Need to get some inspiration for what to do this week in Tokyo? Say no more and check out this weeks Highlights of Tokyo.
Updated weekly!
Chinese Spring Festival (Lunar New Year)
Celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival in Tokyo’s Chukagai (Chinatown) in Yokohama, Japan’s largest Chinese community. From February 11 to 12 and 17 to 18 at Yamashita Cho park, enjoy traditional performances like lion and dragon dances. On February 23, a lively parade with dancing performers in emperor costumes will loop around Chinatown. Conclude the festivities on February 24 with the Lantern Festival. Or join the festivities in Ueno with the Uendo Panda New Years Festival 2024 that lasts from the 9th-12th of February. Don’t miss it!
| Website | Official Website, UenoFestival |
| Location | Maps, Ueno Park |
| Dates | 2/10/2024-2/24/2024, Ueno: 2/9-2/12 |
Plum Blossom Festival
Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Tokyo as it blossoms with the Plum Blossom Festival. This annual celebration of nature’s renewal paints the city in hues of pink and white, creating a picturesque landscape for locals and travelers alike. For an unforgettable experience, we recommend exploring the scenic beauty of Hanegi Park in Setagaya, where the plum blossoms unfold like a living canvas. Wander through Koishikawa Korakuen, where the blossoms create a serene ambiance, or visit Yushima Tenjin, a historic shrine surrounded by plum trees. Tokyo comes alive during this festival, offering nature, culture and the beauty of the plum blossoms.
| Location | Hanegi Park, Koishikawa Setagaya, Yushima Tenjin |
| Dates | ~3/5/2024-*Depending on location |
Japan International Orchid and Flower Show
The Japan Grand Prix International Orchid and Flower Show began in 1991 and has grown into one of the world’s largest floral events, mainly focusing on orchids. With over 1000 exhibitors participating in the eight-day program, visitors can enjoy a stunning display of flowers. The event also offers the Flower Café and Bar, where you can savor unique floral inspired food and drinks. This year, in celebration of the 30th anniversary, a special installation featuring one million orchid flowers has been added as a highlight.
| Website | Official Website |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 2/7/2024-2/14/2024 |
Wonder Festival
Calling all figure enthusiasts! Wonder Festival Tokyo, the world’s largest celebration of figures, happens twice a year at Chibas Makuhari Messe. In February and July, manufacturers unveil the latest figures, with both pros and amateurs showcasing their creations. There’s a diverse range of figures, including characters from Western media too. Most booths allow photography, making it a paradise for toy photography lovers. Beyond figures, the event features stage events, including talk shows about upcoming or recently concluded anime. Join in for a dynamic blend of creativity and anime culture.
| Website | Official Website |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 2/11/2024 |
Tokyo Illuminations
Even though Christmas is over, there are still big Winter Illuminations going on. Get your camera and get those Instagram pictures!
Hibiya Magic Time Illumination
The fifth annual Hibiya Magic Time Illumination is back at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, enchanting visitors with three mesmerizing main areas adorned with lights inspired by starry nights. Hibiya-Nakadori Street features captivating multi- colored illuminations, Hibiya Step Square showcases Christmas trees with sparkling lights synchronized to festive music (only until December 25), and the sixth-floor Park View Garden transforms into a winter-white wonderland resembling the Milky Way. Catch these breathtaking Illuminations daily from 5pm to 11pm. This year’s theme is “Moment of Excitement.” Immerse yourself in a multiverse of colors on Hibiya Midtowns street, gaze at wonderful adorned Christmas trees in Hibiya Step Square, and explore the serene winter landscape at Park View Garden on the sixth floor. Don’t miss the magic!
| Website | HibiyaIllumination |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 11/16/2023-2/14/2024 |
Marunouchi Illumination
Experience the enchanting Marunouchi Naka-dori street, a beloved Tokyo Illumination destination, adorned with approximately 1.2 million champagne-colored, eco friendly LED bulbs illuminating around 360 trees along the 1.2km stretch. For a cozy viewing experience, head to the newly renovated Marunouchi House, where the seventh-floor terrace will be aglow for a limited time, offering a comfortable seating surrounded by outdoor heaters, making it the perfect place to enjoy the illuminations. In the spirit of Christmas, Gyoko-dori, located between the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, will dazzle with additional illuminations from November to December 25. Apart from illuminating the bare branches, the sidewalks feature lit sculptures, an ice-skating rink, a compact merry-go-round, the local mascot Maru-kun, a piano,and plenty of food stalls. Don’t miss the magical atmosphere.
