Tokyo Events For December 2024

Autumn Elegance

Rikugien Gardens Autumn Leaves Light Up

One of the most popular spots to see autumn foliage in Tokyo, the Rikugien Gardens will hold a special light-up event, displaying the fusion of autumn leaves and illumination lights. The majestic reflection of the brightly lit-up Japanese garden on the pond is perfect for a romantic night out with your significant other.

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Attend The GaijinPot Expo 2024

GaijinPot Expo 2024 is the sixth edition of the leading showcase for companies looking to hire foreign employees, along with those showcasing their products and services. We had a record-breaking turnout last year, with over 35 exhibiting companies and foreign entrepreneurs and 822 attendees and expect even higher attendance this year.

Cultural Expo

Philippine Festival 2024

See, taste, and feel the vibes from the beautiful Philippines at this lively festival, the largest of its kind in Japan, which attracts over 150 thousand visitors annually. The lively stage performances of various traditional Filipino dances and popular pop artists from the country will make your weekend buzz with excitement.

Smooth Seductions

Whisky Festival

Anyone over 20 can join this drink festival, currently celebrating its 11th anniversary. Free cocktails from famous bartenders, finger food and over 80 whisky brands will gather for an elegant weekend dedicated to the smooth drink.

Fall is A-maize-ing

Mount Takao Maple Leaf Festival

If you're looking to spend a day in nature, look no further than Mount Takao. Less than two hours from Shinjuku, Mount Takao attracts thousands of tourists each year for its breathtaking autumn foliage. Whether you hike all the way up or take the chairlift to the summit, don't miss out on this seasonal treat.

Satisfy Your Inner Geek

Tokyo Comic Con

What started out as Golden State Comic Book Convention in 1970, Comic Con is now an event that incorporates technology and pop culture. Unlike other conventions in Japan, anime and cosplay festivals specifically, Tokyo Comic Con keeps its “American” style foundation with non-Japanese fandoms such as Marvel, DC, Harry Potter, and more.

Festive Concert

Ave Maria In Christmas

A special Christmas program with the Vienna Chamber String Orchestra featuring sopranos Alexa Dorottya Szabó and Csenge Anna Bégány. No children under primary school age permitted. In addition to several Tokyo concerts, the orchestra will also be playing concerts in Osaka, Gifu and Kanagawa. See the website below for further details.

A Cozy Christmas

Pool Garden Christmas Dinner

Pool Garden began as a second family home turned community filled with friends and volunteers who host Western-style events throughout the year. For Christmas, why not join in on the fun and attend Pool Garden's third Christmas dinner? Sit back, relax and enjoy an eat-all-you-can style meal as you make new friends. There's turkey, mince pie, eggnog, pudding and many more on the menu. Be sure to reserve a slot before they run out!

Trendy Supplies

Bungujoshi Stationery Festival

This one's for all you stationery lovers out there. If you’re looking to refreshen your office or school supplies for the new year, this event is the best place to do it. The Bungujoshi Stationery Festival is the biggest stationery festival in Japan with over 50,000 items from 120 companies to check out. As well as offers from big-name brands and artisan suppliers, there will also be a variety of limited edition items and brand new creations to discover too.

Old Is Gold

Oedo Antique Market

Inspired by traditional flea markets in Europe, this treasure hunting event brings together serious antique collectors and handmade artists displaying rare objects for bargain prices. Stop by to find your own new gem for your home and wardrobe!

Art and About

Xmas Art Festa 2024

Ginza galleries a voluntary organization consisting of multiple galleries in the Ginza area, is hosting a special festive event for art lovers. Xmas Art Festa will have each participating gallery run special exhibitions which showcase various artworks, from museum-class masterpieces to traditional pictures or potteries to contemporary arts.

Treasure Galore

Setagaya Boroichi Flea Market

This flea market is a true treasure-hunting spot that offers bits of something for everyone. With an impressive lineup of stalls selling various keepsakes from kimono and clothing to pottery, handicrafts, souvenirs and toys. The market is a popular attraction, with thousands of visitors every year.

Christmas Cheer

Shibuya Christmas Festival

If you find yourself in downtown Tokyo, don't forget to drop by the Shibuya Christmas Festival. The first of two installments is set to happen this weekend so be sure to catch it! Grab a warm drink, find a present and enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones.

The Sound of Music

Broadway Christmas Wonderland 2024

Filled with everything festive about the Christmas holidays, this breathtaking production fit for the whole family lets you experience Christmas music performed by superb singers, accompanied by delightful dancing, magnificent scenery and exquisite costumes. If you haven't quite been feeling Christmas-y this season, this show will give you all the holiday feels.

Momoko Sakura Exhibition

Ever grow up watching Chibi Maruko-chan? The beloved characted grew in popularity in the 1980's through shoujo manga magazine and then became an anime in the 1990's. Detailing the everyday life of a girl living in the suburbs. Now's your chance to see more of Momoko Sakura's original work through this exhibit running until January.

Blue and Yellow

Leo Lionni And His Circle Of Friends

This exhibit highlights the life and works of Leo Lionni. Learn about his early life and childhood that was filled with art and creativity. Then, follow his journey to Italy and America where his career in the arts and advertising flourished. To his most notable works as a picture book author of 27 books.

