Written by Patrick Balfe
Tokyo events for Monday, December 1, to Sunday, December 7, 2025.
The holiday season is officially upon us, and just as your enthusiasm for the work week is winding down, the city’s Christmas markets and illuminations are just hitting their stride. On top of that, Tokyo Comic Con hits Chiba this week with appearances from some names you’ll recognize, and robots take over Odaiba at the International Robot Exhibition. Looking for more winter illuminations and Christmas markets? Check out our dedicated guides.
Tokyo Comic Con
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 2025, names such as Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Johnny Depp, Jon Bernthal, Christina Ricci, Mads Mikkelsen, and Jack Quaid are set to make an appearance.
IREX International Robot Exhibition
With more than 300 exhibitors and over 100,000 visitors, IREX claims to be the largest robot trade show in the world. The theme of this year’s event is “Sustainable Societies Through Robotics”. The goal is to highlight how humans and robots can work together to solve social challenges.
Akibasan Fire Festival
The Akibasan Kongen Yabuse Matsuri — or the Akibasan Protection from Fire Festival — takes place at the Akibasan Shrine in the Itabashi district of Odawara City. The purpose of the festival, which dates back to the 16th century, is to offer protection from fire.
Tokyo Human Rights Awareness Festival
Tokyo’s annual human rights awareness festival returns. Each venue offers hands-on experiences, performances, and talks exploring how everyone can help build a more open and accessible city.
Rock for Climate: Too Hot to Be Cool 6
Too Hot to Be Cool is a regular series of gigs raising money for important climate change charities worldwide. Bringing together rock and indie bands from around Tokyo, their previous sold-out events have raised money for such charities as WWF Japan, For the Future Philippines, and Green Youth Thailand.
| Advance sales: ¥4,000 | At the door: ¥5,000 | |
Refugee Film Festival
Every year, the Refugee Film Festival invites viewers to explore stories of displacement, survival, and hope. Hosted by the UNHCR Association Japan, the festival aims to foster empathy through film.
Belgian Beer Weekend Shinjuku
This is a Belgian beer extravaganza in the heart of Tokyo. The Starter Kit will give you a unique glass — your companion for the festival — and 13 tokens. These tokens are then exchanged at the various stalls for the beer of your choice.
| Advance sales: ¥3,700 | At the door: ¥3,990 | |
Autumn Evening Illumination at Rikugien Gardens
Built by a feudal lord, Rikugien Gardens is one of the most famous gardens still existing from the Edo Period. Designed to reflect famous scenes from waka poems, it has been designated as a national scenic beauty spot since 1953.
| Advance sales: ¥1,000 | At the door: ¥1,200 | |
Tokyo Midtown Christmas
Every year, something new is added or changed to the program. This year’s main illumination in Midtown Garden changes as you walk through it, starting cool and urban before warming into classic Christmas lights and finishing with a splash of color.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
Modeled after Christmas markets in Germany, the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market leans hard into tradition. Wooden Hütte stalls imported from Germany serve up seasonal fare like sausages, stollen, and spiced wine, alongside snow globes, hand-carved toys, and other festive finds.
| At the door: ¥500 | ||
Christmas Advent Tokyo
One of Japan’s most beloved Christmas events is coming to Tokyo. Like many Christmas markets, this one, too, is going for a European vibe. Expect an outdoor market atmosphere with lights, food stalls, and seasonal art installations.
Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination
One of Shibuya’s favorite winter illuminations is back for 2025. This year’s display will feature around 500,000 LED lights (guess what color) stretching between Shibuya Koen Dori and Yoyogi Park (just south of Yoyogi Park Events Square).
Yokohama Winter Illuminations (Yorunoyo)
Crowned one of Japan’s top three cities for stunning night views, Yokohama celebrates its title with Yorunoyo, an expansive winter illumination event that takes over the entire bayside.
Omotesandō Illumination
A classy and impressive annual display, the Omotesandō Illumination is a light-lit walk of just over 1 km along Omotesandō Avenue.
Meguro River Winter Illuminations
See the famous cherry blossom view of Meguro River in winter — well, sort of. The lights will be powered by cooking oil waste from local homes and businesses.
Asakusa Culture & Lights
For the first time in its 1,400-year history, Sensōji will host a large-scale projection mapping event. The free show runs throughout the evening with no reservation needed.
Kamakura Hasedera Temple Autumn Illuminations
Bursts of red, orange, and yellow leaves highlight Japan’s autumn. But add in some illumination to really see the fall trees glow.
| At the door: ¥400 | ||
| At the door: ¥200 | ||
Ōtaguro Park Autumn Illumination
Take a walk and enjoy the changing colors of the autumn leaves even at night. One of the biggest draws is the reflection of the trees on the park’s pond.
| At the door: ¥300 | ||
Chichibu Night Festival
Chichibu Shrine itself has over 2,000 years of history. This is a great opportunity to catch an enchanting traditional festival.
Ōji Fox Pageant New Year’s Eve Tour
Discover local culture and secure yourself exclusive access to one of Japan’s most unique New Year’s ceremonies. While it’s free to watch the parade, spots get taken quickly, and you usually need to arrive at least a few hours early to stake out a seat, so nab yourself a spot with this popular tour.
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