 22 to January 8 as a special Christmas and New Year treat. This production features splendid, fast-paced choreography with some humor by Wayne Eagling mixed in. The rich colors of the sets and costumes create an atmosphere somewhere between a dream and reality.
Date & Time | Dec 22, 2023-Jan 8, 2024・19:00~・Performance time varies on the day |
Price | S ¥14,850 | A ¥12,650 | B ¥9,350 | C ¥6,050 | D ¥4,950 |
Location | New National Theatre, Tokyo |
5.
Ballpark Fantasia at Yokohama Stadium
Kids can delight in the illuminations and activities at Ballpark Fantasia, which includes a super photo spot in the stadium. A 5-meter-high Jenga set is sure to delight as a photo opportunity, joining giant cards and glowing illuminations. At night the area becomes a disco, lit up for all to enjoy. There are various other activities to try too.
Date & Time | Dec 09-17 2023・10:00-20:00・Time varies according to day |
Price | Prices varies according to time slot |
Location | Yokohama Stadium |
Art Exhibitions
6.
Tohaku Chakan at the Tokyo National Museum
The Tokyo National Museum is hosting Tohaku Chakan (teahouse) in its Okyokan, a traditional Japanese house on the museum premises until January 28. A variety of food, beverages and activities have been prepared for visitors to enjoy Japanese culture. Visitors can also appreciate the 270-year-old house and the reproduced fusuma paintings by Maruyama Okyo, one of the master painters during the Edo period (1603-1868). Participate in activities such as a Kyoto kimono dressing experience, Zen Kokyu breathing method and a bonsai workshop. Enjoy traditional Japanese meals, Japanese sake Aramasa and Japanese whisky made with local ingredients at Okyokan.
Date & Time | Jul 14, 2023-Jan 28, 2024・10:00-16:30・Last order at 16:00 | Closed on Mondays (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday), from December 23 - January 1, and other holidays. |
Price | ¥1,000 |
More Info | Admission to the event requires admission fees to the Tokyo National Museum. |
7.
Hello Again: Christmas at Ginza Six
This year, Ginza Six returns to celebrate the Christmas period with “Hello Again,” in collaboration with creative studio YAR. The exhibition pays homage to the Nakagin Capsule Tower Building, a portion of which has been rebuilt in Ginza as an art installation for viewers to enjoy.
There is also a skating rink available for use on the rooftop garden, as well as a special Christmas menu at the in-house restaurant.
Date & Time | Nov 17, 2023-Jan 21, 2024・14:00-21:00・Open from 11 on weekends and holidays |
Price | ¥2,000 for adult skating, including shoe rental |
Location | GINZA SIX |
More Info | Discount available for children |
8.
Yayoi Kusama Museum: Visionary Colors Exhibition
“Visionary Colors” is the latest exhibition at the Yayoi Kusama Museum and includes a host of new artworks. As you enter, on the first floor, the exhibition introduces Kusama’s distinctive color expression with her three-dimensional work and large-scale painting from the 1980s and 90s. In the quadriptych “Soul Burning Flashes (A.B.Q),” visitors can absorb the striking motifs that emerged from her childhood hallucinations.
On the second-floor gallery, there’s an overview of Kusama’s color expression from the early stages of her career. In the 1949 painting “Lingering Dream,” viewers can observe dark yet surreal colors.
Date & Time | Nov 9, 2023-Mar 24, 2024・11:00-17:30・90-minute time slots available |
Price | ¥1,100 | ¥600 for children aged 6-18 | Free for children under 6 |
Location | Kusamayayoi Museum |
More Info | Tickets must be booked in advance online |
9.
Accidentally Wes Anderson Returns to Tokyo
Following the huge success of the “Accidentally Wes Anderson” exhibition in spring, it is returning to Tokyo to share over 300 photos from all over the world, as well as a brand-new section dedicated to a recent Antarctic adventure.
The exhibition features landscape photographs that embody the aesthetic world and spirit of film director Wes Anderson, led by the eponymous Instagram community, that now has over 1.88 million followers.
