Go at your own pace.

Arts & Culture

Shosoin Exhibition 2026 Nara — Oct 24–Nov 9 at Nara National Museum: Tickets, Hours

The 78th Shosoin Exhibition runs 24 October – 9 November 2026 at the Nara National Museum, open daily. Timed-entry tickets cost ¥2,000 for adults (¥1,500 late entry). Hours 8 am–6 pm, until 8 pm Fri–Sun and holidays (checked 2026-10-14).

Until Mon, Nov 9, 2026 18:00 JST NaraTimed-entry tickets: adult ¥2,000 / university and high-school students ¥1,500 / elementary and junior-high students ¥500 / Campus Members students ¥400. Late entry (from 4 pm Mon–Thu, 5 pm Fri–Sun and holidays): adult ¥1,500 / students ¥1,000 / elementary and junior-high free. Free for disability-certificate holders plus one caretaker and preschool children (checked 2026-10-14).

Festivals

Hanazono Shrine Tori-no-Ichi 2026: Nov 7 & 19 (Eves Nov 6 & 18), Hours and Access in Shinjuku

Hanazono Shrine's Tori-no-Ichi 2026 in Shinjuku is on Sat, Nov 7 and Thu, Nov 19, with eve stalls on Nov 6 and 18. Main days run about noon to midnight, eves from about 15:00, next to Shinjuku-sanchome Station (official notice, checked 2026-10-14).

Until Thu, Nov 19, 2026 23:59 JST Tokyo

Festivals

Tori-no-Ichi 2026 in Asakusa: Nov 7 & 19, Open 24 Hours at Otori Shrine & Chokokuji

Asakusa's Tori-no-Ichi 2026 is on Saturday, November 7 and Thursday, November 19 — no third rooster day. Otori Shrine and Chokokuji in Senzoku, 0:00–24:00 each day, 7 minutes from Iriya Station (official sites, checked 2026-10-13).

Until Thu, Nov 19, 2026 23:59 JST TokyoFree

Sports

Grand Sumo Tournament — Kyushu Basho (Fukuoka)

The year's final grand sumo tournament fills Fukuoka Kokusai Center for 15 days of ring-entering ceremonies, salt-throwing and thunderous bouts of giants.

Sun, Nov 8, 2026 08:30 JST FukuokaFrom ~¥3,800 (arena seats) to box seats

Festivals

Shiritsumi Matsuri 2026 — Ito's 'bottom-bumping' festival at Otonashi Shrine (Nov 10)

Every 10 November, Otonashi Shrine in Ito (Shizuoka) hosts a famously odd festival: a 'bottom sumo' contest where contestants bump hips to festival music. 2026: Tue 10 Nov, 18:30–21:00.

Tue, Nov 10, 2026 18:30 JST Across JapanFree

Exhibitions & Expos

Design Festa Vol.64 (Autumn 2026): Nov 14–15, Tokyo Big Sight — Hours, Tickets, Access

Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 November 2026, 10:00–18:00 both days, at Tokyo Big Sight West & South Halls (about 6,500 booths a day). One-day pass ¥800 advance / ¥1,000 on the day, two-day pass ¥1,500 advance, elementary-school age and under free (official, checked 2026-10-13).

Sat, Nov 14, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoPaid. One-day pass ¥800 advance / ¥1,000 on the day; two-day pass ¥1,500 advance (not sold on the day); elementary-school age and under free.

Exhibitions & Expos

Inter BEE 2026

Japan's largest media, broadcast and pro-AV technology show—cameras, audio, lighting, XR and content tech under one roof.

Wed, Nov 18, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoFree

Izu Shaboten Zoo Capybara Onsen 2026-27: Dates & Bath Times

The Capybara Outdoor Bath at Izu Shaboten Zoo (Ito, Shizuoka) runs from 21 November 2026 to 4 April 2027. Bath time is 13:30-14:30 on weekdays, and 10:30-11:30 plus 13:30-14:30 at weekends, on public holidays and in set periods (official site, checked 2026-09-23). No yuzu-bath dates yet.

