OfficialOn now© Momopy~commonswiki · CC BY-SA 3.0USJ's anime-and-game mega-event marks its 10th anniversary with five blockbuster Japanese titles, including the park debut of 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End' running into January 2027.
Until Mon, Jan 11, 2027 21:00 JST OsakaRequires a Studio Pass (1-day from around 8,600 yen); some Cool Japan attractions need a separate Express Pass.
OfficialOn now© Matryokeshi · CC BY-SA 3.0Hello Kitty's indoor theme park celebrates 35 years with ribbon-themed decor and 'The Quest of Wonders' — its first all-new main parade in a decade — running all the way through the end of 2026.
Until Thu, Dec 31, 2026 20:00 JST TokyoDay Passport at the gate: adults ¥3,900–6,900; children (3–17, incl. high-school students) and seniors (65+) ¥2,800–5,800 — the price depends on the date. The official e-Passport is ¥100 cheaper (official site, checked 25 Sep 2026).
OfficialOn now© Cabeza2000 · CC BY-SA 4.0The world's only ocean-themed Disney park turns 25 with a year-long 'Sparkling Jubilee' — a new harbor show, the 'Dance the Globe!' production and 'Jubilee Blue' decor across all eight ports.
Until Wed, Mar 31, 2027 21:00 JST TokyoRequires a Tokyo DisneySea park ticket (1-day from around 7,900 yen, price varies by date).
OfficialOn now© おにく · CC BY-SA 3.0The 2026–27 season runs 17 October 2026 – 31 May 2027 (closed 6–7 Jan). Advance tickets cost ¥2,500–3,000 with a ¥1,000 voucher; 23–25 December needs a date-specific ticket (checked 2026-10-14).
Until Mon, May 31, 2027 23:59 JST Across JapanConvenience-store advance ¥2,500 (17 Oct–20 Nov, 1 Mar–31 May) / ¥3,000 (21 Nov–22 Dec, 26 Dec–28 Feb); at the gate ¥2,700 / ¥3,200 (¥2,500 from 1 Mar). Includes a ¥1,000 voucher and Begonia Garden entry. Free under elementary-school age. 23–25 Dec: date-specific ticket (same-day ¥5,500 if any remain) (checked 2026-10-14)
OfficialOn now© Miyuki Meinaka · CC BY-SA 4.0Oct 17, 2026 – Feb 14, 2027 at Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi. Lights on around 17:00 (around 16:30 from early Nov to early Jan); evening entry ¥1,500 adults, ¥800 children. 25th edition, 5 million+ lights (checked 2026-10-14).
Until Sun, Feb 14, 2027 21:00 JST TokyoEvening admission: adults ¥1,500 / children (age 4 to elementary school) ¥800 (2026-2027 season; may change with the state of the flowers) (checked 2026-10-14).
OfficialOn now© Zengame (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY 2.0Yomiuriland Jewellumination 2026 runs 29 October 2026 to 4 April 2027 at the Yomiuriland amusement park in Inagi, Tokyo, with lights on 16:00–20:30. Admission only is ¥1,800 for adults; the After Pass from 15:00 with unlimited rides is ¥3,100. This season's theme is "Growing Light".
Until Sun, Apr 4, 2027 09:00 JST TokyoStandard prices (tax incl.): admission only adult ¥1,800 / junior-senior high ¥1,500 / elementary & 65+ ¥1,000 / pre-school ¥1,000; After Pass (from 15:00, unlimited rides) ¥3,100 / ¥2,500 / ¥2,200 / ¥1,500; One-Day Pass ¥5,900 / ¥4,700 / ¥4,100 / ¥2,500 (checked 2026-10-13).
OfficialOn now© Cobalt Fox · Public DomainTokyo German Village Winter Illumination 2026–2027 runs 31 Oct 2026 – 4 Apr 2027, from sunset to 8 pm. Admission is ¥1,500 for adults and ¥800 for children; this year's theme is "Why USA!?".
Until Sun, Apr 4, 2027 20:00 JST Across JapanPaid. Illumination period (31 Oct 2026 – 4 Apr 2027): adults ¥1,500, children (age 4–elementary) ¥800; visitors with a disability ¥1,000 adult / ¥600 child. Parking ¥1,500 per car until 31 Dec 2026, ¥1,000 from 1 Jan 2027. Official fee table, checked 2026-10-13.
OfficialOn now© Shubert Ciencia · CC BY 2.0The 71st Korankei Momiji Festival runs November 1–30, 2026 in Asuke, Toyota City. The maples are lit up nightly from sunset to 9 p.m.; walking is free, parking is paid. Checked 2026-10-13.
Until Mon, Nov 30, 2026 21:00 JST NagoyaFree
OfficialOn now© Joi (Joi Ito) · CC BY 2.0Kyoto's only autumn geisha dance, staged by the geiko and maiko of the Gion Higashi district. Ten days of elegant kyomai dance under lanterns, accompanied by live shamisen and song — a refined seasonal highlight of Kyoto.
Until Tue, Nov 10, 2026 17:00 JST Kyoto¥6,000 (viewing only); ¥7,000 with a tea ceremony. Two shows daily at 13:30 and 16:00.
OfficialOn now© Type specimen · CC BY-SA 3.0Midosuji Illumination 2026 runs Tuesday 3 November to Thursday 31 December, lit every night from about 17:00 to 25:00 (1am) along 4 km of Midosuji from Umeda to Namba. No ticket needed; the lighting ceremony is on 23 November.
Until Thu, Dec 31, 2026 23:00 JST OsakaFree
OfficialOn now© Dick Thomas Johnson · CC BY 2.0In 2026, Roppongi Keyakizaka is lit 5 Nov–25 Dec, 17:00–22:00, and Marunouchi Naka-dori 12 Nov 2026–14 Feb 2027. Both are lit 12 Nov–25 Dec.
