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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MYSTERY OF TUTANKHAMUN: An Immersive Ancient Egypt Exhibition
An immersive exhibition delving into the mysteries of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun. Visitors can explore around 130 life-size super replicas of burial items found in his tomb, a remarkably realistic recreation of the tomb itself—including its dimensions, wall paintings, and even mold patterns—as well as projection mapping that traces the life of Tutankhamun. The exhibition also features a hologram created using a 3D scan of the actual golden mask. This unique experience combines both analog and digital elements to bring ancient Egypt vividly to life.。 https://tutankhamen.jp/
MOMAT Collection
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) holds one of Japan’s largest collections, with over 13,000 artworks. Approximately 200 works are displayed in each exhibition, showcasing a wide range of modern and contemporary Japanese art from the late 19th century to the present. This exhibition features 13 interconnected rooms, each dedicated to a small theme, allowing visitors to trace the flow of Japan’s modern and contemporary art. This time, the exhibition includes highlights of representative works of modern and contemporary art, as well as a theme titled "100 Years of Surrealism," exploring the major movements in 20th-century art with works by artists such as Max Ernst and Yves Tanguy. https://www.momat.go.jp/en/exhibitions/r6-3
Joan Miró
A major retrospective of Joan Miró, known for his unique and emotionally rich style, is being held. Considered one of the leading masters of the 20th century alongside Pablo Picasso, this exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Miró’s art, showcasing works from various periods, including his iconic "Constellations" series. The exhibition features three pieces from the "Constellations" series, along with paintings, ceramics, and sculptures representing each stage of his career, highlighting his continuous exploration of new forms of expression up to the age of 90. Masterpieces from Miró’s key periods will be gathered from around the world. https://miro2025.exhibit.jp/en/
Special Exhibition for the 80th Anniversary of the Air Raids: "The Osaka Air Raids – Memories from 80 Years Ago"
We must not let the memories of war fade away. From 1944 (Showa 19), Osaka experienced more than 50 air raids. Survivors of these bombings have preserved their memories in the form of testimonies and experience-based paintings, hoping to pass them on to future generations. These words and drawings, created by the survivors themselves, vividly bring back the horrors of the air raids, even after 80 years. This special exhibition presents personal testimonies from those who lived through the bombings, alongside paintings related to their accounts. https://www.peace-osaka.or.jp/sys/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/e7435a45315b5874de328f9d13200203-3-1.pdf
Special Exhibition Featuring Creatures of the Night and Darkness
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
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
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/
Odilon Redon: Dream of light, luminous shadow
Odilon Redon (1840–1916) was a French artist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Bordeaux in southwestern France, Redon studied the fundamentals of painting and printmaking in his hometown and in Paris.The Europe of Redon's lifetime was undergoing a shift in social structure brought about by the technological innovations of modern science, while a rejection of academic art led to the emergence of many new artistic movements such as Impressionism. Redon chose to walk a fine line between tradition and innovation to develop his own unique artistic style as he moved between different techniques and media, from charcoal and lithography to pastels and oils.Through approximately 110 works, many of them on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Gifu, this exhibition will present a full picture of his artistic journey. https://panasonic.co.jp/ew/museum/exhibition/25/250412/en.html
Unraveling the Mysteries of Ancient EGYPT from Brooklyn Museum in Shizuoka
An exhibition showcasing a selection of masterpieces from the Brooklyn Museum's renowned Ancient Egyptian collection. Around 150 artifacts, including sculptures, coffins, jewelry, pottery, papyrus, and even human and cat mummies, offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who created this advanced culture. The exhibition also features the latest research on pyramid exploration, conducted by Egyptologist Yukinori Kawae, revealing new findings about the daily lives of ancient Egyptians. Visitors can explore these discoveries, including overlooked facts from past Egypt exhibitions, through multimedia presentations that combine images, sounds, and cutting-edge pyramid research techniques. https://egypt-brooklyn.exhibit.jp/en/
Suntory Building Rooftop Beer Garden
Enjoy a lively beer garden held on the rooftop of the Suntory Building. The hearty set menu includes BBQ items such as meat and seafood, assorted appetizers, ajillo (garlic shrimp), grilled vegetables, beef curry, and seasonal dishes. All-you-can-drink options feature a wide variety of Suntory beverages, including The Premium Malt's, Suntory draft beers, and SUI — a refreshing and crisp gin unique to Suntory. Non-alcoholic options like All-Free are also available in abundance. https://www.dynac-japan.com/shop/beergarden/dojima/
Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in 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
Summer River Picnic: A Cool and Unique Experience
Did you know you can enjoy a refreshing summer outing right in the heart of Osaka? Imagine a floating picnic on a boat that resembles a traditional tea room, gently drifting along the river. You’re free to bring your own food and drinks, making it perfect for casual snacking, playing games, taking a nap, or even throwing a surprise party. This summer, why not enjoy an outdoor experience like no other—right in the city? https://www.citysup.jp/picnic-sum/
Emulation and Admiration: Two Stories of Collecting European Art European Master Paintings in Kyoto
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/
Unraveling the Mysteries of Ancient EGYPT from Brooklyn Museum in Aichi
An exhibition showcasing a selection of masterpieces from the Brooklyn Museum's renowned Ancient Egyptian collection. Around 150 artifacts, including sculptures, coffins, jewelry, pottery, papyrus, and even human and cat mummies, offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who created this advanced culture. The exhibition also features the latest research on pyramid exploration, conducted by Egyptologist Yukinori Kawae, revealing new findings about the daily lives of ancient Egyptians. Visitors can explore these discoveries, including overlooked facts from past Egypt exhibitions, through multimedia presentations that combine images, sounds, and cutting-edge pyramid research techniques. https://egypt-brooklyn.exhibit.jp/en/
Leo Lionni: The Art of Picture Book Making
This exhibition celebrates the work of Leo Lionni, a master of picture books known for beloved classics such as Swimmy and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse. Active in a wide range of fields including graphic design, art direction, and picture book creation, Lionni is spotlighted here for his contributions to children's literature. Focusing on his picture books, the exhibition delves into his creative techniques such as collage, exploring the process behind his storytelling. In addition to original illustrations, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Leo Lionni through various media, gaining insight into the messages he conveyed through his picture books. https://www.bunkamura.co.jp/museum/exhibition/25_leolionni/
Edo☆Ōoku
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
Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in Kumamoto
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
Colive Fukuoka 2025
Colive Fukuoka 2025 invites you to explore the future of business, lifestyle, and personal growth through deep connections with the vibrant local community. Participate in the startup-focused "RAMEN TECH" conference, engage with visionary speakers, and experience Fukuoka's unique culture in business, art, cuisine, and nightlife. Join us in co-creating a future where living meets traveling in one of Japan’s top-rated cities.
