Japan Event Calendar: December 2025/January 2026

Sky Kotatsu Ferris Wheel (Osaka)

December 1st, 2025, to February 16th, 2026

Who hasn't dreamed of admiring the city's skyline from a kotatsu? This winter, the Ferris wheel at HEP FIVE shopping mall in Osaka. This winter, the Ferris wheel at Osaka's HEP FIVE shopping mall is offering a unique experience: an 18-minute view of the city from a cabin equipped with a kotatsu (heated table). Several options are available, allowing you to sip coffee or eat oden. Perfect for the season!

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 5-15 Kakuda-chō, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0017

HOURS: 11am to 10:45pm

WEBSITE (and reservations): osaka-wheel.com

It's a must-see event in Tokyo at the end of the year. For the festive season, almost 600,000 blue LEDs transform Shibuya Ao no Dokutsu Avenue (or Shibuya Blue Cave in English) leading to Yoyogi Park into a veritable tunnel of light! With music, food stalls, and hot drinks, stroll along the avenue in a festive, bucolic atmosphere!

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 2-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

HOURS: 5pm to 10pm

WEBSITE: shibuya-aonodokutsu.jp

It's the biggest flea market in Kansai! Twice a year, the Kansai Nomi no Ichi takes over the East Plaza of the Osaka World Exposition Memorial Park (1970). For three days, antique dealers, craftsmen and collectors from all over Japan come together to share stories and bargains. In addition to the market, there are live music concerts, street performances and workshops.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 10-10 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826

HOURS: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

WEBSITE: tokyonominoichi.com

By candlelight, a string quartet pays tribute to Joe Hisaishi, famous composer of Studio Ghibli films. It's a magical, singular experience that's sure to appeal to lovers of the Studio!

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Otsuki Nogaru Theater, 〒540-0005 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Uemachi, A7

SCHEDULE: three performances; 1:45pm, 4pm, and 6:15pm

WEBSITE (and booking): feverup.com

Dating back to the XIIᵉ century, the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri is held every year at Nara''s Kasuga Taisha Shrine , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the program: traditional dances and a costumed procession, intended to attract prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. The Owatari-shiki ceremony and the rites associated with the festival are recognized as part of Japan's intangible cultural heritage. The procession is impressive, with some 50 riders and over 1,000 participants in traditional costumes, representing different eras of Japanese history.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Kasuga Taisha Shrine, 160 Kasuganocho, Nara, 630-8212

HOURS: 10am to 4pm

WEBSITE: kasugataisha.or.jp

Every year, at Kyoto's Bishamondo Monzeki temple, the Yamashina Gishi Matsuri honors the samurai of the Yamashina clan (a branch of the Minamoto clan, one of the most influential samurai families in feudal Japan) with processions in traditional costumes and demonstrations of ancient samurai rituals. The festival also offers activities for the public, enabling them to discover Kyoto's culture, traditions and heritage.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Bishamondo-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8012

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

WEBSITE: gishimatsuri.com

Every year in Fujikawaguchiko, at the foot of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Marathon attracts thousands of runners from Japan and abroad! The course is laid out around Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Saiko, with views of the mountain if the weather is fine. Shorter distances are also available.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Funatsuhama Parking Lot, Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301

SCHEDULE: from 9 a.m. (opening ceremony at 8:45 a.m.)

WEBSITE (and registration): mtfujimarathon.com

In December, winter sports enthusiasts flock to the Kurumayama Shrine in Nagano Prefecture for the National Snow Mountain Thanksgiving. This festival, nestled in the heart of snow-capped mountains, pays homage to the peaks that bring protection and prosperity throughout the year. The purification ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Kurumayama Kogen Sky Park Ski Resort Lift Station, before moving on to the sanctuary, perched at an altitude of 1,925 metres, offering breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Kurumayama-3413 Kitayama, Chino, Nagano 391-0301

HOURS: from 8:30 am

WEBSITE: kurumayamajinja.jp

Yu Akari" illuminations at Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto)