Until Sun, Feb 14, 2027 09:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialOn now© Jorge Láscar from Australia · CC BY 2.0Huis Ten Bosch's 2026 winter illumination, The Starlight Million, runs 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 — renewed for the first time in 16 years. A park ticket is required (checked 2026-10-13).
Until Thu, Feb 25, 2027 09:00 JST Across JapanPark ticket required (1 DAY Passport, After 3 Passport, etc.). Price varies by date — see the official ticket page
OfficialThis weekend© Emran Kassim · CC BY 2.0Disney Christmas 2026 runs November 11 – December 25 at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, with the "Toys Wondrous Christmas!" parade, the "Disney Christmas Greeting" and "Starbright Christmas" fireworks. Merch from Nov 10, menus from Nov 1 (checked 2026-10-13).
Wed, Nov 11, 2026 09:00 JST TokyoA date-specific park ticket is required (no separate event ticket is listed). Adult 1-Day Passport at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea: 10,900–12,400 yen per day during the event (checked 2026-10-13). A designated parade viewing area is also available with paid Disney Premier Access.
OfficialThis weekend© Ootahara · CC0HIBIYA Magic Time Illumination 2026 runs 12 November 2026 to 28 February 2027, lit 16:00–23:00 at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, directly connected to Hibiya Station. The 8 m Avengers tree stays until 25 December; no fee is mentioned officially (checked 2026-10-14).
Thu, Nov 12, 2026 16:00 JST TokyoNo fee mentioned on the official event page or in the press release (checked 2026-10-14).
OfficialThis weekend© Christophe95 · CC BY-SA 4.0USJ Christmas 2026 runs 13 November 2026 – 17 January 2027 at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. The night shows Light Up the Night and Joy of Lights (back after nine years) play 25 November – 11 January, with none on 31 December; the special viewing area costs from ¥1,700.
Fri, Nov 13, 2026 09:00 JST OsakaStudio Pass (park entry) required separately — check prices on the official web ticket store. Light Up the Night / Joy of Lights special viewing area: from ¥1,700 incl. tax, all ages. Holiday Kids Free Pass (Japan residents only, 1 adult + 1 child): from ¥8,400.
OfficialThis weekend© Martin Falbisoner (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 4.0The Umeda Sky Building Christmas Market 2026 runs 13 November–25 December in Wonder Square, the building's ground-floor plaza in Osaka, with stalls open 12:00–22:00 and free entry. The 25 m tree's light show starts at 18:00 in November and 17:00 in December; the limited mug costs ¥900.
Fri, Nov 13, 2026 12:00 JST OsakaFree
OfficialThis weekend© Ruben Ortega · CC BY-SA 4.0Japan's biggest Spanish festival brings giant paella pans, flamenco, sevillanas contests and Iberian wine to Yoyogi Park for two passionate autumn days.
Sat, Nov 14, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialThis weekend© Volfgang · CC BY-SA 3.0Nov 14, 2026 – May 9, 2027 at Sagamiko MORI MORI in Sagamihara, Kanagawa. Lights come on from 16:00; adult admission is ¥2,000–2,400 depending on the day. This season adds a first collab with Kawaisouni! (Opanchu Usagi).
Sat, Nov 14, 2026 16:00 JST TokyoAdults ¥2,000–2,400 / children & seniors ¥1,300–1,700 / dogs ¥1,000. Night Free Pass adults ¥3,000–3,400; Free Pass adults ¥4,700 (2026-2027 season; varies by day).
OfficialUpcoming© Takeshi Kuboki · CC BY 2.0Kyoto's Arashiyama bursts into crimson and gold each November, with mountain temples, a scenic train and bamboo groves.
Sun, Nov 15, 2026 08:00 JST KyotoFree
OfficialUpcoming© senngokujidai4434 · CC BY 2.0Izumo Taisha's Kamiari-sai 2026 runs from the Kamimukae welcoming rite at 19:00 on Wednesday, November 18 to the Karasade send-off rite at 16:00 on Wednesday, November 25.
Wed, Nov 18, 2026 19:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Volfgang · CC BY-SA 3.0For 2026 the market moves to Shin-Toyosu (20 Nov–25 Dec) plus Shiba Park (4–25 Dec) — not Jingu Gaien. Official dates, hours and addresses.
Fri, Nov 20, 2026 16:00 JST Tokyoチケットの価格・販売開始日は未発表（公式が決定次第告知）。
OfficialUpcoming© Qiuqizhenghong · CC BY-SA 3.0Sapporo White Illumination 2026 (46th edition) opens on Friday 20 November 2026. Odori stays lit to 25 December, Ekimae-dori to 11 February 2027, and Minami-1-jo-dori, Akapla and the Station South Exit plaza to 14 March 2027. Free to view, with a new Nakajima Park venue added for 2026.
Fri, Nov 20, 2026 16:30 JST SapporoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Suicasmo · CC BY-SA 4.0Eikando's autumn light-up runs Nov 20 (Fri) – Dec 6 (Sun), 2026: entry 5:30–8:30 pm (gates close 9 pm), ¥1,000 for junior-high age and up, same-day tickets only. Separate from the daytime exhibition (from Nov 11). Checked 2026-10-14.