Find Your Savviest Seasonal Buys At These Holiday Markets

Best Christmas Markets In And Around Tokyo

You know Christmas is coming when you find yourself at one of many Europe-inspired markets in around town. Here are our top picks of Christmas bazaars and markets in and near Tokyo for 2024.

All Of The Lights

Tokyo Mega Illumination Tunnel

Spend an evening at one of Tokyo's best illumination or light up events with your family and friends. Topping the charts for two consecutive years in a row, the Tokyo Mega Illumination has tons of great eats and photo spots.

Simple And Stylish

Bunkamura Happy Holidays

Bunkamura will help make the Christmas and New Year home time even more enjoyable, and will provide gifts for the loved ones you couldn't see this year. There will also be special restaurant menus and special events too.

Slide Your Way

Ice Skating at Tokyo Midtown

The outdoor ice skating rink at Tokyo Midtown is one of the largest in the city, with a capacity of 210 people. It’s perfect for beginners and advanced skaters alike, and children are welcome, making this a great family outing right in the center of the city. For a fun, romantic date option head to the rink after 5 p.m., when the lights on the surrounding trees are switched on.

To The Infinity Castle

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Exhibition of Hashira

Don't miss out on this special Demon Slayer exhibit happening at the Creative Museum Tokyo for a limited time. This exhibit features the nine Hashira or the highest ranking Demon Slayers in the Demon Slayers Corp. See over 1,000 drawings of the different Hashira and learn more about them through this immersive exhibit. Fans of the anime can also reserve seats at the themed cafe after their visit.

Savvy's Guide To A City Of Light

Tokyo’s Winter Illuminations For 2024-25

It’s that time of the year again when the whole of Tokyo is covered by stunning festivals of light in all shapes and forms. Whether alone, with a partner or with family and friends, these lights will make your holiday a little more special, joyful and warm. Here are our top picks for this year!

Lots To Eat

Grand Hyatt's Festive New Year Lunch & Dinner

Celebrate the New Year by devouring a traditional New Year 'osechi' feast and more at the Grand Hyatt. All seven of their restaurants will be offering beautiful lunch and dinner courses with their own touch of variety.

Fun for the Whole Family

Happy New Year Tokyo

An event designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, Happy New Year Tokyo is a free New Years gathering by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Look forward to performances by performing arts groups and Tomoyuki Tanaka (FPM) and a lights show using projection mapping. Welcome 2025 in Shinjuku!

Dance, Dance, Dance

Liquid Room New Year Party 2025

Can't get enough of electronic music? Start the night early and head to Liquid Room in Shibuya. Dance to beats by 石野卓球, group_inou, パソコン音楽クラブ and 砂原良徳 to name a few. All you need to do is bring your best pair of dancing shoes to ring in the New Year.

Itadakimasu 2024

New Year Course at The Peninsula

Perched high on the 24th floor with stellar views of Tokyo's Imperial Palace Gardens and Hibiya Park, The Peninsula Tokyo's Peter is a refreshing dining destination offering the Peninsula standards of sophistication in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Here they will be serving up an exquisite six-course dinner to bid 2024 farewell and ring in the New Year.

Foxes of Japanese Legend

Oji Shozoku Enoki New Year's Eve

Head to Oji in Kita Ward to celebrate New Year's Eve like never before. Shozoku Inari-jinja is said to enshrine the Shozoku Enoki tree which, according to Japanese legend, was the tree that foxes from all over Japan were said to have gathered on the night of New Year's Eve. See a reenactment by local volunteers as they make their way from Shozoku Inari Shrine to Oji Inari Shrine.

Celebrating the New Year

Japanese New Years Events at New Hotel Otani

For guests staying over at the New Hotel Otani, look forward to a handful of traditional Japanese New Years activities! From tea ceremonies to mochi pounding and a shamisen concert, experience the best of Japanese New Years traditions with your loved ones.

A New Year's Prayer

SHIBUYA SKY x First Visit of the Year

Take part in a Japanese New Year's tradition and spend the first sunrise of 2025 at Shibuya Sky. The observation deck is 229 meters above ground and is also the first place in Shibuya to see the sunrise. As you watch the sun come up, a Shinto priest of Konno Hachimangu Shrine will be present to perform a New Year's Prayer. During the ritual, special amulets will be distributed to attendees.

Akemashite Omedeto

New Year’s Kabuki Performance

Here’s an alternative way to celebrate the new year. Enjoy a mesmerizing Kabuki dance and music recital with this unique event. A great way to start your new year in a very traditional Japanese way!

New Year, New Musical

New Years Musical Concert 2024

The Theatre Orb invites all to a perfect occasion to celebrate a joyful start to the New Year! This star-studded concert featuring J. Harrison Ghee, Jon Robyns, Jacob Dickey, Courtney Reed and Willemijn Verkaik will offer iconic musical numbers performed by top-class singers and actors.

Classical New Beginning

New Year Concert 2025

Start the new year with an afternoon of music at the New Japan Philharmonic. The program will feature performances by conductor Takeshi Ooi, soprano Aiko Sakurai, and violist, Maiko Takimoto.