| Website | MarunouchiIllumination |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 11/16/2023-2/18/2024 |
Yomiuri Land
よみうりランド
Welcome to Yomiuriland, an enchanting amusement park that promises a world of fun and excitement! Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Yomiuriland is a haven for thrill-seekers and families alike. Boasting a diverse array of attractions, from exhilarating roller coasters to whimsical family rides, this amusement park has something for everyone. One of the park’s highlights is its stunning illumination displays that transform Yomiuriland into a mesmerizing wonderland after sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, millions of twinkling lights come to life, creating a magical ambiance that captivates visitors of all ages. In addition to its thrilling rides and enchanting illuminations, Yomiuriland offers a variety of entertainment, dining options, and special events throughout the year.
| Website | Yomiuriland |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 10/19/2023-4/7/2024 |
Tokyo Dome Illuminations
Welcome to Tokyo Dome, an iconic entertainment complex that stands as a symbol of leisure and excitement in the heart of Tokyo! As the sun sets, Tokyo Dome transforms into a mesmerizing wonderland illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. Beyond the enchanting lights, Tokyo Dome is a hub of entertainment, featuring a variety of attractions, including an amusement park, shopping outlets, and a range of dining options.
| Website | TokyoDomeCityIlluminaiton |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 11/21/2023-2/29/2024 |
Kioi Winter
Tokyo Garden Terrace is giving visitors their “Enchanted Christmas” illumination all throughout the Winter season. Adorning the trees around the facilities are two captivating art installations, which is the “White Deer (Kohei Nawa) and “Echoes Infinity “with more than 400,000 lights along the river adding to the Installation. The illumination will be starting daily from 4pm to 11pm.
| Website | Official Website |
| Locations | Maps |
| Dates | 11/17/2023-2/29/2024 |
Tokyo Art
Tokyo has many art galleries. But these are definitely ones that you should check out, since they are only open for a limited time!
A Harmonious Cycle of Interconnected Nows, Azabudai Hills
Azabudai Hills Gallery
“A harmonious cycle of interconnected nows” by Olafur Eliasson is open for display at Azabudai Hills Gallery. Olafur Eliasson (born in 1967 in Denmark) has a worldwide reputation not only for his diverse genre interplay, but also his approach with social issues like the climate crisis. In this way Eliassons works often underline the entanglement between humans and nature and calls out the shared responsibility when shaping the future. The upcoming exhibition will showcase themes of line and movement through a variety of mediums, including new installations, watercolor paintings, drawings, and sculptures.
| Website | AzabudaiHillsArtGallery |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 11/24/2023-3/31/2024 |
New Ghibli: “The boy and the Heron”- Exhibition
Director Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film “The Boy and the Heron” has finally made it. After being in production for 7 whole years it has been in the theaters since the beginning of december. Nowadays, digital equipment is becoming more and more the main tools for animation production. As a result, pencils, papers and paints are slowly vanishing from this process. The new “The Boy and the Heron” Exhibition presents these awe inspiring and time consuming drawings. A place where visitors can witness the richness of hand-drawn drawings.
| Website | Official Website |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 11/18/2023- 5/01/2024 |
Van Gogh and Still Life: From Tradition to Innovation
Vincent van Gogh’s lasting impact on Western art history, particularly in the still life genre, is explored in this prestigious exhibition. Featuring not only Van Gogh’s works but also contributions from Cézanne, Gauguin, Monet, and Renoir, the exhibition places Dutch Post-Impressionists art in the broader context of European still life painting from the 17th-century Netherlands to the early 20th century. The showcase delves into Van Gogh’s influences, his contributions to the genre, and his influence on subsequent artists. Among the 69 exhibited works, 25 are by Van Gogh, and a special focus is given to his iconic ‘Sunflowers’ paintings.