Fri, Nov 20, 2026 17:30 JST KyotoNight light-up ¥1,000 (junior-high age and up; no group rate; same-day tickets only). Daytime exhibition: adults ¥1,500 (groups of 30+: ¥1,300), university students ¥1,000, high-school/junior-high students ¥800 (official, checked 2026-10-14)
OfficialUpcoming© ウィ貴公子 (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 4.0The Roppongi Hills Christmas Market 2026 runs November 21 to December 25, open 11:00–21:00 (official hours) at O-yane Plaza in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo. It is the 20th edition, with 10 stalls including Käthe Wohlfahrt; the 2025 market was free to enter (checked 2026-10-13).
Sat, Nov 21, 2026 11:00 JST TokyoEntry fee not stated in Mori Building's 2026 announcement (checked 2026-10-13). In 2025 entry was free; food and goods are paid.
OfficialUpcoming© Kakidai · CC BY-SA 4.0Tokyo Midtown Christmas 2026 runs November 26 to December 25, lit 17:00–23:00 in the Midtown Garden in Roppongi, and the illumination is free. The soap bubbles end December 20, the Path of Light stays until February 23, and the ice rink opens December 5 (checked 2026-10-14).
Thu, Nov 26, 2026 17:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialUpcoming© 掬茶 (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 4.0Hakodate Christmas Fantasy 2026 runs December 1–25 on the harbour in front of Hakodate's Red Brick Warehouses, free to enter, with fireworks every evening at 18:00. The 2026 lighting hours are not announced yet (as of 2026-10-13); in 2025 the tree was lit 16:30–17:45 and 18:00–22:00.
Tue, Dec 1, 2026 09:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Ibex (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 3.0The SENDAI Pageant of Starlight 2026 dates are not announced yet (checked 2026-10-13). It is held on Jozenji-dori Avenue, one minute from Kotodai-koen Station. In 2025 it ran 5–28 December and was free to view, with about 480,000 LEDs on 127 zelkova trees.
Tue, Dec 1, 2026 09:00 JST Across Japan2026 details not announced (checked 2026-10-13). The 2025 edition was free to view; the glowing "Hikaring" ring was a thank-you gift for donations of 300 yen or more.
OfficialUpcoming© Suicasmo · CC BY-SA 4.0At one of Japan's top hot-spring towns, kimono-clad locals cool the scalding spring water with long wooden paddles in time to folk songs — a centuries-old daily ritual at Netsunoyu.
Tue, Dec 1, 2026 09:30 JST Across JapanAdults ¥700, elementary children ¥350
OfficialUpcoming© Katorisi · CC BY 4.0Chichibu Night Festival 2026 runs Dec 2 (Wed)–3 (Thu); the main night is Dec 3, when lantern-lit UNESCO floats are hauled up Dangozaka and winter fireworks fill the sky for about two hours. Free to attend; about 80 minutes from Ikebukuro — dates, venue and access below.
Wed, Dec 2, 2026 14:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Henxter · CC BY-SA 4.0An indoor winter edition of Belgian Beer Weekend in Shinjuku's airy Sankaku Hiroba — 60-plus Belgian beers, cheese-and-chocolate pairings and embassy chef dinners, warm and comfortable.
Wed, Dec 2, 2026 16:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Wikimedia Commons · Public domainSix lantern-lit floats are hauled up steep Dango-zaka as winter fireworks burst overhead — one of Japan's three great float festivals and a UNESCO heritage event.
Thu, Dec 3, 2026 18:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Chris 73 · CC BY-SA 3.0The 2026 dates are not announced yet (checked 13 October 2026). The 2025 market ran 5–25 December at Hisaya-odori Park in Sakae, Nagoya: free entry, open 16:00–21:00 on weekdays and 11:00–21:00 at weekends.
Fri, Dec 4, 2026 16:00 JST NagoyaFree
OfficialUpcoming© Mc681 · CC BY-SA 4.0OSAKA Hikari Renaissance 2026 runs 11–25 December around Osaka City Hall and Nakanoshima Park. The Central Public Hall projection mapping plays 17:30–21:30 (last show 21:20), free and in any weather; the City Hall façade and tree-lined street are lit 3 Nov–31 Dec, 17:00–25:00. Checked 2026-10-14.
Fri, Dec 11, 2026 16:00 JST OsakaFree
OfficialUpcoming© 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0Ito's winter fireworks over the seafront: Sat 19 Dec 2026, 20:30–21:00 at Nagisa Park, paired with the Winter Yosakoi Sozura dance festival and the ITO MARCHE stalls. 10 min walk from JR Ito Station.
Sat, Dec 19, 2026 16:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan · CC BY 2.0The 2026-2027 Zao Snow Monsters light-up runs on 31 nights between Dec 26, 2026 and Feb 23, 2027, 17:00–21:00 (last ride up 19:45 from Zao Sanroku Station). Ropeway round trip: ¥4,600 adults, ¥2,300 children (Zao Ropeway, checked 2026-10-13).
Sat, Dec 26, 2026 17:00 JST Across JapanRound trip Zao Sanroku Station ⇔ Jizo Sancho Station: ¥4,600 adults, ¥2,300 children (6–11), 2026-2027 season (Zao Ropeway, checked 2026-10-13). Groups of 20 or more need a reservation.
OfficialUpcoming© Ogata Kōrin · Public domainFamous as Japan's earliest-blooming plum grove, Atami Bairin opens its winter ume from early January with taiko, geisha dances and hot-spring charm.
Sat, Jan 9, 2027 09:00 JST Across JapanModest garden admission during the festival (recent years a few hundred yen).
OfficialUpcoming© Yoyogimura · CC BY-SA 4.0Kobe Luminarie 2027 runs Jan 29 (Fri) – Feb 7 (Sun), 2027 — the 32nd edition. You can see the light arches free from the surrounding streets; the special paid zones at Meriken Park need a ticket (advance ¥500 weekday / ¥750 weekend, as of July 2026). All three venues are walkable from Sannomiya Station.