Sat, Nov 21, 2026 10:30 JST Across JapanAdmission is 2,800 yen for adults (junior-high age and over), 1,400 yen for elementary-school children and 700 yen for children aged 4 and over on weekdays; 3,000 / 1,500 / 800 yen at weekends, on public holidays and during school breaks (official site, checked 2026-09-23). The official pages do not say whether the bath is included in admission or charged separately.

Outdoor

Jigokudani Snow Monkeys (Yaen-koen) Winter Season

Wild Japanese macaques bathe in a steaming mountain hot spring as snow falls around them — the world-famous 'snow monkeys' of Nagano, most iconic in winter.

Tue, Dec 1, 2026 08:30 JST Across JapanPark admission around ¥800; the 'Snow Monkey Pass' (~¥3,500) bundles transport and entry.

Exhibitions & Expos

COMITIA 158: 13 December 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight — Times, Halls & Entry Price

COMITIA 158 runs on Sunday 13 December 2026, 11:00–16:00, at Tokyo Big Sight East Halls 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8. Entry is by catalog — Tia's Magazine 158, ¥1,400 in advance or ¥1,500 on the day, free for under-12s. 6,000 circle slots. (Official COMITIA site, as of 8 September 2026.)

Sun, Dec 13, 2026 11:00 JST TokyoThe catalog, Tia's Magazine 158, is your entry pass: ¥1,400 in bookshops in advance, ¥1,500 at the venue. Free for under-12s. The catalog goes on sale 15 November 2026. (Official COMITIA site, as of 8 September 2026.)

Festivals

Setagaya Boro-ichi 2026: 15–16 December, 9:00–20:00 — Next Session 15–16 January 2027

Setagaya Boro-ichi 2026 runs Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 December, 9:00–20:00, on Boro-ichi Street in Setagaya, Tokyo, then again on 15–16 January 2027. No ticket needed; 3 minutes on foot from Setagaya or Kamimachi stations (Tokyu Setagaya Line). No parking. (Setagaya City, checked 2026-10-14.)

Tue, Dec 15, 2026 09:00 JST TokyoNo admission fee listed by the city (open street market).

Festivals

Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri 2026 — Dec 15–18, Nara: procession at noon on Dec 17

Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri 2026 runs December 15 (Tue) to 18 (Fri) at Kasuga Taisha, Nara. The highlight, the Owatari-shiki costume procession, leaves the Nara Prefectural Office at noon on Dec 17 and is free to watch from the street. Full day-by-day times from the shrine's official schedule, plus access.

Tue, Dec 15, 2026 13:00 JST NaraFree

Festivals

Hagoita-ichi 2026 at Senso-ji: Dec 17–19 (Thu–Sat), Asakusa's Battledore Fair

Senso-ji's Hagoita-ichi (battledore fair) runs Thursday December 17 to Saturday December 19, 2026, in the temple grounds, 5 minutes' walk from Asakusa Station. Hours for 2026 are not yet announced; hagoita prices vary by stall (Senso-ji official, checked 2026-10-14).

Thu, Dec 17, 2026 TokyoNeither Senso-ji nor GO TOKYO publishes hagoita prices — check at each stall (checked 2026-10-14).

Anime & Pop

Comiket 109 (Winter 2026): Dec 29-31 at Tokyo Big Sight, Hours & Halls

Comiket 109 runs three days, December 29-31, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight, with circles open 10:30-16:00 and East Halls 4-6 closed for renovation. The organizers say ticket and wristband details for general visitors will be published around early November (checked 2026-10-14).

Tue, Dec 29, 2026 10:30 JST TokyoGeneral visitors need a ticket or a wristband pass (same system as Comiket 102-108). C109 prices and sale dates are not yet announced; the organizers plan to publish details around early November (checked 2026-10-14). Circle applications closed in August 2026.

Exhibitions & Expos

Tokyo Auto Salon 2027

Tokyo Auto Salon 2027 runs Jan 15–17, 2027 at Makuhari Messe. Digital advance tickets are on sale from Oct 1: ¥3,000 Sat/Sun, ¥4,000 for Friday's 2–7 pm public session.