Date & Time | Nov 25-Dec 28 2023・11:00-19:00 |
Price | Tickets from ¥2,000 |
Location | Hikarie Hall |
More Info | Discounts available for university and high school student |
10.
Kaneko Tomiyuki Solo Exhibition Apotropaic Deities at the Mizuma Art Gallery
The latest exhibition at the Mizuma Art Gallery features Yamagata-based artist Tomiyuki Kaneko. Focusing on deities, spirits and yokai, Kaneko works to materialize spiritual beings that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Date & Time | Nov 22-Dec 23 2023・12:00-19:00・Closed on Sundays, Mondays & holidays |
Price | Free |
Location | Mizuma Art Gallery |
10.
Aryo Toh Djojo’s Solo Exhibition at Perrotin Tokyo
Perrotin Tokyo is pleased to present “Over My Head,” the first solo exhibition in Asia by Los Angeles-based artist Aryo Toh Djojo. This is the first time for the artist to incorporate elements such as film and found photography in his work, further exploring the notion of how we perceive truth.
The show debuts a new body of paintings alluding to the artist’s continued interest in UFO sightings and the socio-political discourses that have arisen throughout history as a result.
Date & Time | Nov 15-Dec 27 2023・11:00-19:00 |
Price | Free |
Location | Perrotin |
11.
Touching Transcendence and Influences at Ultra Super New Gallery
Based in Tokyo and Florence, Zerofeedback is an independent publisher, with a focus on contemporary photography, design and culture. This December, it returns to Tokyo for a two-part exhibition at Harajuku’s Ultra Super New Gallery.
Featuring work from 22 artists, “Touching Transcendence” delves into the metaphorical significance of the hand as a conduit between the divine and humanity, as well as the hand’s role in nonverbal communication.
“Influences” showcases the final three issues of the Zerofeedback publication, including mixed media explorations of Japan by Alex Harrison and Thomas Knott, as well as symbolic color interplay by Stéphanie Pineau and Sohei Nakanishi.
Date & Time | Dec 09-22 2023・11:00-19:00・Closed on Mondays |
Price | Free |
Location | UltraSuperNew |
Pop-Up Stores
12.
Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Café and Shop
In preparation for the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty in 2024, goods from the new “Future in Our Eyes” series are on sale in Sanrio shops and online.
Additionally, two Sanrio Cafés have opened in Ikebukuro and Kamakura. There’s a limited edition food menu available.
Date & Time | Nov 01-Dec 31 2023・10:00-21:00・Last order 20:00 |
Price | Price varies according to stock |
Location | Sanrio Cafe Ikebukuro-B1 Level Sunshine City |
13.
Sumikko Gurashi Themed Café Opens in Tokyo
To celebrate the upcoming release of the Sumikko Gurashi: Mysterious Encounters at the Tsugihagi Factory, a Sumikko Gurashi themed café is open for a limited time in Tokyo.
Enjoy a Kuma Factory Manager sandwich, or a Sumikko-themed mille-feuille, to commemorate the highly-anticipated third Sumikko film. Original goods are available for purchase at the café.
Date & Time | Nov 2, 2023-Jan 8, 2024・10:00-20:20・Every seating is limited to 80 minutes |
Price | 650¥ reservation deposit required |
Location | BOX cafe&space |
Seasonal Events
14.
Christmas Market at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Get into the Christmas spirit with the 14th edition of the Yokohama Christmas market, bringing stalls and produce from Germany to grace its red bricks. From hot wine and illuminations to snow globes and a choir, head to the warehouse for some festive fun. Pick up a few gifts along the way too.
Date & Time | Nov 24-Dec 25 2023・11:00-21:00・Until 22:00 in the period between Dec 9 and Dec 25 |
Price | ¥500 |
Location | Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse |
More Info | ¥300 with app |
15.