Fri, Jan 29, 2027 18:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© ぱちょぴ · CC BY-SA 3.0Nagasaki Lantern Festival 2027 runs Fri 5 – Sun 21 February (17 days) and is free to view. The Emperor's Parade is on Sat 13 & Sat 20 Feb, the Mazu Procession on Sun 7 & Sun 14 Feb, and the dragon dance runs daily, with ~15,000 Chinese lanterns across central Nagasaki.
Fri, Feb 5, 2027 Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© 欅 (Keyaki) · CC BY-SA 3.0The 2027 edition runs 6–13 February (Otaru Tourism Association, announced 9 June 2026). Otaru's historic canal and old rail line glow with thousands of hand-lit snow lanterns and floating candles for eight winter nights.
Sat, Feb 6, 2027 SapporoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Kirin7739 · CC0Dates for the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival 2027 had not been announced as of September 18, 2026. The 2026 edition (the 36th) ran February 7 to March 8, a 3-minute walk from Kawazu Station in Izu.
Sat, Feb 6, 2027 09:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Rarisan · CC0Hundreds of candlelit snow igloos glow across Yokote while children inside invite passersby in for sweet sake — plus 4,000 mini-kamakura lighting the riverbed.
Fri, Feb 12, 2027 Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0Japan's leading art fair, spanning antiques to cutting-edge contemporary across 150-plus galleries in the heart of Marunouchi.
Fri, Mar 12, 2027 11:00 JST TokyoPaid admission ticket (around ¥3,000 in recent editions); the day before public opening is an invitation-only preview.
OfficialUpcoming© Manish Prabhune · CC BY 2.0A 700m 'sakura tunnel' of 260-plus cherry trees arches over the Imperial Palace moat, best seen by rowboat or under evening illumination.
Thu, Mar 25, 2027 TokyoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Tawashi2006 · CC BY 2.1 jpAround 30,000 cherry trees in 200 varieties blanket a sacred mountainside, blooming in waves up four zones from Shimo to Oku Senbon.
Sat, Mar 27, 2027 NaraFree
OfficialUpcoming© 掬茶 · CC BY-SA 4.0Around 2,600 cherry trees encircle Hirosaki Castle's moats, famous for petal-carpeted 'flower rafts' and dazzling nighttime illuminations.
Fri, Apr 16, 2027 09:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Volfgang · CC BY-SA 3.0Founded by footballer Hidetoshi Nakata, this open-air festival pours around 130 regional breweries' sake in the heart of Roppongi each spring.
Fri, Apr 16, 2027 11:00 JST TokyoPaid: a starter set buys a glass plus tasting tokens; extra tokens sold on site.
OfficialUpcoming© Jean-Pierre Dalbéra · CC BY 2.0KYOTOGRAPHIE 2027 runs 17 April to 16 May 2027, its 15th edition. The dates are confirmed on the official site; the theme, artist line-up, venue list and 2027 ticket prices are not yet announced. For reference, the 2026 all-venue Passport was ¥5,500 in advance (¥3,000 for students) and single-venue tickets ran ¥800–¥1,500, with under-15s free.
Sat, Apr 17, 2027 10:00 JST Kyoto2027 prices are not yet announced (as of September 2026). For reference, the 2026 edition priced the all-venue Passport at ¥5,500 in advance and ¥5,800 online / ¥6,000 paper during the festival, with a ¥3,000 student Passport; single-venue tickets ran ¥800–¥1,500 (student ¥400–¥800), an Express Passport was ¥15,000, and children under 15 entered free. Some programmes are free.
OfficialUpcoming© Marie-Sophie Mejan · CC BY 4.0A 1,400-year-old imperial procession of 500 people in Heian-era robes winds 8km through Kyoto, oxen and ox-carts adorned with hollyhock leaves.
Sat, May 15, 2027 10:30 JST KyotoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Cp9asngf · CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)Nagaoka Fireworks 2027 is on Monday, August 2 and Tuesday, August 3, by the Shinano River in Nagaoka, Niigata (fixed every year). Show times are not announced yet (2026: 19:20-21:25 both nights). All seats are paid; in 2026 the ticket lottery opened May 25 and sold out June 17.
Mon, Aug 2, 2027 Across JapanAll seats inside the venue are paid; no free seating, no same-day tickets. 2027 seats, prices and sales dates not yet announced (checked 2026-10-14). In 2026: resident lottery Apr 10-28, general first lottery May 25 12:00 - Jun 8 17:00, sold out Jun 17, official resale from Jul 6 (Japan residents only).
OfficialUpcoming© 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0Ito's largest festival honours William Adams (Miura Anjin): lantern floating on the Matsukawa, a taiko battle, then the sea fireworks on 10 August, the city's founding day. 2027 (81st) dates are not yet announced — this page will update.
Sun, Aug 8, 2027 19:30 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialOpen year-round© FingerWiki · CC BY-SA 4.0Umeda dinner-and-concert club in the Herbis Plaza Ent, hosting jazz, soul and pop in an intimate room.
Open year-round OsakaReserved seating with music charge; food and drink ordered on site.
OfficialOpen year-round© Johannes Stage (1889–1962), Norwegian photographer · CC BY-SA 4.0Roppongi dinner-and-concert club in Tokyo Midtown hosting international and Japanese artists across genres.
Open year-round TokyoReserved seating with music charge; food and drink ordered on site.
OfficialOpen year-round© Querar · CC BY-SA 4.0Upscale Marunouchi live restaurant pairing dinner with intimate jazz, soul and world-music concerts.
Open year-round TokyoReserved seating with music charge plus food and drink; reservations recommended.