Fri, Jan 15, 2027 09:00 JST TokyoDigital tickets only (sold in advance, date-specific): ¥4,000 for Friday's public session, ¥3,000 for Saturday or Sunday (tax incl.). Elementary-school age and younger free with a guardian.

Outdoor

Ito Orange Beach Marathon 2027 — Sun 17 Jan, 2 km / 5 km / 10 km along the Izu coast

A flat seaside fun-run in Ito, Shizuoka: Sun 17 Jan 2027, starting and finishing at Ito Orange Beach with 2 km, 5 km and 10 km courses plus a family category. About 2,500 runners; 15 min walk from JR Ito Station.

Sun, Jan 17, 2027 08:00 JST Across JapanEntry fees vary by distance; 2027 fees and the entry window were not yet posted when checked (see Ito City's official page). Free to watch.

Festivals

Yoshida Shrine Setsubun Festival 2027

Kyoto's most famous Setsubun rite, where a masked exorcist drives off blue, red and yellow demons in an ancient court ceremony, ringed by 800 food stalls.

Tue, Feb 2, 2027 18:00 JST KyotoFree

Exhibitions & Expos

Wonder Festival 2027 [Winter]

The world's biggest garage-kit and figure fair fills Makuhari Messe with thousands of hand-built model figures sold for one day only by amateur and pro sculptors.

Sun, Feb 7, 2027 10:00 JST TokyoAdmission ticket required (~¥2,000–2,500); 'one-day license' allows licensed-figure sales.

Sports

Shizuoka Marathon 2027: Sunday, March 14. Sold Out? Entry Options, Fees and Course

Shizuoka Marathon 2027 runs on Sunday, March 14, 2027, from Shizuoka City Hall (8:20 a.m.) to JR Shimizu Station. The overseas fee is ¥23,000. The 13,000 places sold out on Oct 2, and the Yuzureru bib transfer runs until Nov 14 (checked 2026-10-13).

Sun, Mar 14, 2027 08:20 JST Across JapanMarathon ¥16,000 (Japan residents) / ¥23,000 (overseas residents); Fun Run ¥4,000; Wheelchair ¥2,000; Parent & Child Run ¥2,000 (official guidelines, checked 2026-10-13)

Seasonal

Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossoms

A 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

Exhibitions & Expos

AnimeJapan 2027 (Osaka)

The world's largest anime expo leaves Tokyo for the first time and brings its public days to Intex Osaka.

Sat, Mar 27, 2027 10:00 JST OsakaPaid admission; ticket prices for the 2027 Osaka edition to be announced on the official site.

Festivals

Inuyama Festival 2027 (Inuyama Castle Town, Aichi)

Dates for Inuyama Festival 2027 had not been announced as of September 18, 2026. The festival falls on the first Saturday and Sunday of April, which points to April 3-4, 2027.

Sat, Apr 3, 2027 08:00 JST NagoyaFree

Sports

Japanese Grand Prix 2027 at Suzuka: 9–11 April, Japan’s First F1 Sprint, Tickets on Sale 15 Nov

The 2027 Japanese Grand Prix runs Friday 9 – Sunday 11 April at Suzuka Circuit and hosts Japan’s first-ever F1 Sprint. Tickets go on sale on 15 November 2026 at 11:00 JST on the circuit’s MobilityStation site; the West Area ticket costs ¥22,000 for an adult.

Fri, Apr 9, 2027 09:00 JST NagoyaOfficial 2027 prices, tax included: West Area ticket ¥22,000 adult / ¥11,000 U23 / ¥6,000 child / ¥4,200 age 3 to preschool; standard reserved seats from ¥24,000 (G, adult) to ¥120,000 and up (V2), restricted-view Ultra Outlet seats from ¥23,000 (D-1/D-2, adult); Ferris Wheel Lounge ¥600,000; Paddock Club ¥1,200,000. Thursday & Friday ticket from ¥11,000 and Thursday ticket from ¥6,800 (adult; details TBA). On sale 15 Nov 2026, 11:00 JST (checked 2026-10-14).

Arts & Culture

D.T. Suzuki Museum

A serene Yoshio Taniguchi pavilion honoring Zen philosopher D.T. Suzuki, built around a still 'Water Mirror Garden' for contemplation.

