Written by Adriana Paradiso
Never miss a freebie! Sign up for our weekly events newsletter.
Tokyo events for Monday, November 26 to Sunday, December 2, 2018
Tokyo English Book Exchange #5
Meet up with fellow bibliophiles for Tokyo Cheapo’s 5th English Book Exchange. Come with at least one book to swap, then grab a drink and mingle. Who knows what printed treasure you might find!
Doburoku Matsuri
The Doburoku Matsuri is an annual festival celebrating crude, home-brewed sake. Taking place at Koami Shrine, visitors will be offered free sake and can enjoy Shinto performances in the afternoon.
Story Night
Startup Lady Japan is hosting Story Night—a chance to listen to (or tell) women’s stories of struggle and success to inspire others to achieve their goals.
Hope Rocks 2018
Hope Rocks is a charity music event at Hobgoblin Roppongi pub. Proceeds go towards the neglected poor in Cambodia, Ethiopia and the Philippines.
| Advance sales: ¥1,000 | At the door: ¥1,500 | |
Nabe Festival
Nabe is a Japanese hot pot dish with meat and veggies. Get your fill of the stuff at Hibiya Park at this three-day festival featuring different variations from across the country.
Soba and Sake Festival
A four-day event at Yoyogi Park with myriad food and drinks stalls serving up handmade soba noodles and traditional Japanese rice wine.
Museum of Modern Art – Free Admission Day
The MOMAT houses mainly Japanese works of the 20th century including a number deemed ‘Important Cultural Properties’ or masterpieces—see it all for free this Sunday.
Jingugaien Itcho Festival
With colorful autumn leaves ablaze, you’ll want to head to Icho Namiki Avenue where the numerous and intensely yellow gingko trees are star. Plus, tons of food stalls will be set up for your grazing pleasure. For more spots to see some autumn leaves in Tokyo, check out our full fall guide.
Autumn Evening Illumination at Rikugien Gardens
The famously beautiful Edo-period gardens of Rikugien will be illuminated until December 9th from sunset to 9pm daily. The gardens are known as one of the best spots for autumn foliage viewing, so it’s a perfect for an evening stroll.
| Advance sales: ¥1,000 | ||
Christmas illuminations
Christmas season in Japan is already upon us with light-up festivals galore taking place all over the city. There are plenty to choose from, with some running until February 2018, and some finishing on Christmas Day—so be sure to note the end dates. With new themes, music accompaniments and increasingly impressive displays every year, you’re sure to enjoy what the bright city streets have to offer. Click here for the top 10 Tokyo illuminations.
Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox
-
Willow Alley: Better Than Golden Gai?
Explore Nishi-Ogikubo's answer to the famous Shinjuku drinking street—and do some shopping, too.
-
-
7 Last-Minute Tokyo Valentine's Day Ideas
Chocolate ramen, sunset cruises—and a lot of stairs.
-
International Musicians Touring Japan in 2025
Upcoming names include Oasis, Cyndi Lauper, Linkin Park, and more.
-
-
Haneda Wins Top Spot in Favorite Japan Airport Survey
There were a few surprises on the list.
-
Where Salarymen Drink: Bar Hopping in West Tokyo
Explore the best bars in Nakano, Koenji, Kichijōji—and beyond.
-
Ice Ice, Baby: Where To Go Skating in Tokyo
Indoor, outdoor and year-round options included.
-
9 Best Places To Eat in Toranomon Hills
Explore one of Tokyo's lesser-known foodie spots.
-
Japanese New Year: Traditions and Celebrations in Tokyo
Everything you need to know, including food, the first sunrise, and where to celebrate.
-
Where To Be On New Year's Eve: 10 Best Tokyo Countdown Parties
Where to go for drinks, dancing, and good vibes.
-
Is Japanese Buddhist Cuisine the Secret to Sustainability?
The ancient, plant-based culinary tradition is getting more attention—and you can try it in Tokyo.
-
How To Watch Japanese TV Shows Outside Japan -
How Much Data Do You Need for Your Trip to Japan? -
Renting a Pocket Wifi Router in Japan: Best Options -
Go-Karting in Tokyo: Everything You Need To Know -
Morning Sumo Practice in Tokyo—Everything You Need To Know -
First-Time Harajuku Itinerary: Fashion, Street Food, and More