December 20th, 2025 - March 31st, 2026

For the tenth year running, Kurokawa Onsen hosts its winter illuminations, installations made of bamboo that light up the onsen in a magical atmosphere.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Oaza Manganji, Minamioguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto 869-2402, Japan

HOURS: 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm

WEBSITE: kurokawaonsen.or.jp

Every winter, the Zao Snow Monster Festival in Yamagata celebrates the Juhyo, snow-covered trees that take on strange shapes in the icy wind. Day and night, these snow monsters offer a unique spectacle to local skiers and hikers. In the evening, illuminations add a touch of magic to the heart of the Japanese mountains.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 990-2301, Japan

WEBSITE: kankou.yamagata.yamagata.jp

On the last evening of December, at the Oji shrine Inari Shrine, this popular matsuri honors the fox deity of prosperity and harvest. Famous for its lantern procession, where participants dress up as foxes, the festival attracts thousands of visitors every winter to pray for the New Year. Food stalls and traditional performances round off the festivities.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1 Chome-12-26 Kishimachi, Kita City, Tokyo 114-0021

SCHEDULE: around 10 pm

WEBSITE: tokyo-jinjacho.or.jp

In Japan, the New Year is traditionally celebrated with a first visit and prayer at a shrine or temple, called Hatsumode. Many places attract crowds, especially on January 1st, but Hie Shrine remains relatively less crowded than sites such as the Senso-ji or Meiji-Jingu.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 2 Chome-10-5 Nagatachō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0014

HOURS: January 1: 00:40-17:00; January 2-6: 9:00-17:00; January 7: 9:00-16:00

WEBSITE: hiejinja.net

Takasaki, in Gunma prefecture, is considered the birthplace of Daruma, symbols of luck and perseverance. 80% of Daruma made in Japan come from Takasaki! On January 1st and 2nd, a market and festival are held to sell Daruma, letting visitors welcome the New Year with new goals.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1-1-1 Ekimaechō, Takasaki, Gunma

HOURS: 10am to 4pm

WEBSITE: takasaki-darumaichi.com

This is a classic Osaka New Year's celebration. Held at Ebisu Shrine, participants dedicate this celebration to the traditional Japanese god of fishermen and good luck, hoping for a prosperous year.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1 Chome-6-10 Ebisunishi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka 556-0003

HOURS: 9am to 5pm

WEBSITE: imamiya-ebisu.jp

This 500-year-old festival is a fiery spectacle (literally) held at the Nenbutsu temple. Traditionally organized to ward off evil spirits, it features three men dressed as oni (Japanese folk ogres), using flaming torches, horns, percussion, and bells.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 2-5 Sagatoriimoto Fukatanicho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8439

HOURS: 1pm to 11pm

WEBSITE: city.gojo.lg.jp

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture is famous for its thatched-roof houses nestling in a green valley. For a few days, the village is illuminated at night. Please note: reservations are required to attend the illuminations and gain access to the village in the evening.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Ogimachi, Shirakawa, Ono district, Gifu 501-5627

SCHEDULE: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

WEBSITE: shirakawa-go.gr.jp

This emblematic festival in Akita Prefecture consists of offering 70 to 80 bonden, poles adorned with colorful decorations and fabrics, to local deities. The energy is at its peak, with participants rushing to be the first to deposit their bonden at the shrine.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Akanuma-37 Hiroomote, Akita 010-0041

SCHEDULE: from 10:30 a.m

WEBSITE: akita-yulala.jp

The Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival takes place in the village of Miyama, located in Miyagi prefecture (not in Sendai). During the event, lanterns are set up throughout the village, highlighting the snowfall and the traditional thatched houses, specially lit for the occasion.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 4 Chome-6-1 Hachiman, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0871

HOURS: 5pm to 7pm

WEBSITE: oosaki-hachiman.or.jp

Noh is a traditional Japanese performing art that dates back over 600 years. On Open Day at the National Noh Theatre in Tokyo, guided tours are offered, led by a Noh artist. English translation is also available.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 4 Chome-18-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0051

HOURS: 2 pm to 4:30 pm

WEBSITE: ntj.jac.go.jp