OfficialOpen year-round© Makoragi · CC BY 4.0Historic sake museum in Kyoto's Fushimi brewing district with exhibits, brewery tours and a tasting corner.
Open year-round KyotoPaid admission including a tasting; open 9:30-16:30 (last entry 16:00). Cashless from July 2026.
OfficialOpen year-round© Felix Riano · CC BY 2.0The shop that invented Kanazawa's gold-leaf soft serve, where a shimmering sheet of edible gold is laid on your cone and you can try gold-leaf crafts.
Open year-round KanazawaGold-leaf soft serve approx. ¥891; craft experiences vary
OfficialOpen year-round© Makoragi · CC BY 4.0Free sake museum in Kobe's Nada Gogo district inside a Taisho-era brewhouse, with life-size displays and tastings.
Open year-round OsakaFree
OfficialOpen year-round© Internet Archive Book Images · No restrictionsIn a Naramachi machiya once home to a Kofukuji monk, taste five Harushika sakes and keep the souvenir glass — sake from the very birthplace of Japanese sake.
Open year-round NaraFive-sake tasting approx. ¥500 with souvenir glass
OfficialOpen year-round© Pitke · CC BY 3.0At the home of Kyoto's 1,200-year Nishijin weaving tradition, dress in one of 150+ komon kimono — footwear and underthings included — and stroll the old capital in style.
Open year-round KyotoKomon kimono ¥4,950 (outdoor) / ¥3,850 (indoor); reservation required
OfficialOpen year-round© Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0Ohori Park Japanese Garden hours, ¥250 admission, closed Mondays, and the easiest way there from Ohori-Koen Station — plus what to see in 30–45 minutes.
Open year-round FukuokaAdults ¥250, children ¥120 (65+ free)
OfficialOpen year-round© James St. John · CC BY 2.0Inside Ocean Expo Park, the giant Kuroshio tank holds whale sharks and manta rays behind one of the world's largest acrylic panels.
Open year-round OkinawaAdmission charged (see official fee page)
OfficialOpen year-round© shankar s. · CC BY 2.0A 175,000m2 classical garden of relocated historic buildings — in summer, irises, hydrangeas and early-morning lotus blooms float over its ponds.
Open year-round YokohamaAdults ¥900, children ¥200
OfficialOpen year-round© Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0A daimyo stroll-garden on the Owari Tokugawa estate, with a central pond, Ozone Waterfall and seasonal peony and iris beds beside a samurai art museum.
Open year-round NagoyaAdmission charged (see official site)
OfficialOpen year-round© Stephen Kelly from San Francisco, CA, USA · CC BY 2.0Retro Shitamachi shopping street near Ueno lined with food stalls, wagashi sweets, croquettes and old-Tokyo charm.
Open year-round TokyoFree
OfficialOpen year-round© Wpcpey · CC BY-SA 4.0Yebisu beer's birthplace at Yebisu Garden Place, with a museum, guided tours and a tasting taproom.
Open year-round TokyoFree
OfficialOpen year-round© Ymblanter · CC BY-SA 4.0A Kenzo Tange landmark in Minato Mirai, freshly reopened after a three-year renovation, strong on modern art and Yokohama-rooted photography.
Open year-round YokohamaCollection admission modest; special exhibitions vary
OfficialPast event© kimubert · CC BY 2.0Glowing arches of hundreds of thousands of lights fill Kobe each winter, a moving memorial turned beloved festival.
Fri, Jan 23, 2026 18:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© 名古屋太郎 · CC BY-SA 4.0Each January, fireworks burst over Nara before the entire grass-covered Mt. Wakakusa is set ablaze in a spectacular winter ritual.
Sat, Jan 24, 2026 17:30 JST NaraFree
OfficialPast event© Kinori · Public DomainHokkaido's winter wonderland: giant snow and ice sculptures fill Odori Park, drawing over two million visitors each February.
Wed, Feb 4, 2026 10:00 JST SapporoFree
OfficialPast event© tab2_dawa · CC BY 2.0One of Japan's three great gardens glows after dark in seasonal light-up events, from snowy yukitsuri ropes to autumn-leaf reflections.
Fri, Feb 6, 2026 17:30 JST KanazawaFree
OfficialPast event© Diego Molla · CC BY-SA 3.0Otaru's historic canal and old streets glow with thousands of candles in snow lanterns, a quiet, romantic counterpoint to Sapporo's snow festival.
Fri, Feb 13, 2026 17:00 JST SapporoFree
OfficialPast event© Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert · CC BY-SA 4.0Monks brandish giant flaming torches along Todaiji's Nigatsudo balcony each March, showering sparks over the crowd in a 1,200-year-old rite.
Thu, Mar 12, 2026 19:00 JST NaraFree
OfficialPast event© Stephane D'Alu · CC BY-SA 3.0One of Tokyo's most famous hanami spots: 1,000 cherry trees line Ueno Park's central path in a pink canopy each spring.
Wed, Mar 25, 2026 09:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Kakidai · CC BY-SA 3.0Hundreds of cherry trees arch over the Meguro River, and at night pink paper lanterns turn the canal into a dream.
Thu, Mar 26, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Conveyor belt sushi · CC BY 2.0Gion's geiko and maiko perform the elegant Miyako Odori every April, a dazzling spring dance of kimono, music and seasonal scenes.
Wed, Apr 1, 2026 12:30 JST KyotoTickets from around 4,000 yen; tea-ceremony seats cost more
OfficialPast event© Dariusz Jemielniak · CC BY-SA 3.0Hiroshima's beloved summer kickoff: locals don yukata and fill the downtown streets for three festive nights.
Fri, Jun 5, 2026 16:00 JST HiroshimaFree
OfficialPast event© BLM Nevada · CC BY-SA 2.0Some 20,000 hydrangeas in 50 varieties carpet a hillside temple garden in Uji — including the elusive star-shaped 'shichidanka' — with weekend evening light-ups.
