Tokyo events for Monday, January 13 to Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Don’t let January blues get you down.
On this list we’ve got markets for those who like a bargain and for those who like something handmade. Traditional New Year festivities are still ongoing, with a plunge in an ice bath in Akihabara and men on ladders in Ota.
Kawagoe Traditional Experience Tour
This Kawagoe tour features one-of-a-kind, interactive experiences. Join in o-hayashi (music and dance performances) on a float, see performers in lion costumes and intricate masks (and try them on yourself), attend a book-binding workshop, and dine on a delicious kaiseki meal while trying local sake pairings from Kawagoe’s only brewery.
| Advance sales: ¥52,800 | ||
| Advance sales: ¥26,400 | ||
Setagaya Boroichi Market I
Boroichi is an enormous flea market at which more than 700 vendors sell a variety of used goods, antiques, handicrafts, religious artefacts, and food to approximately 200,000 visitors.
Tokyo Boat Race at Tamagawa Stadium
Enjoy these thrilling boat races on the water. Six powerboats make three laps around a 600-meter course, racing to finish first. Instead of a standing start, boats will do warm-up laps 100 seconds before the race starts
Daikoku Matsuri
Daikoku — a god of fortune — is offering up some good luck blessings to set your year off right at this traditional festival at Kanda Shrine near Akihabara. On Saturday at 10 a.m., a bone-chilling (literally) purification ceremony will be performed as “coming-of-age” participants will douse themselves in ice water.
Earth Garden Winter Festival
Spend the day in Yoyogi Park and hop over to where there will be market stalls selling organic/earth-friendly wares, various workshops, a children’s area, and live performances.
Handmade in Japan Festival Winter
Step into Japan’s largest creator festival “Handmade in Japan Fes”. Over 3000 artists from across the country and abroad will have their creations on display. Whether you’re looking for birthday presents or just something new, this is a great place to buy handmade crafts, support independent makers, and make sustainable shopping choices.
| Advance sales: ¥1,300 | At the door: ¥1,500 | |
Hashigo Nori (Ladder Acrobatics)
Hashigo Nori at Ikegami Honmonji Temple is a festival to remember. Featuring acrobatics and athleticism, it’s a unique event to kick off the new year. Visitors will also be able to try the stunts (on a mini-ladder!) and take photos with the performers.
January Grand Sumo Tournament
Held every January, this is the first of Japan’s six sumo tournaments, known as honbasho. With sumo rankings released a few weeks before, it’s a chance to see the traditional sport up close and personal. 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.
Matsuda Wintersweet Festival
In Matsuda’s Yadoriki area, a huge field of over 1,000 wintersweet shrubs can be found. During this period countless yellow flowers will bloom, providing a unique sight, and a distinct lovely fragrance. Be sure to check in advance during snow as it may be canceled.
Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox
-
6 Cute Pop-Culture Museums in Tokyo
How many have you heard of?
-
2025 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Dates
It's never too early to plan for spring.
-
Budget-Friendly Ski Packages for the 2024-2025 Season
Special deals and steals for the slopes.
-
New Video! Why Tokyo Locals Love Omotesandō—All the Hidden Gems
Right next to the hotspot of Harajuku, Omotesandō has some of the best architecture, brunch spots, and free art galleries in Tokyo.
-
January 2025: 7 Events Not To Miss
Start the new year with some festive fun—and ward off the winter blues.
-
Japanese New Year: Traditions and Celebrations in Tokyo
Everything you need to know, including food, the first sunrise, and where to celebrate.
-
Where To Be On New Year's Eve: 10 Best Tokyo Countdown Parties
Where to go for drinks, dancing, and good vibes.
-
New Video! Tokyo's Best Day Trip: Your Guide to Hiking Mount Takao
Why not spend a day exploring the (semi) wilds of one of Tokyo’s best-loved mountains?
-
18 Best Things To Do in Shibuya
Go say hi to Hachikō, then hunt for street art, check out the underground music scene—and more.