Open year-round KanazawaAdult ~¥310

Arts & Culture

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

The only museum in the world systematically collecting modern and contemporary Asian art — 5,000+ works from 23 Asian countries and regions.

Open year-round FukuokaCollection admission modest; special exhibitions vary

Arts & Culture

Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art

Japan's first public contemporary art museum, a Kisho Kurokawa landmark crowning Hijiyama hill with bold rotating exhibitions.

Open year-round HiroshimaCollection ~¥370; special exhibitions vary

International Exchange

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Hiroshima's most visited site: a deeply moving record of the 1945 atomic bombing, with multilingual audio guides and free volunteer guides for overseas visitors.

Open year-round HiroshimaAdults ¥200; reservations advised at peak hours

Arts & Culture

Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

Central Sapporo's flagship art museum, with 5,000+ works spanning Hokkaido art, the Ecole de Paris, glasswork and modern Japanese painting.

Open year-round SapporoCollection admission modest; special exhibitions vary

Anime & Pop

Nipponbashi Den Den Town & Ota Road

Osaka's otaku mecca — over 150 shops of anime, games, electronics and figures, with cosplayers spilling onto neon-lit Ota Road.

Open year-round OsakaFree

Experiences

Nishijin Textile Center Kimono Experience

At 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

Nightlife

NOON + CAFE

Hidden Nakazaki-cho cafe-bar and club under the railway arches, hosting DJ nights and underground music events.

Open year-round OsakaCafe by day; event/door charge varies for night music programs.

Outdoor

Ohori Park Japanese Garden — Hours, Admission & Access

Ohori 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)

Arts & Culture

Rakugo at Shinjuku Suehirotei

A rare surviving wooden yose from the early 20th century, Suehirotei keeps the intimate atmosphere of old Tokyo. Daily rakugo and variety acts in tatami-and-cushion seating, a one-minute walk from busy Shinjuku-Sanchome.

Open year-round TokyoAbout ¥3,500 adults (students ¥3,000; discounted evening entry available). Day from 12:00, evening from 16:45.

Arts & Culture

Rakugo at Suzumoto Engeijo, Ueno

Tokyo's oldest yose (variety hall), founded in 1857, runs daily programs of rakugo comic storytelling alongside manzai, magic, paper-cutting and acrobatics. A relaxed, ever-changing slice of Edo-era popular entertainment.

Open year-round TokyoAround ¥3,500 adults / ¥2,500 students. Day program from ~12:30, evening from ~17:00.

Seasonal

Sankeien Garden

A 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

Anime & Pop

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

JR Central's railway museum displays 39 real trains — from steam locomotives to record-setting maglev — plus Japan's largest model railway diorama.

Open year-round NagoyaAdults ~¥1,000 (check site)

Arts & Culture

The National Museum of Art, Osaka

A striking subterranean museum on Nakanoshima island devoted to postwar and contemporary art, behind a soaring bamboo-like steel facade.

Open year-round OsakaCollection exhibition ~¥430; special exhibitions vary

Exhibitions & Expos

AnimeJapan

Japan's biggest anime expo: trailers, stage events, voice actors and exclusive goods from every major studio.

Sat, Mar 21, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoTickets around 2,500 yen; some stage events require extra entry

Outdoor

Tokyo Pickle Club

Tokyo's friendly pickleball meetup at TIPNESS Kichijoji — paddles provided, all levels welcome.

Sat, Jun 20, 2026 20:00 JST TokyoPaid (see Luma)

Outdoor

Early Summer Morning Run in Yoyogi Park

A sociable 5K morning run from Yoyogi Park's clock tower — find your pace with a friendly international run club.

Sun, Jun 21, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoPaid (see Luma)

Arts & Culture

LIFE DESIGN CLUB Vol.03: Designing Self-Love

A reflective life-design workshop in Minato on the theme of self-love — journaling and honest conversation.

Sun, Jun 21, 2026 15:00 JST Tokyo¥6,600

Anime & Pop

Akihabara Anime & Gaming Exploration

Dive into otaku heaven: multi-floor anime stores, retro arcades, maid cafes and gachapon as far as the eye can see.