Mon, Jun 22, 2026 08:30 JST KyotoGarden admission approx. ¥1,000 (adults).
OfficialPast event© DannyWithLove · CC BY-SA 4.0Wade barefoot through water and light in this immersive digital-art museum where you become part of the artwork.
Wed, Jun 24, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoAdmission around 3,800 yen; book timed tickets online in advance
OfficialPast event© Asanagi · CC0Sip cocktails above the city: Tokyo's hotel rooftop and sky bars offer dazzling skyline views from up high.
Wed, Jun 24, 2026 19:00 JST TokyoCocktails typically 1,800-3,000 yen; some bars have a cover charge
OfficialPast event© Domenico Convertini · CC BY-SA 2.0teamLab Borderless Azabudai Hills is open roughly 9:00–21:00 (Jul 2026). Tickets are timed, online-only, from ¥3,800 (adult; varies by day, +¥200 at the door), a 2-min walk from Kamiyacho Station. Allow 2–3 hours — always confirm exact hours on the official site before booking.
Thu, Jun 25, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoAdult (18+) from ¥3,800 online, +¥200 for door purchase; teens 13–17 ¥2,800, child 4–12 ¥1,500, age 3 and under free, with a disability discount available. Pricing is dynamic and varies by day, so always check the exact fare for your date on the official site. As of July 2026.
OfficialPast event© Matthide127 · CC0Yokohama's glittering bayfront at night — ride the giant Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel and stroll the illuminated waterfront promenade.
Thu, Jun 25, 2026 17:00 JST YokohamaFree
OfficialPast event© urbzoo · CC BY 2.0A maze of 200+ tiny, characterful bars in Shinjuku — squeeze in, meet strangers, and barhop into the small hours.
Thu, Jun 25, 2026 20:00 JST TokyoMany bars charge a 500-1,000 yen seating fee plus drinks; some are foreigner-friendly
OfficialPast event© Mitchwandrew · CC BY 4.0Walk a luminous path through towering bamboo in Kyoto's Arashiyama, where filtered light and rustling stalks feel otherworldly.
Fri, Jun 26, 2026 07:00 JST KyotoFree
OfficialPast event© H.Hmoderato · CC BY-SA 4.0Pick from hundreds of kimono, get dressed by friendly staff, and stroll Senso-ji and the old streets of Asakusa in full traditional style — booking and support in English.
Fri, Jun 26, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoWomen's standard from ¥2,500; with hair set ¥3,500; couple plan ¥6,500 (return by 5:00 pm)
OfficialPast event© Unknown · CC BY-SA 3.0Contemporary art on the 53rd floor of Roppongi Hills, paired with one of Tokyo's best skyline views from the City View deck.
Fri, Jun 26, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoAdmission around 2,000 yen; often includes the observation deck
OfficialPast event© Atticus nguyen · CC BY-SA 4.0Learn the graceful art of the Japanese tea ceremony in a traditional Kyoto machiya, hosted in English for visitors.
Fri, Jun 26, 2026 11:00 JST KyotoSessions typically 2,500-6,000 yen; reservations required
OfficialPast event© KuboBella · CC BY-SA 4.0An English-speaking host walks you through a real matcha tea ceremony — whisking, etiquette and wagashi sweets — in a serene tatami tea room near Senso-ji, with optional kimono rental.
Sat, Jun 27, 2026 11:00 JST TokyoFrom about ¥6,000 per person; kimono-included plans cost more
OfficialPast event© Umio · CC BY-SA 4.0Tour a historic 1909 sake brewery in Kyoto's Fushimi district, see the old tools of the trade, taste the pure underground water, and finish with a sake tasting — all for ¥600.
Sun, Jun 28, 2026 10:00 JST Kyoto¥600 admission (age 20+, includes sake tasting); ¥100 ages 13-19, free under 12
OfficialPast event© Guilhem Vellut · CC BY 2.0A historic waterfront landmark hosting seasonal events year-round — Christmas markets, an ice rink, beer festivals and bay views.
Sun, Jun 28, 2026 11:00 JST YokohamaFree
OfficialPast event© 663highland · CC BY 2.5Stroll Kyoto's historic Fushimi sake quarter, where soft spring water and centuries-old breweries make some of Japan's finest sake.
Sun, Jun 28, 2026 11:00 JST KyotoTastings and museum entry from a few hundred yen
OfficialPast event© Brett Fagan · CC0Kobe's waterfront glitters after dark — the red Port Tower, illuminated promenade and bay views make for a relaxed romantic evening.
Sun, Jun 28, 2026 17:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Kazuhisa OTSUBO · CC BY 2.0Aoyama's intimate world-class jazz club, hosting top international musicians over dinner and cocktails most nights.
Sun, Jun 28, 2026 19:00 JST TokyoMusic charge varies by act (often 8,000-15,000 yen); reservations recommended
OfficialPast event© tab2_dawa · CC BY 2.0Pair Japan's celebrated Kenrokuen Garden with the restored Kanazawa Castle next door — landscaped ponds, teahouses and white turrets.
Mon, Jun 29, 2026 09:00 JST KanazawaKenrokuen entry around 320 yen; castle park grounds mostly free
OfficialPast event© Jakub Hałun · CC BY 4.0A short ferry from Hiroshima reaches Miyajima, where the great vermilion torii of Itsukushima Shrine appears to float on the tide.
Tue, Jun 30, 2026 09:00 JST HiroshimaFerry and shrine entry each a few hundred yen
OfficialPast event© Tom Parker · Public domainThrow your own bowl or cup on an electric potter's wheel with a third-generation Kyoto ceramicist near Sennyu-ji; your fired piece is shipped to you afterward.
