January 2027: 8 Events Not To Miss

Happy New Year! If you want to kick off January with some fun, start with these events.

For more information on how to welcome 2026 the Japanese way, check out our guide to Japanese New Year customs and traditions.

For the top events in Tokyo throughout the year, check out our complete guide — organized by month.

1. Hatsumōde

All over Tokyo and beyond
Enjoy the first few days of the year, Japanese-style

Ring in 2026 with the Japanese tradition of hatsumōde, the first shrine or temple visit of the year (usually from January 1 to 3). You can pray for blessings and wealth for the future at various temples and shrines around Tokyo, but you may want to avoid the most popular spots — Sensō-ji Temple, Zōjō-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and Kanda Myōjin Shrine — if you don’t like crowds!

There will also be performances, ceremonial burnings, daruma doll markets, and other festivities around this time at temples and shrines. Here are some event highlights:

• Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage: Why just visit one shrine or temple? Go on a pilgrimage.
• Torigoe Shrine Tondoyaki Bonfire: Bring your used New Year’s decorations for a ceremonial burning.
• Geikosai New Year’s Festival: Really put in the effort and climb a mountain.
• Join the masses at Ryusenji Temple in Kumagaya.
• Head to Takasaki on a day trip to see one of the biggest daruma markets in Japan.

2. January Grand Sumo Tournament

Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Ryōgoku
The wrestlers are back in Tokyo!

Held every January, this is the first of Japan’s six annual sumo tournaments, known as honbasho. While the fights are broadcast on NHK, nothing beats the atmosphere of the tense final matches of the day. Interested in heading to a match? Check our dedicated article on how to get sumo tickets.

January Grand Sumo Tournament

Dates:

Mid

~

Late

Jan

 2027

Entry:

¥3,500 – ¥25,000

Venue:

Ryōgoku Kokugikan

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3. Tokyo Auto Salon

Makuhari Messe, Chiba
What kind of weird and wonderful cars will you find?

One of the biggest car shows in the world, Tokyo Auto Salon is for anyone who is into customizing or personalizing their car, or for those who enjoy seeing how other people customize their rides.

The event will feature not only new and upcoming cars, but also the latest technologies, accessories, parts, and related merchandise.

Note: The first day is “Business Day”, which means that it’s only open to industry insiders and the press, but if you have a premium ticket (which will be sold in limited quantities), you too can visit from 2 p.m.

Tokyo Auto Salon 2027

Dates:

Early

~

Mid

Jan

 2027

Price:

Adults:
Advance sales: ¥3,000

Venue:

Makuhari Messe

Read more

4. Tokyo eSports Festa

Tokyo Big Sight, Ariake
A giant celebration of eSports culture and industry

This January, gaming enthusiasts will once again head to Ariake for the annual Tokyo eSports Festa. The event will see open gaming tournaments featuring popular titles like Street Fighter 6, Gran Turismo 7, and Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival, as well as exhibitor booths, indie development contests, seminars, and more.

Tokyo eSports Festa

Dates:

Early

~

Mid

Jan

 2027

Entry:Free

Venue:

Tokyo Big Sight

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5. Setagaya Boroichi Market

Boroichi Dori (Street), Setagaya
The biggest flea market of the year

We are known for our list of good-value flea markets to visit in Tokyo, and this is at the top of that list. As one of the biggest of the year, Setagaya Boroichi Market takes place twice, both in January and December. More than 700 vendors sell a variety of used goods, antiques, handicrafts, religious artifacts, and food to approximately 200,000 visitors.

Setagaya Boroichi Market in January

Dates:Jan 15–Jan 16, 2027

Entry:Free

Venue:

Boroichi Dori

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6. Shimokitazwa Tengu Matsuri

Shimokitazawa Ichibangai Shopping Street, Shimokitazawa
See a giant tengu float make its way through Shimokita

The Tengu Matsuri is one of the main events on Shimokita’s annual cultural calendar. On Friday night, a crow-like tengu will visit a selection of the town’s bars and restaurants accompanied by conch shell horns and drums.

On Saturday, the tengu procession will feature the crow tengu, a more traditional tengu, and a giant tengu-mask float, all escorted by yamabushi priests.

Shimokitazawa Tengu Festival 2028

Dates:

Late

Jan

~

Early

Feb

 2027

Entry:Free

Venue:

Shimokitazawa Ichibangai Shopping Street

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7. Matsuda Wintersweet Tree Festival

Matsuda Yadoriki Roubai Park, Matsuda
Flowers in winter

See a stunning display of more than 1,000 wintersweet trees and their yellow blossoms spread across Matsuda Yadoriki Park in Kanagawa Prefecture. On weekends, there are stalls selling food, local farm products, crafts, and souvenirs.

Another flowery day trip idea: Visit Atami’s plum garden for winter plum blossoms.

Matsuda Wintersweet Festival

Dates:

Mid

Jan

~

Mid

Feb

 2027

Price:

Adults:
At the door: ¥500

Venue:

Matsuda Yadoriki Roubai Park

Read more

8. Winter illuminations

All over Tokyo and beyond
See some of Tokyo’s most iconic locations decorated with lights

Many illuminations will continue lighting up the city well into the new year. Here are some of our top picks:

• Tokyo Mega Illumination (until Jan. 11)
• Ebisu Garden Place Illumination (until March 1)
• Kioi Winter (until Feb. 28)
• Marunouchi Illumination (until Feb. 15)

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. This post, which was first published in December 2016, is updated annually. Last update: December 2025 by Patrick Balfe.

Area(s)

Makuhari

Ryogoku

Setagaya

Yoyogi

Places Mentioned

• Makuhari Messe
• Kanda Myojin Shrine
• Ryōgoku Kokugikan
• Yoyogi Park Zelkova Trees
• Boroichi Dori