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 12:00 JST TokyoFree

Food & Drink

Tsukiji Outer Market & Toyosu Food Walk

Tokyo's food paradise: graze on fresh sushi, tamagoyaki and seafood at the historic Tsukiji Outer Market.

Thu, Jun 25, 2026 08:00 JST TokyoFree

Nightlife

Shinjuku Golden Gai Bar Hopping

A 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

Outdoor

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk 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

Arts & Culture

Shuri Castle & Ryukyu Heritage

Explore the crimson seat of the former Ryukyu Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage site now rising again from its 2019 fire.

Fri, Jun 26, 2026 09:00 JST OkinawaPark areas free; paid zones include the reconstruction site view

Arts & Culture

Mori Art Museum

Contemporary 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

Experiences

Kyoto Tea Ceremony Experience

Learn 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

International Exchange

Tokyo Japanese-English Language Exchange

Practice Japanese and help others with English at relaxed, recurring language-exchange meetups across Tokyo.

Fri, Jun 26, 2026 19:00 JST TokyoOften free entry; buy your own drinks

Nightlife

WOMB Shibuya Club Night

Shibuya's iconic four-floor superclub, famous for its giant mirror ball and world-class techno and house lineups.

Fri, Jun 26, 2026 23:00 JST TokyoCover typically 2,000-4,000 yen; bring photo ID (20+)

Arts & Culture

Atsuta Jingu Shrine

One of Japan's most sacred shrines, set in a tranquil ancient forest in Nagoya and home to the legendary Kusanagi sword.

Sat, Jun 27, 2026 09:00 JST NagoyaFree

Arts & Culture

A Bookmarked Summer

A free, easygoing gathering for book lovers to read together and swap summer recommendations.

Sat, Jun 27, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoFree

Experiences

Kimono Tea Ceremony at MAIKOYA Asakusa

An 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

Anime & Pop

Nakano Broadway

A retro shopping complex packed with vintage manga, rare figures, idol goods and Tokyo's famous towering soft-serve ice cream.

Sat, Jun 27, 2026 12:00 JST TokyoFree

Outdoor

Shibamata Walking Tour & Photo Bingo

A relaxed photo-bingo walking tour of retro Shibamata — gentle, social and great for solo joiners.

Sat, Jun 27, 2026 12:30 JST Tokyo¥2,000

Food & Drink

Shinsekai Kushikatsu Food Crawl

Dive into retro Shinsekai beneath Tsutenkaku Tower for Osaka's famous deep-fried kushikatsu skewers and neon old-Osaka charm.

Sat, Jun 27, 2026 17:00 JST OsakaSkewers from around 130 yen each

Nightlife

Fukuoka Yatai Food Stalls (Nakasu)

Fukuoka's riverside yatai stalls serve tonkotsu ramen, oden and yakitori under lantern light — the heart of Kyushu nightlife.

Sat, Jun 27, 2026 19:00 JST FukuokaPay per dish; a bowl of ramen and a beer around 1,500 yen

Experiences

Japanese Calligraphy (Shodo) Experience in Kyoto

Learn to hold the brush, control the ink and write kanji the traditional way in a 90-minute English-led shodo class — and take your finished artwork home as a keepsake.

Sun, Jun 28, 2026 11:00 JST KyotoReserve via the official site for current pricing

Arts & Culture

Hibiki 1st Session: Taiko Sound Bath

Lie back and feel the resonance of Japanese taiko in an immersive sound-bath session.

Sun, Jun 28, 2026 16:30 JST Tokyo¥7,000

Sports

Yomiuri Giants Baseball at Tokyo Dome

Japan's most famous baseball club under the dome — easy, all-weather pro baseball in the heart of Tokyo.

Sun, Jun 28, 2026 18:00 JST TokyoReserved seats from about ¥2,200 to ¥7,000+

Nightlife

Shimokitazawa Live House Nights

Tokyo's indie-music heartland: tiny live houses, record shops and bars host emerging bands almost every night.

Sun, Jun 28, 2026 19:00 JST TokyoLive-house entry typically 2,000-3,500 yen incl. one drink

International Exchange

Osaka International Friends & Language Exchange

Friendly recurring meetups in Osaka where travelers, expats and locals mingle over drinks and language practice.