Tue, Jun 30, 2026 10:00 JST KyotoQuick course about ¥2,000 (20 min); standard course ¥5,000 (30-60 min), plus tax
OfficialPast event© Sergiy Galyonkin · CC BY-SA 2.0Kyoto's most atmospheric nightlife lane — a narrow lantern-lit alley of riverside restaurants, sake bars and traditional teahouses.
Wed, Jul 1, 2026 18:00 JST KyotoFree
OfficialPast event© Type specimen · CC BY-SA 3.0Settle into Osaka's intimate whisky bars to sample award-winning Japanese single malts poured by passionate bartenders.
Wed, Jul 1, 2026 19:00 JST OsakaPours from around 1,000 yen; some bars add a seat charge
OfficialPast event© City of Kanazawa · CC BY 2.1 jpA circular, glass-walled art museum famous for Leandro Erlich's Swimming Pool — playful, interactive and free to wander outside.
Thu, Jul 2, 2026 10:00 JST KanazawaFree public zones; ticketed exhibition galleries
OfficialPast event© Takashi Hososhima from Tokyo, Japan · CC BY-SA 2.0The summer edition of Earth Garden turns Yoyogi Park into a festive evening night-market — lanterns, world music, beer and global street food after dark.
Fri, Jul 3, 2026 15:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Suicasmo · CC BY-SA 4.0A mountain hot-spring resort near Mt. Fuji, combining steaming onsen, a sculpture park, a pirate-ship lake cruise and ropeway views.
Sat, Jul 4, 2026 09:00 JST Across JapanOnsen and museum entries vary; a Hakone Free Pass saves on transport
OfficialPast event© Guilhem Vellut · CC BY 2.0Yokohama's historic waterfront warehouses host seasonal festivals — Oktoberfest, flower garden, ice rink and food fairs.
Mon, Jul 6, 2026 11:00 JST YokohamaFree
OfficialPast event© Kyu3 · CC BY-SA 4.0Step into the worlds of Studio Ghibli in Aichi, with life-size sets from Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl's Castle and more.
Tue, Jul 7, 2026 10:00 JST NagoyaTimed tickets required; book online well in advance
OfficialPast event© Benford Choi · CC BY-SA 3.0Rolling purple lavender fields perfume the Hokkaido hills at Japan's most iconic flower farm, framed by distant snow-capped peaks.
Fri, Jul 10, 2026 08:30 JST SapporoFree
OfficialPast event© PattayaPatrol · CC BY-SA 4.0Over 30,000 golden lanterns light the approach to Yasukuni Shrine across four summer nights, with Aomori nebuta floats and bon-odori dancing.
Mon, Jul 13, 2026 18:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Matthide127 · CC0A summer seaside festival at Yamashita Park with parades, a lit-up boat procession and fireworks over Yokohama Bay.
Sat, Jul 18, 2026 16:00 JST YokohamaFree
OfficialPast event© さかおり (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0Around 600,000 sunflowers blaze across the Yatsugatake foothills, lit up after dark for a glowing field beneath the night sky.
Sat, Jul 25, 2026 09:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Mr.ちゅらさん · CC BY-SA 4.0Osaka's thousand-year river festival ends with a flotilla of lantern-lit boats and fireworks reflected on the Okawa River.
Sat, Jul 25, 2026 15:00 JST OsakaFree
OfficialPast event© 桜庭シェリー · CC BY-SA 3.0Tokyo's most storied summer fireworks show launches 20,000 shells over the Sumida River with Tokyo Skytree glowing behind.
Sat, Jul 25, 2026 19:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Daniel Ramirez from Honolulu, USA · CC BY 2.0One of the Seto Inland Sea's largest displays — about 10,000 shells, including wide 10-go bursts, choreographed to music over Hiroshima Port.
Sat, Jul 25, 2026 20:00 JST HiroshimaFree
OfficialPast event© UP BEAT! / UP BEAT SOUNDWORKS · 提供画像 (Provided by the organiser)UP BEAT!'s 24th-anniversary Sunset Boat Party sailed from Zou-no-hana Pier, Yokohama, on Jul 26, 2026, with guest DANTZ -- sunset to skyline, capacity limited (~180). The anniversary series concludes Aug 8, 2026 with The Gathering at BANK30, Tokyo.
Sun, Jul 26, 2026 18:30 JST YokohamaDoor ¥5,000 / advance ¥4,500 (separate one-drink charge); capacity limited (~180)
OfficialPast event© Volfgang · CC BY-SA 3.0A 1,000-shell opening burst in five seconds sets the tone for one of Tokyo's biggest riverside fireworks shows over the Edogawa.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 19:15 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Cp9asngf · CC BY-SA 3.0Nagaoka's 2026 reserved seats sold out June 17 — the official resale opens July 6 (Japan residents only). Here's the resale route, the unauthorized-resale warning, and where you can still watch for free.
Sun, Aug 2, 2026 19:20 JST Across JapanReserved seats sold out; official resale only (Japan residents), approx. ¥1,000-¥48,000 face value by tier
OfficialPast event© Cp9asngf · CC BY-SA 3.0One of Japan's three great fireworks festivals, famed for the colossal 'Phoenix' shells fired across the Shinano River as a prayer for peace.
Sun, Aug 2, 2026 19:20 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© hildgrim · CC BY-SA 2.0Performers balance towering bamboo poles strung with dozens of glowing lanterns on their palms, foreheads and shoulders.
Mon, Aug 3, 2026 18:50 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© かるちる · CC0On summer nights, 20,000 candles flicker across Nara Park's historic grounds in a serene sea of gentle light.
