Created for expats living in Japan

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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Canaletto and the Splendour of Venice

Canaletto and the Splendour of Venice

Feb 15 - Apr 23, 2025
The Museum of Kyoto

The exhibition of Canaletto, known as the master of Veduta (landscape painting), is the first large-scale exhibition of his works in Japan. Featuring around 60 pieces, including oil paintings, drawings, and prints, mainly from British collections such as the Scottish National Gallery, the exhibition delves into the charm of Canaletto’s works and the background of his creative process. In addition, works by artists before, during, and after Canaletto’s time will also be displayed, offering a rare opportunity in Japan to explore the broader evolution of Veduta painting. https://www.bunpaku.or.jp/en/  

Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in Kyoto

Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in Kyoto

Apr 26 - Jul 6, 2025
The Cultural Museum of Kyoto

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Washoku's inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the National Museum of Nature and Science will present the special exhibition of Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine). This exhibition aims to introduce Washoku, which is attracting increasing attention around the world, from various perspectives including science and history, through a diverse range of specimens and exhibits. https://washoku2023.exhibit.jp/en.html    

Emulation and Admiration: Two Stories of Collecting European Art European Master Paintings in Kyoto

Emulation and Admiration: Two Stories of Collecting European Art European Master Paintings in Kyoto

Jun 25 - Oct 13, 2025
Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art

This exhibition brings together approximately 90 paintings from the collections of the San Diego Museum of Art, which houses some of the earliest Western paintings collected on the U.S. West Coast, and the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo, which has the only systematic collection of Western paintings in East Asia. The exhibition traces the history of Western art over 600 years, from the Renaissance to 19th-century Impressionism, with a focus on how to enjoy and appreciate the artworks. Related pieces are displayed in pairs or small groups for comparison, allowing visitors to explore the stories behind the paintings from various perspectives. https://art.nikkei.com/dokomiru/en/