Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
By month: October 2026, November 2026, December 2026, January 2027
An annual festival in Saitama featuring six ornate floats illuminated by thousands of lanterns, along with fireworks and traditional performances.
2–3 Dec 2026Chichibu · SaitamaA display of original manga art marking twenty-five years of BLACK LAGOON.
13 Nov – 6 Dec 2026TokyoPremium automotive festival showcasing rare classic cars and latest vehicles alongside hypercar demonstrations at an exclusive Mount Fuji venue.
4–6 Dec 2026Minamiboso · ChibaAn autumn exhibition in Shiga where the hidden image of Hyakusaiji, an eleven-headed Kannon of the 8th century, leaves the temple for the first time.
26 Sep – 6 Dec 2026Koka · ShigaAn autumn light-up at Happo-en in Tokyo: orange and red lights on the maples, ginkgo trees and pond of a Japanese garden with about 400 years of history.
27 Nov – 6 Dec 2026TokyoAn autumn light-up of the pond garden at Mejiro Garden in Tokyo, with maples, a sukiya teahouse and lanterns lit after dark, plus concerts and food stalls.
21 Nov – 6 Dec 2026TokyoRikugien, one of Tokyo's best-known gardens for autumn leaves, opens after dark for about two weeks, with its maples lit and projections on an old storehouse.
25 Nov – 6 Dec 2026TokyoCoffee roasters from across Japan gather at this festival in a historic temple, featuring live music and limited-edition merchandise.
6–7 Dec 2026Exact date not confirmed yetKawagoe · SaitamaFifteen years of MAPPA at the Yurakucho Museum this autumn, with original drawings and production art from 23 titles, three of them given their own areas.
16 Sep – 7 Dec 2026TokyoA touring sumo exhibition in Nishinomiya with close encounters with wrestlers: topknot styling, rare techniques, and photo and handshake opportunities.
8 Dec 2026Nishinomiya · HyogoImmersive anime collaboration event featuring outdoor attractions, interactive activities, and themed food where visitors experience the Attack on Titan world.
14 Mar – 13 Dec 2026Awaji · HyogoAn exhibition on the designer Sugiura Hisui and Hisui Hyakkafu, his book of woodblock plant prints, with original drawings beside the finished prints.
17 Oct – 13 Dec 2026Kawagoe · SaitamaAn exhibition of archaeological and folklore materials, from Jomon artefacts to historic household items, documenting the cultural heritage of Musashino.
18 Jul – 13 Dec 2026Koganei · TokyoAn annual market held in December where visitors purchase traditional daruma dolls representing wishes for health, family unity, and prosperity.
17–18 Dec 2026Exact date not confirmed yetOdawara · KanagawaHiroshige at the Tokyo National Museum: every print of his three major series, from the Tokaido to the Hundred Famous Views of Edo, shown in three parts.
29 Sep – 20 Dec 2026TokyoShiro EXPO is Japan's largest annual castle festival, with specialist talks, regional performances and booths representing castles nationwide.
19–20 Dec 2026Yokohama · KanagawaJump Festa, Japan's largest manga and anime fan convention, draws 100,000 fans over two December days for new series debuts, artist appearances and merchandise.
20–21 Dec 2026Exact date not confirmed yetChibaA German-style Christmas market at two Tokyo venues, the Shin-Toyosu waterfront and Shiba Park below Tokyo Tower, each with a Christmas pyramid about 14 m tall.
20 Nov – 25 Dec 2026Tokyo
