Tokyo events for Monday, November 25 to Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Free sake. Traditional temple fairs. And more illuminations.
Tokyo is gearing up for prime autumn leaves viewing and many locations are draping lights on the fall trees to really accentuate their beauty. Head to Ogikubo for a similar experience to the Rikugien Illuminations, but for half the price.
Doburoku Festival
This event is regarded as one of the two major doburoku festivals in the Kanto region. Home-brewed sake will be offered to visitors in prayer for the productiveness of grain, a perfect state of health, and for good luck. A cup for everyone — until they run out.
Asakusa Tori-no-ichi Fair III
Tori-no-ichi is an annual traditional festival held at shrines and temples nationwide on three separate days (rooster days) in November to wish for good luck and prosperity in business. The festivity occurs from midnight to midnight with kumade (rakes decorated with gold and silver) sold by lively vendors in the shrine and temple compound.
Shinjuku Tori-no-ichi Fair III
The hustle and bustle of the Tori-no-Ichi fair in Shinjuku is hard to compare. Just like its Asakusa counterpart, it is a must-visit festival with thousands of visitors — usually, close to 600,000 people every year.
Fuchu Tori-no-Ichi Fair III
Head to Ōkunitama Shrine in Fuchu to view one of the most impressive and colorful displays. Tori-no-Ichi Fair, or Festival of the Rooster, is held every November on the days of the rooster in the Chinese calendar.
Meiji Jingu Gaien Autumn Leaves Illumination
At the end of fall each year, the leaves on the ginkgo trees that line the Ichō Namiki avenue of Meiji Jingū Shrine’s outer gardens turn a brilliant yellow, and there will be illuminations in the evening. The leaves will be lit up from November 23 to December 1 from around 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every day.
The Tokyo Art Book Fair
The Tokyo Art Book Fair gathers over 300 exhibitors from around the world. Art book hounds, this is the biggest fair of its kind in Asia. There will also be workshops, presentations, film screenings, and live music.
Õtaguro Park Autumn Illumination
Take a walk and enjoy the changing colors of the autumn leaves even at night. The illumination presentation changes every year, so even if you have been before, you’ll have a whole new experience this time around. One of the biggest draws is the reflection of the trees on the park’s pond.
| At the door: ¥300 | ||
Koganei Autumn Illuminations
Koganei Park’s vibrant trees light up as part of the Flower and Light Movement. This is the autumn 2024 installation of the Flower and Light Movement initiative from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. As part of this program, parks throughout the city get a chance to celebrate the seasonal shifts with large-scale flowerbeds and accompanying illuminations.
Shinjuku Twinkle Park
A fairly small illumination display that’s worth a look if you happen to be in the area. Every evening for a month, Shinjuku Central Park is lit up with thousands of LED lights, glowing beasties, and other types of installations.
Nishi-Shinjuku Illumination Market
This new event combines all the best aspects of Christmas — illuminations and markets. Stretching over 200 meters, the champagne gold LED lights will sparkle, creating an unforgettable nighttime display. It’s the perfect place to stop by for an hour or two to try traditional foods and perhaps pick up any last-minute presents.
ART IN THE PARK (Under Construction)
Ginza Sony Park is preparing for its upcoming opening with a unique art project. This exhibition will feature works from three artists closely associated with Ginza Sony Park: Shun Sudo, Koji Yamaguchi, and Takuro Tamayama. ART IN THE PARK (Under Construction) will showcase a mix of their iconic art.
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