Tokyo events for Monday, December 9 to Sunday, December 15, 2024.
We’re in the thick of the holiday season and the illuminations and Christmas markets are still the main attractions to see in Tokyo.
But if you need to take it down a notch and shield yourself from the blindingly bright, head to one of the most famous flea markets of the year or a somber samurai memorial festival.
Bungu Joshi Haku Stationery Festival
For all things stationery, head to the biggest festival in Japan: the Bungu Joshi Haku. There will be all your regular favorites as well as smaller brands and limited-edition items with plenty of new designs to discover.
Belgian Beer Weekend Shinjuku
The Shinjuku Belgian Beer Weekend will be held at Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Sankaku Hiroba. It doesn’t come with the same views as the Toyosu Belgian Beer Weekend, but you’ll still get a chance to sample the best Belgian beers in the game and a few tasty snacks too.
| Advance sales: ¥3,500 | At the door: ¥3,750 | |
The Blue Ball
Dance with all the elegance of the New York 70’s ballroom scene. The Blue Ball is a kiki ball centered on queer members of the Tokyo community and their allies. Part of the ball will be dedicated to educating guests on the queer community and the structure and ethos of ball culture.
| At the door: ¥1,500 | ||
118th Wonderland Market
If you’re into miniature cars, don’t miss the 118th Wonderland Market. The market is held three times a year by Sunset, one of Japan’s most well-known vintage toy stores. It specializes in miniature cars, with collectors and dealers from across Japan coming to buy and sell classic models.
| At the door: ¥1,000 | ||
Setagaya Boroichi Market II
Boroichi is an enormous flea market at which more than 700 vendors sell a variety of used goods, antiques, handicrafts, and food to approximately 200,000 visitors. Any Cheapos looking to outfit their apartment, pick up an interesting Japanese knick-knack or just take some interesting photos should definitely take a look at this market.
The 47 Rōnin Winter Festival
The winter edition of the Akōgishisai — a festival commemorating the 47 rōnin (masterless samurai) — happens at Sengakuji Temple, the very same place to which the 47 loyal samurai took their enemy’s severed head and which holds their graves.
Responsible Marché Vol.6 Xmas edition
On December 14, Responsible Marché will host its sixth event in collaboration with Impact HUB Tokyo. This event shines a light on small businesses as well as the importance of ethical, social, and environmental practices.
Christmas Special at the Samurai Restaurant
Get into the festive spirit with a sparkling star with short legs, glowing turkey robot, and street-dancing reindeer — yes, you read that right. For a limited time only, the iconic Samurai Restaurant in Shinjuku is putting on a dazzling Christmas show that will definitely leave you speechless. Pure chaos, but in the best way.
Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox
-
December 2024: 7 Events Not To Miss in Tokyo
Finish the year with a healthy dose of fun and festivity.
-
November 2025: 7 Events Not To Miss in Tokyo
Light-ups, "lucky rakes", late-season fireworks, and more.
-
The Biggest Autumn Fireworks Festival Returns to Tokyo This Week
Top Tokyo events for Monday, September 30 to Sunday, October 6, 2024.
-
October 2025: 7 Events Not To Miss
Look forward to Halloween parties, Edo-era festivals, fireworks, and more.