| Website | VanGoghArtGallery |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 10/17/2023-3/31/2024 |
Hokusai Samurai World
The Sumida Hokusai Museum has a new special exhibition for Hokusai’s Musha-e drawings. An attempt to express the movement of humans via Samurai, even when wearing their armor. This exhibition focuses on Hokusai’s depiction of people by introducing them to historical samurai figures up until the Sengoku Period. The Musha-e drawings is a category of the Japanese Ukiyo-e genre. Get to see Hokusai’s depictions of the Shogun, Including Tokugawa Ieyasu (first Shogun) that ruled over the Samurai for many years.
| Website | Official Website |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 12/14/2023-2/25/2024 |
Mot Annual 2023: Synergies, or between Creation and Generation
For a long time now, the Museum of Contemporary Art has been hosting exhibitions as part of their “MOT Annual” Exhibition. This featured exhibition focuses on examining the relationship between the notions of “creation”- expressed through AI, Metaverse and NTFS. The exhibition boasts around 50 works from 11 artists. Highlight of this Exhibition is pixelated paintings with use of only an application on a tablet by popular NFT Artist “Zombie Zoo Keeper”.
| Website | Official Website |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 12/2/2023- 3/3/2024 |
Mika Ninagawa Exhibition: Eternity in a Moment
Step into Mika Ninagawa’s enchanting world at the “Eternity in a Moment” exhibition. With 11 distinct artworks, the journey begins in darkness with the “Afterglow” and “Breathing of Lives”, exploring the shifts in human connections during global events like the pandemic. As you progress to the brighter “intersecting Future ” and concluding with “Blooming Emotions’ , this exhibition is a deep reflection on daily life. Don’t miss the exclusive pop-up shop for unique goods and apparel, plus a limited-time café menu featuring desserts inspired by Ninagawa’s iconic flower motifs. It’s more than an exhibit; it’s a seamless blend of art, contemplation and a touch of sweetness woven into everyday life.
| Website | Official Website |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 12/5/2023-2/25/2024 |
Gundam Unicorn Winter Lights
The iconic Unicorn Gundam statue at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba is now adorned with winter lights until February 18. The special illumination in blue and red celebrates the upcoming release of the ‘Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom movie’ in January 2024. Catch this unique light display from 5pm to 11pm daily, with a special show every 30 minutes between 7pm and 9.30pm, featuring a short screening of the animation. Don’t miss this spectacular tribute to Gundam Seed Freedom!
| Website | DiverCityTokyo |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | (…)- 2/18/2024 |
Yokohama “Sparkling Twilight”
Yokohama Sparkling Twilight, held around Yokohama Port, transforms both the city and the sky into a mesmerizing spectacle. The radiant fireworks burst above the lit-up boats weaving through the sea in front of Yamashita Park, creating a breathtaking display. With eight scheduled five-minute fireworks shows from October to next February, the launches take place at Osanbashi Pier and/or Shinko Pier depending on the date. For a perfect view of the explosive spectacle, Yamashita Park by the seaside is the ideal vantage point.
| Website | YokohamaSparklingTwilight |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 7/15/2023-2/24/2024 |
Ice Skating
Ice Skating is loved by many people and is a popular thing to do during the Winter season. Ice Skating is a good chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo while still enjoying the scenery of Tokyo around you. Rentals and even Trainers for First timers are at the side and usually offered at every rink. Check out their Website for more Information.
Popular Rinks in Tokyo and Area:
| Websites | Midtown Ice Rink, Ice Skating Park (Tokyo Skytree), Rooftop Star Rink, Chiba Ice Rink |
| Locations | Midtown Ice Rink, Ice Skating Park (Tokyo Skytree), Rooftop Star Rink, Chiba Ice Rink |
| Dates | Midtown Ice Rink: 11/16/2023-2/25/2024, Ice Sating Park (Tokyo Skytree): 1/04/2024-3/10/2024, Rooftop Stark Rink: 11/17/2023- 1/21/2024, Chiba Ice Rink: 11/23/2024-3/10/2024 |
Japan Wonder Travel Tours
Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!
In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help!
▶Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour
Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides!
▶Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.
▶Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo
Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.
▶Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
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Happy traveling!
Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Once every two weeks we will introduce you to our latest content.
Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Once every two weeks we will introduce you to our latest content.
