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Tokyo events for Monday, December 17 to Sunday, December 23, 2018
Twas the week before Christmas and all through the city:
Senso-ji Temple Hagoita-Ichi Fair
An end-of-year market on Sensoji Temple grounds where you can pick up a good luck “racket” to adorn your home—and fill up on tasty street food too. Keep an eye out for geisha who can be spotted perusing through the market stalls.
Knit Together for Mental Health Vol. 2
Knit, crochet, sew, and craft in community over a hot cup of something delicious. All skill levels welcome.
Amnesty International’s Pub Quiz
A night of pub trivia and prizes all while helping out a good cause.
| At the door: ¥1,000 | ||
Nishiarai Daishi Temple – End of Year Festival
Close out the year at Nishiarai Daishi Temple where there are plenty of good luck charms and food options to choose from. It’s also a good excuse to get out of central Tokyo and see a beautiful Buddhist temple you might not otherwise have visited.
Winter Solstice Festival
Ward off the cold by picking up a mamori charm at this solstice festival. There’s also a large winter market with plenty of food stalls to choose from.
Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks
See a grand fireworks show every Saturday night throughout December near the iconic Rainbow Bridge.
Live From the Kitchen Disco: Bumper Christmas Special
A free night of music in an Indian restaurant where cold beer and a friendly crowd is always on the menu.
Kasukabe Hagoita Market
Take a trip to Saitama for a spot of traditional Japanese culture at the Kasukabe Hagoita Market. Hagoita are ornamental rackets based on an old-school New Year’s game. The rackets are brightly decorated with famous kabuki actors, sports stars and other celebs.
World Christmas Festival 2018
Yoyogi Park is hosting its fifth annual Christmas festival. There will be food and music performances with a healthy dose of festive flair.
Hibiya Christmas Market
One of the most popular German-style Christmas markets in Tokyo. Expect carols, lights, decorations, mulled wine and food stalls.
Christmas illuminations
Christmas season in Japan is already upon us with light-up festivals galore taking place all over the city. There are plenty to choose from, with some running until February 2018, and some finishing on Christmas Day—so be sure to note the end dates. With new themes, music accompaniments and increasingly impressive displays every year, you’re sure to enjoy what the bright city streets have to offer. Click here for the top 10 Tokyo illuminations.
Tokyo Fight Club – New Year’s Eve Countdown Special
It’s time to start planning for New Year’s Eve, and what better way to ring in 2019 than with a Vegas-style party at the new fight sport bar in Shibuya, featuring three x three-round fights, go-go dancers, a live DJ and flutes of champagne at the stroke of midnight. Click below for more info and tickets.
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