December 2023: 5 Events Not to Miss in Tokyo

2023 — a year that has been both very long and all too short — is coming to a close. But before that clock hits midnight on December 31, try out some of these festivities.

Remember, December is the month of winter illuminations and Christmas markets in Tokyo. If you are looking for a New Year countdown party or more traditional things to do, then check out our dedicated New Year’s Eve guide.

1. Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks

December 2–23
Odaiba Seaside Park, Odaiba

Get ready for some pretty awesome fireworks. Already a romantic spot, the Seaside Park in front of Decks Shopping Mall will be filled to the brim with couples every Saturday in December (except the 31st). While the firework display only lasts for five minutes, it’s still well worth the visit — plus there are plenty of other things to do in Odaiba while you’re there.

Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks

Dates:2nd Dec–23rd Dec, 2023

Entry:Free

Venues:

Toyosu Gururi Park, Odaiba Marine Park

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2. Hagoita-ichi Fairs

December 17–19
Sensōji Temple, Asakusa

Hagoita are wooden paddles that were once used to play hanetsuki, a Japanese badminton-like game. Over time, they became regarded as an auspicious symbol — they’re used for hitting, after all, so maybe they could “hit” bad luck as well; get it? Thus, at Sensoji Temple’s Hagoita Market and Kasukabe Hagoita Market you’ll see elaborate, purely ornamental hagoita, which are meant to welcome good luck and drive away bad luck. Great for gifts.

Sensōji Temple Hagoita-Ichi Fair

Dates:17th Dec–19th Dec, 2023

Entry:Free

Venue:

Sensōji Temple

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3. Winter Comiket

December 30–31
Tokyo Big Sight, Odaiba

If you’re into Japanese pop culture, comics, and cosplay, be sure not to miss Winter Comiket, the major geeky year-ender. This event draws tons of doujinshi (fan-made comics) collectors, cosplayers, and photographers every year, so be prepared for crowds and queues (yes, even to take photos of the more popular cosplayers).

Read our guide to cosplaying at Comiket to learn about Japanese cosplay event etiquette and what to expect.

Winter Comiket

Dates:30th Dec–31st Dec, 2023

Entry:

¥500 – ¥5,000

Venue:

Tokyo Big Sight

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4. Tokyo Comic Con

December 8–10
Makuhari Messe, Chiba

While anime and manga tend to be celebrated in Japan throughout the whole year, the biggest celebration of Western comic books and entertainment can be found at the end of the year.

Comic Con is famous the world over for merchandise, celebrity meet and greets, as well as cosplay — and Tokyo’s edition is no different. For 2023, Tom Felton, Christopher Lloyd, Evangeline Lilly, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, Ewan McGregor, and many more big names will be on the bill.

Tokyo Comic Con 2023

Dates:8th Dec–10th Dec, 2023

Price:

Adults:
Advance sales: ¥4,400
Students:
Advance sales: ¥2,500

Venue:

Makuhari Messe

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5. Christmas markets

Until December 25
All around Tokyo and beyond

Are we cheating with this entry? A little. While we have a whole article detailing the best of 2023’s Christmas markets, our three ultimate favorites are:

• Tokyo Christmas Market — Get tickets here
• Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
• Roppongi Hills Christmas Market

Bonus December events for 2023

• The Chichibu Night Festival has all you could ever want: floats, fireworks, and food.
• Buy some manga and comics at Jump Festa.
• Feel the heat at the Akibasan Fire Festival.
• Down a pint at Belgian Beer Weekend Shinjuku.
• Join in a mammoth flea market at Setagaya Boroichi Market II.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.

Area(s)

Asakusa

Makuhari

Odaiba

Places Mentioned

• Sensōji Temple
• Tokyo Big Sight
• Odaiba Marine Park
• Makuhari Messe