Sun, Jun 28, 2026 19:00 JST OsakaUsually free or low-cost entry; drinks separate

Nightlife

Blue Note Tokyo Live Jazz

Aoyama'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

Sports

Hanshin Tigers Baseball at Koshien Stadium

Japan's most passionate baseball crowd — join tens of thousands of Tigers fans for a jet-balloon night at historic Koshien.

Mon, Jun 29, 2026 18:00 JST OsakaOutfield seats from about ¥2,000; infield reserved ¥6,000–¥9,000+

International Exchange

Tokyo Social Sports Leagues

Join casual mixed sports leagues — football, volleyball, dodgeball — designed to help internationals make friends in Tokyo.

Mon, Jun 29, 2026 18:00 JST TokyoDrop-in or season fees vary by sport

International Exchange

Osaka Japanese-English Language Exchange

Relaxed, recurring language-exchange meetups in Osaka where locals and travelers swap Japanese and English over drinks.

Mon, Jun 29, 2026 19:00 JST OsakaOften free entry; buy your own drinks

Nightlife

Osaka Namba Izakaya & Bar Crawl

Dive into Osaka's neon nightlife around Dotonbori and Namba — street food, standing bars and dazzling river lights.

Mon, Jun 29, 2026 19:00 JST OsakaPay-as-you-go; standing bars from a few hundred yen per drink

Experiences

Pottery Wheel Experience at Shunzan Gama

Throw 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

International Exchange

Tokyo Gaijins Social & Outdoor Events

A long-running group running hikes, sports days, parties and day trips for internationals and locals across Tokyo.

Tue, Jun 30, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoPer-event fees vary (hikes, BBQs, parties); see listing

Food & Drink

Nagoya Meshi Food Tour

Taste Nagoya's bold local specialties — miso katsu, hitsumabushi eel, tebasaki wings and curry udon — across the city center.

Tue, Jun 30, 2026 17:00 JST NagoyaPay per dish; meals from around 800 yen

Tech & Startup

Fukuoka Developer Meetups (connpass)

Fukuoka's growing startup scene hosts regular developer meetups — web, AI, mobile and more — many welcoming and bilingual-friendly.

Tue, Jun 30, 2026 19:00 JST FukuokaOften free or low-cost; register on connpass

International Exchange

Tokyo English Stand-up Comedy Nights

Laugh the night away at regular English-language stand-up comedy shows hosted by Tokyo's international comedy scene.

Tue, Jun 30, 2026 20:00 JST TokyoTickets typically 1,500-3,000 yen; some open-mic nights free

Outdoor

Mount Fuji Climbing 2026 — Dates, ¥4,000 Fee & Reservations by Trail

Mt Fuji 2026: Yoshida & Subashiri open July 1, Fujinomiya & Gotemba July 10 (all close Sept 10). ¥4,000 fee, reservation, and gate rules — every trail.

Wed, Jul 1, 2026 Across JapanA trail-entry fee applies (around 2,000-4,000 yen); mountain-hut stays extra

Experiences

Private Zen Meditation with a Monk in Tokyo

Sit zazen with the head monk inside a 400-year-old temple usually closed to the public, just minutes from Roppongi — a calm, English-guided introduction to Zen with tea and sweets.

Wed, Jul 1, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoPrivate experience — contact the operator for pricing

Sports

J.League Football Match

Catch Japan's top-flight football — choreographed ultras, family-friendly stands and clubs in nearly every city.

Wed, Jul 1, 2026 14:00 JST TokyoTickets typically ¥2,000–¥6,000

Food & Drink

Osaka Japanese Whisky Bar Night

Settle 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

Tech & Startup

Tokyo AI & Machine Learning Meetups

Dive into Tokyo's booming AI scene at recurring meetups covering LLMs, ML research and applied data science.

Wed, Jul 1, 2026 19:00 JST TokyoFree

Outdoor

Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route

Ride one of the world's great cycling routes across the Seto Inland Sea, island-hopping by bike over soaring suspension bridges.