Wed, Aug 5, 2026 19:00 JST NaraFree
OfficialPast event© Nesnad · CC BY 3.0Japan's grandest star festival drapes Sendai's arcades in thousands of giant, handmade paper streamers.
Thu, Aug 6, 2026 10:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Lonely Planet Japan · CC BY-SA 4.0Around 12,000 fireworks reflect off Japan's largest lake near Otsu in a 40th-anniversary show fused with drones and lasers.
Thu, Aug 6, 2026 19:30 JST KyotoFree
OfficialPast event© Volfgang · CC BY-SA 3.0Ten thousand fireworks burst over central Tokyo synced to a live concert lineup, a rare downtown display you can pair with a stadium seat.
Sat, Aug 8, 2026 19:30 JST TokyoFree to glimpse from afar; the official stadium viewing-and-concert tickets are paid.
OfficialPast event© Zairon · CC BY 4.0Three thousand bronze and stone lanterns are lit across ancient Kasuga Taisha, filling the shrine's forest paths with a soft golden glow.
Fri, Aug 14, 2026 19:00 JST NaraSmall fee to enter the inner lantern corridors
OfficialPast event© Cobalt Fox · Public DomainAround 40,000 fireworks erupt over Lake Suwa, their booms echoing off the surrounding mountains in one of central Japan's most spectacular summer displays.
Sat, Aug 15, 2026 19:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© New Zealand Government, Office of the Governor-General · CC BY 4.0Thousands of memorial lanterns drift down the Oi River below Arashiyama as the 'Torii-gata' bonfire of the Gozan Okuribi blazes on the hillside above.
Sun, Aug 16, 2026 19:00 JST KyotoFree
OfficialPast event© MIKI Yoshihito from Sapporo City, Hokkaido, Japan · CC BY 2.0A thousand women dance through summer night with golden paper lanterns glowing on their heads — Kumamoto's most ethereal festival.
Sun, Aug 16, 2026 20:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© ja:User:Kyoto-u · CC BY 2.5Giant kanji and shapes blaze on five mountains around Kyoto to send ancestral spirits home at the close of Obon.
Sun, Aug 16, 2026 20:00 JST KyotoFree
OfficialPast event© Marc Antomattei · CC BY-SA 4.0A rapid-fire summer fireworks night lights up Minato Mirai 21 over Rinko Park and the Yokohama waterfront.
Mon, Aug 24, 2026 18:30 JST YokohamaFree
OfficialPast event© Drivephotographer · CC0Japan's most prestigious pyrotechnic competition, where the nation's top fireworks artisans battle for the Prime Minister's Award.
Sat, Aug 29, 2026 17:10 JST Across JapanReserved seating required for prime spots (paid); riverbank viewing free
OfficialPast event© さかおり · CC BY-SA 4.0By lantern light, faceless dancers in straw hats move with hushed grace to mournful kokyu strings through old Yatsuo's stone lanes.
Tue, Sep 1, 2026 17:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© ELLusKa 86 · Public domainDisney Halloween 2026 is on at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea through Saturday, October 31. The second full-costume window is October 16–31, there's no changing space inside the parks, and here are the costume rules and ticket basics, checked October 14, 2026.
Wed, Sep 16, 2026 09:00 JST TokyoRequires a date-specific park ticket (variable pricing; check the price for your date on the official site). The Halloween parade and decorations are included with regular admission.
OfficialPast event© DimiTalen · CC0A biennial festival in the ancient capital, founded under Cannes-winning director Naomi Kawase, championing first- and second-time filmmakers across screenings set among Nara's temples and parks.
Sun, Sep 20, 2026 10:00 JST NaraScreening tickets typically around 1,000-1,500 yen; some free outdoor and community programs.
OfficialPast event© 663highland · CC BY 2.5Matsue's castle and canals glow with lanterns every weekend from Sept 26-Oct 18, 2026, 18:00-21:00 -- a quiet, romantic alternative to Japan's big-city illuminations.
Sat, Sep 26, 2026 18:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Nihonmatsuri · CC BY 4.0Seven towering floats, each carrying 300+ glowing red lanterns, parade through Fukushima nights to the beat of taiko in one of Japan's three great lantern festivals.
Sat, Oct 3, 2026 18:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Henxter · CC BY-SA 4.0UNESCO-listed Belgian beer culture lands in front of Kyoto's Higashi-Honganji temple — dozens of imported brews, frites, waffles and live music in an open-air city festival.
Thu, Oct 8, 2026 12:00 JST KyotoFree
OfficialPast event© Internet Archive Book Images · No restrictionsSome 33,000 round kochia bushes turn Miharashi Hill a blazing crimson each October, a fluffy red carpet rolling toward the Pacific Ocean.
Sat, Oct 10, 2026 09:30 JST Across JapanAdults (high-school+) from ¥450; price rises during peak kochia season
OfficialPast event© KQuhen · CC BY-SA 4.0Tacos, jerk chicken and mojitos meet salsa and reggae rhythms — a free, sun-soaked open-air fair celebrating Caribbean and Latin American culture along Yoyogi Park's avenue.
Sat, Oct 17, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Christophe Robin · CC BY-SA 2.0The hairpin Irohazaka road climbs through a moving gradient of red and gold to Lake Chuzenji, where the 97-m Kegon Falls plunges past blazing maples.
Sun, Oct 18, 2026 08:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan · CC BY 2.0Asia's premier competitive film festival returns for its 39th edition, taking over the Hibiya–Yurakucho–Ginza district with world premieres, red carpets and onstage Q&As with directors and stars.
Mon, Oct 26, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoIndividual screening tickets typically around 1,500-2,000 yen; some open-air and free programs.