Tokyo events for Monday, December 12 to Sunday, December 18, 2022.

This week is a great one for events if you’ve had enough of Christmas music and feel like venturing into cultural festivals, comedy, candles, and comic books.

As with the whole of this month, there will still be plenty of illuminations and Christmas markets, so make sure to check out our articles on those.

Suggested Activity
Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy Lunch
Eat, train, and fight like a real Japanese sumo wrestler during this sumo demonstration and authentic 'Chanko Nabe' (hotpot) meal.

The 47 Ronin Winter Festival

The winter edition of the Akougishisai — a festival commemorating the 47 ronin (or 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.

Setagaya Boroichi Market II

The 435-year-old Boroichi (rag market) takes place in Setagaya on December 15 and 16. 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.

Senso-ji Temple Hagoita-Ichi Fair

Asakusa’s Senso-ji — Tokyo’s oldest temple — holds a Hagoita-Ichi Festival every year’s end to sell the good luck charm hagoita, which are ornamental bats based on those used in a traditional New Year’s game of hanetsuki (a bit like badminton, apparently).

Hanakawado Hakidaore-ichi Shoe Market

Every year the Hanakawado wholesale district in Taito-ku assembles up to 40 retailers’ and wholesalers’ stalls to line-up around Hanakawado Park to sell a wide-range of products. From footwear to handbags, accessories, leather goods, scarves, hats, and more. All the items at the market are sold at bargain prices.

Jump Festa

Jump Festa is a yearly two-day expo that has taken place every December since 1999. The event introduces new manga, anime, films, games, and merchandise relating to titles and characters (think One Piece, Dragon Ball, Naruto, Slam Dunk, Bleach, and many more) that are featured in the line of Jump magazines (Weekly Shonen Jump, Jump SQ, Young Jump, Ultra Jump) published by Shueisha.

Weekend Comedy at TCB

Every Friday, head to Tokyo Comedy Bar and forget a bad week, or kickstart an amazing weekend, with the best comedians in Tokyo. Four top comedians and an amazing MC will provide you with an unforgettable night of hilarity. Come down and see for yourself what’s making the good people of Tokyo laugh!

FIFA World Cup Public Viewing: The Final

It’s finally here and if you are wandering the streets on December 18 deciding where to watch the last match of a riveting World Cup, look no further.

Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks

This out-of-season fireworks display takes place every Saturday in December (except December 31) at 7 p.m. for five minutes. 2022 sees the fireworks return after a three-year break due to the pandemic.

Shinjuku Candle Night

obon japan
Photo by iStock.com/Satoshi-K

On Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17, around 1000 candles will make their appearance in front of Shinjuku Station JR East Exit Square from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will also be another event with around 4000 candles on the Dec. 23 and 24 at Shinjuku Central Park. Both are canceled if it rains.

Written by:
Filed under: Events | Things to do in Tokyo
Tags:
Ask our local experts about Tokyo

Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox

Watch this next