Thu, Jul 2, 2026 08:00 JST HiroshimaBike rental from around 2,000 yen per day

International Exchange

Fukuoka International Meetup

Kyushu's friendliest city hosts welcoming meetups where travelers and locals connect over food and conversation.

Thu, Jul 2, 2026 19:00 JST FukuokaUsually low-cost entry; drinks separate

Outdoor

Aoyama Rooftop Morning Yoga × BELCOMO Breakfast

Start the day with rooftop yoga in Aoyama, finished with a healthy BELCOMO breakfast.

Fri, Jul 3, 2026 07:30 JST TokyoPaid (see Luma)

Arts & Culture

Summer Ephemera Pop-up Exhibit, Shop & Workshop

A free pop-up of paper ephemera and collage at Design Festa Gallery Harajuku — browse, shop, make.

Fri, Jul 3, 2026 10:30 JST TokyoFree

Tech & Startup

Tokyo Startup & Founder Meetups

Connect with Japan's startup ecosystem at recurring founder and investor mixers around Shibuya and Roppongi.

Sat, Jul 4, 2026 19:00 JST TokyoSome free, some ticketed (1,000-3,000 yen) — check the listing

Nightlife

Tokyo Morning Beats . Gallery

A daytime DJ session in an art gallery — coffee, beats and a creative morning crowd.

Sun, Jul 5, 2026 09:00 JST Tokyo¥1,500

Arts & Culture

Benesse Art Site Naoshima

An island in the Seto Inland Sea reborn as living art, with Tadao Ando museums, a Yayoi Kusama pumpkin and outdoor installations.

Sun, Jul 5, 2026 10:00 JST Across JapanMuseum tickets vary; Chichu Art Museum needs advance booking

International Exchange

Kyoto International Community Events

The Kyoto International Community House hosts cultural exchange events, language cafes and workshops for visitors and residents.

Sun, Jul 5, 2026 14:00 JST KyotoMany events free or low-cost; some workshops ticketed

Arts & Culture

Self-Healing Aroma Hand-Care Workshop

A 90-minute introductory aroma hand-therapy workshop in Yokohama, finishing with a relaxed tea gathering—wellness for caregivers and busy minds.

Tue, Jul 7, 2026 13:30 JST Yokohama¥1,000

Tech & Startup

Tokyo iOS Meetup

A friendly, long-running monthly meetup for iOS and Swift developers in Tokyo — talks in English, all levels welcome.

Tue, Jul 7, 2026 19:00 JST TokyoFree

Outdoor

Furano Lavender Season at Farm Tomita 2026

Rolling 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

Tech & Startup

Tokyo Web3 & Blockchain Meetups

Japan is a hotspot for Web3 — meet builders and enthusiasts at recurring blockchain and crypto meetups in Tokyo.

Fri, Jul 10, 2026 19:00 JST TokyoOften free or low-cost; some networking events ticketed

Arts & Culture

Relaxed Shogi Exchange Meetup

A laid-back Japanese-chess afternoon in central Yokohama—beginners welcome, with coaching, free matches and original puzzle cards over a drink.

Sun, Jul 12, 2026 13:00 JST Yokohama¥1,500 (includes one drink)

Arts & Culture

Setouchi Triennale Art Islands

A celebrated contemporary art festival scattered across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, blending installations with fishing-village life.

Mon, Jul 13, 2026 09:00 JST Across JapanPassport tickets cover many sites; some works charge separately

Tech & Startup

Tokyo JavaScript / Frontend Meetup

Monthly gatherings for JavaScript, TypeScript and web developers in Tokyo, with bilingual talks and casual networking.

Tue, Jul 14, 2026 19:00 JST TokyoFree

Tech & Startup

Tokyo Indies (Game Developers)

A welcoming monthly meetup where indie game developers in Tokyo show works-in-progress and talk shop — in English.

Fri, Jul 17, 2026 19:00 JST TokyoSmall entry fee at the door (around 1,000 yen incl. a drink)

Outdoor

Kamikochi Highland Hiking

A pristine alpine valley in the Northern Japan Alps, with the Kappa Bridge, clear Azusa River and jagged peaks rising all around.

