What's On & Upcoming Events in Japan

Check out the most up-to-date listings of what's going on in Japan right now or in the near future, including fun activities, art exhibitions, festivals, parties, food markets, flea markets, sporting events, fairs, concerts, and more.

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Special Exhibition Featuring Creatures of the Night and Darkness

Special Exhibition Featuring Creatures of the Night and Darkness

Mar 14 - Nov 24, 2025
Sunshine Aquarium

This special exhibition focuses on animals that are active in the middle of the night or in complete darkness. Around 20 species that thrive in dark environments are introduced under three categories: Nocturnal, Cave-dwelling, and Bioluminescent. The exhibition space is dimly lit, creating the atmosphere of exploring a nighttime forest or the depths of the ocean. Visitors can observe the behavior of nocturnal animals—usually asleep during the day—as well as creatures that glow in the dark. One highlight is a “peephole” where visitors can view the luminous splendid flashlight fish (Anomalops katoptron) using its light organ in darkness. Original merchandise featuring the animals in the exhibit will also be available for purchase. https://sunshinecity.jp/file/aquarium/mayonaka/  

Tokyo Tower Highball Garden 2025

Tokyo Tower Highball Garden 2025

Mar 18 - Oct 13, 2025
Tokyo Tower

Enjoy top-quality highballs and delicious food that pairs perfectly with them at this gourmet event held at two outdoor areas beneath Tokyo Tower. In front of the Main Entrance on the 1st floor, the “TOKYO TOWER HIGHBALL GARDEN ‘CHO-TEN’” offers a chic, Japanese-modern atmosphere with lantern decorations. Guests can casually enjoy a wide variety of food and Suntory-certified “CHO-TEN” highballs. On the rooftop of FootTown, the “TOKYO TOWER HIGHBALL GARDEN ‘ROOF TOP’” features all-you-can-drink highballs and all-you-can-eat Genghis Khan BBQ from Mother Farm. https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/event/highballgarden2025/  

European Attire – Focusing on the 19th to 20th Century

European Attire – Focusing on the 19th to 20th Century

Apr 3 - Sep 26, 2025
POLA RESERCH INSTITUTE OF BEAUTY & CULTURE

This exhibition showcases items from the POLA Cultural Research Institute's collection related to beauty and adornment in Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries, including cosmetics tools and accessories. As European society underwent modernization following the technological innovations of the Industrial Revolution, the beauty field also saw the emergence of cosmetics and techniques that directly connect to modern makeup. On display are delicate glass makeup sets, compact cases with built-in music boxes, and other items once used by women of the time, offering a glimpse into their daily lives and aesthetic culture. https://www.cosmetic-culture.po-holdings.co.jp/gallery/artandbooks/2025/03/event004/  

Edo☆Ōoku

Edo☆Ōoku

Jul 19 - Sep 21, 2025
Tokyo National Museum

The “Edo☆Ōoku” exhibition will be held at the Tokyo National Museum from July 2025. Visitors can explore the world of the Ōoku through kabuki costumes, elegant kimono, embroidery, and historical illustrations. https://ooku2025.jp/index.html#highlight

Tokyo Festival 2025

Tokyo Festival 2025

Sep 1 - Nov 3, 2025
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and Other Venues in Tokyo

With the aim to make Tokyo an international hub for performing arts, "Tokyo Festival 2025" is held over 64 days from September 1 to November 3 offering diverse programs. “Autumn Meteorite”, which is mainly held in Ikebukuro features international and domestic works. There are also 3 programs: "Open Call Programs", "Performing Arts Base 2025", and "Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Festival Network". For more information, pleased check the link below. Details:https://tokyofestival.jp/en (English)https://tokyofestival.jp/ (Japanese)