Tokyo events for Monday, January 22 to Sunday, January 28, 2024.
It’s not spring yet (despite the first cherry blossom forecast of 2024 being released), and so events celebrating the best of winter in Japan are still on the cards.
Warm up with piping bowls of nabe (Japanese hot pot) or stay toasty inside while feasting your eyes on art that makes you think.
January Grand Sumo Tournament
Held every January, this is the first of Japan’s six sumo tournaments, known as honbasho. While the fights are broadcast on NHK, nothing beats the atmosphere of the tense final matches of the day, complete with cushion-throwing and cheers.
Mika Ninagawa Exhibition: Eternity in a Moment
Immerse yourself in a colorful and imaginative world created by photographer and film director Mika Ninagawa. Entitled “Eternity in a Moment”, Ninagawa’s latest and largest exhibition explores the beauty found in everyday life through different mediums including photos, videos, and installations.
Nodame Cantabile Special Exhibition
Nodame Cantabile is known for its heart-warming tale of music and romance, and now you can be a part of it. The Nodame Cantabile Special Exhibition is five days in which you can re-immerse yourself in the world of Chiaki and Nodame.
| Advance sales: ¥1,800 | ||
Tokyo Streets: Street Photography at Gallery Conceal
The Tokyo Streets exhibition highlights the multifaceted nature of street photography, as seen through the lenses of a diverse group of international and Japanese artists. Each photographer brings a distinctive perspective to this genre — using both film and digital cameras to bring their artistic visions to life.
Nabe Festival
This popular Japanese winter dish is worth a taste. Nabe means “pot,” but it’s used as a generic term for soups or light stews cooked in an iron or clay pot. This festival takes place at the same time and place as the Winter and Sake Festival.
Akasaka Antique Market in Ark Hills
The Ark Hills antique market is much classier compared to some of Tokyo’s usual fairs. In addition to the amazing finds you can usually dig up at a flea market, like jewelry and home goods, you can also find stylish clothing brands — a great chance to update your wardrobe.
Winter and Sake Festival
It’s not spring yet — despite what social media is telling you — so why not get in the winter mood with some sake, fresh seafood, and live entertainment at this year’s Winter Festival in Yoyogi Park.
Ekiben Tournament
Ekiben, the combination of eki (station) and bentō (lunchbox), are highly popular in Japan. They’re usually eaten on a long train journey to somewhere far off and exciting. There will be 40 kinds of ekiben set up on Nakanobu Slip Road.
Keith Haring: Art to the Streets
Keith Haring is one of the world’s most famous artists, most known for his colorful pop art and belief that art is for everyone. Those visiting or living in Tokyo now have the chance to see his work in person at a special exhibition, hosted by the Mori Arts Museum in Roppongi.
| Advance sales: ¥2,200 | ||
| Advance sales: ¥700 | ||
| Advance sales: ¥1,700 | ||
Usokae Bullfinch Exchange
Kameido Tenjin Shrine will be holding its most renowned ritual — Usokae — again this year, as it has for the past two centuries. The ritual centers around a bullfinch, a type of bird associated with bringing luck. Wooden bullfinch figurines acquired last year are exchanged for new ones, which will renew blessings of luck, happiness, and prosperity for the upcoming year.
Bonus: Saikū Takigi Noh Play with Commentary in English
Enjoy the art of traditional Noh theater and learn about the history of the Saikū Palace on February 2 in Mie, around 3 hours from Tokyo. This play, Ema, is dedicated to the local Saikū Palace, which was once the home of a holy princess called Saiō who worshipped the sun goddess Amaterasu. There will be a free shuttle bus from the North Exit of Saiku Station.
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