Sat, Jul 18, 2026 06:00 JST Across JapanFree

Tech & Startup

Google Developer Group (GDG) Tokyo

Tokyo's Google Developer Group runs talks and workshops on Android, Cloud, AI and web — open to all and often bilingual.

Tue, Jul 21, 2026 19:00 JST TokyoFree

Outdoor

Akeno Sunflower Festival 2026

Around 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

Exhibitions & Expos

Comiket (Comic Market)

The world's largest fan convention: hundreds of thousands gather at Tokyo Big Sight to buy doujinshi and cosplay.

Sat, Aug 15, 2026 10:30 JST TokyoWristband entry: ¥1,210 for morning entry (from 10:30) or ¥440 in advance / ¥1,000 same-day for afternoon entry (from 12:30). Lottery-only Early Entry (¥5,385) and cosplay changing-room priority (¥3,385) tickets are sold via TicketPay.

Seasonal

Todaiji Opening Hours & Admission Fee 2026 | Nara

Todaiji admission is ¥800 adult / ¥400 child; hours run 7:30–17:30 Apr–Oct (8:00–17:00 Nov–Mar, as of July 2026). This page also covers the Aug 15, 2026 Manto Kuyoe evening, when thousands of lanterns light the Great Buddha Hall and the Kannomado window opens so the Buddha's face is visible from outside.

Sat, Aug 15, 2026 19:00 JST NaraThe Manto Kuyoe evening service itself is a religious observance and is generally viewed from the precinct; on ordinary days, Daibutsuden admission is ¥800 adult / ¥400 child, or a joint Daibutsuden + Todaiji Museum pass ¥1,200 adult / ¥600 child (as of July 2026). Confirm any special-evening entry arrangements on the official site.

Seasonal

Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi 2026

Giant 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

Exhibitions & Expos

COMITIA 157 Has Ended (23 Aug 2026) — COMITIA 158 Is 13 December

COMITIA 157 was held on Sunday 23 August 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight and has ended. The next edition is **COMITIA 158 on Sunday 13 December 2026, in Tokyo Big Sight East Halls 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8**. After that, 159 falls on 14 March 2027 and 160 on 23 May 2027.

Sun, Aug 23, 2026 11:00 JST TokyoThe catalog (Tia's Magazine 157) is your entry pass: ¥1,400 in bookshops in advance, ¥1,500 at the venue. Free for under-12s, and free entry for everyone after 15:00. (Organiser's figures, as of 16 August 2026.)

Festivals

Owara Kaze no Bon 2026

By 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

Exhibitions & Expos

Tokyo Game Show 2026

Asia's biggest video-game expo celebrates its 30th edition with hands-on demos, cosplay and a record five-day run at Makuhari Messe.

Sat, Sep 19, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoPublic-day ticket approx. ¥2,000–3,000 (advance)

Exhibitions & Expos

Tokyo Game Show

Asia's biggest gaming expo at Makuhari Messe, with hands-on demos of upcoming titles, cosplay and the latest hardware.

Sat, Sep 19, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoPublic-day tickets sold in advance; business days are trade-only

Arts & Culture

Nara International Film Festival 2026

A 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.

Exhibitions & Expos

CEATEC 2026

Japan's premier tech expo, where AI, robotics, mobility and IoT from hundreds of companies and startups go hands-on under one roof.

Tue, Oct 13, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoFree

Outdoor

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail

Walk ancient moss-covered pilgrimage paths through the forested Kii Mountains to sacred Kumano shrines, a UNESCO World Heritage route.

Sat, Oct 17, 2026 08:00 JST Across JapanFree

Seasonal

Nikko Irohazaka & Kegon Falls Autumn Foliage

The 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

Arts & Culture

Regular Noh Performance: Kyogen 'Oni-no-mamako' & Noh 'Morihisa'

At Tokyo's National Noh Theatre, watch the 650-year-old art of noh and its comic counterpart kyogen, including a piece performed by celebrated kyogen master Nomura Mansai. English subtitles appear on screens built into the seatbacks.

Fri, Nov 6, 2026 18:30 JST TokyoFront-stage ¥5,800 / Side-stage ¥4,000 (students ¥2,800) / Middle-stage ¥3,500 (students ¥2,500).