Ginza Six Rooftop Skating Rink
The Ginza Six rooftop garden becomes a skating rink this winter. It uses resin instead of ice, which is eco-friendly as it does not not use electricity and guests’ clothes don’t get wet. Christmas decorations are hung on the trees around the rink, and customers can enjoy glittering illuminations at night. In addition, a star tower is installed in the center of the skating rink.
Date & Time | Dec 1, 2022-Jan 31, 2023・11:00-20:00 |
Price | From ¥300-¥2,000 |
Location | GINZA SIX |
16.
Marunouchi Illumination 2023
As with every year, around 340 trees on both sides of Naka-dori in Marunouchi are brightly lit by about 1.2 million champagne gold lights. The light trail stretches along Tokyo Torch Park and Otemachi Naka-dori. Around Tokyo Torch Terrace, terrace seats are available at many restaurants and cafés. It’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the illuminations.
Date & Time | Dec 1, 2022-Feb 18, 2024・15:00-00:00 |
Price | Free |
Location | Marunouchi Naka-Dori Ave. |
17.
Hibiya Magic Time Illumination 2023
The concept for this event is “Best Wishes.” Hibiya is a town that frequently appears in movies and television dramas, making it the best place to take a moment away from everyday life. The illuminations are champagne gold and amber, giving a warm and relaxing vibe to the whole area. Go to the Park View Winter Garden on the sixth floor for more illuminations and a beautiful view of city lights and its light trails.
Date & Time | Dec 1, 2023-Feb 14, 2024・17:00-23:00 |
Price | Free |
Location | Tokyo Midtown Hibiya |
18.
Tokyo Mega Illuminations at Oi Racecourse
Both children and adults alike will be mesmerized by the upgraded rainbow water fountain light show. When visiting, allow yourself extra time — a circuit of the facilities takes about an hour and features many different illumination areas.
Visitors can go on pony rides in the pasture during the weekends and holidays.
Date & Time | Dec 1, 2023-Jan 8, 2024・16:30-21:00 |
Price | Adults from ¥1,000 |
Location | Oi Racecourse |
Afternoon Tea and Seasonal Menus
19.
Festive Afternoon Tea at The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon
In celebration of this year’s festive season, The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon offers a splendid afternoon tea at the Lobby Bar. From raspberry mousse with a Santa Claus beard to a wreath-shaped pistachio cake and some winter stollen, sample your seasonal favorites with a Christmas twist.
Date & Time | Nov 21, 2023-Jan 8, 2024・07:30-23:30 |
Price | ¥9,500 with fine tea selection |
Location | Lobby Bar |
More Info | ¥14,000 with a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs |
20.
Vegan Afternoon Tea at the Tokyo Marriott Hotel
This winter, a vegan afternoon tea is available at the Tokyo Marriott Hotel. Inspired by seasonal flavors, the hotel chefs have curated a spread of both savory and sweet treats, including homemade chocolate bars and a heart-warming borscht made with beetroot and vegan chicken.
Date & Time | Dec 1, 2023-Feb 29, 2024・13:00~・Served from 13:00 and 15:30 |
Price | ¥8,700 per person |
Location | Tokyo Marriott Hotel |
More Info | Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance, for minimum of 2 people |
21.
Festive Feast at The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon
The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon invites guests to come together over the festive period for a weekend feast at The Blue Room.
Guests can choose from a four- or 10-course meal. Indulge in the house chef’s specialities, from succulent scallop crudo to roast wagyu beef tenderloin.
Date & Time | Dec 23-26 2023・12:00-22:30 |
Price | ¥15,000 for 4 courses and a glass of sparkling wine |
Location | The Blue Room |
More Info | ¥21,000 for 10 courses |
More Things To Do in Tokyo
See what other activities Tokyo has to offer:
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- The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo — The Making of Harry Potter Finally Opens
- Visiting Real Life Locations From Haruki Murakami Novels in Tokyo
- 13 Unique Vending Machines in Tokyo
- 7 Places for Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony in Tokyo
- Shoutenguide: Tokyo’s Best Shopping Streets
- 35 Must-visit Museums and Galleries in Tokyo