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/
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/
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/
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/
Special Exhibition: ICE AGE – Discover the World 40,000 Years in the Past
About 40,000 years ago, during an ice age much colder than today, humans lived alongside enormous animals such as mammoths. Some of these species went extinct, while others survived. This exhibition explores the humans and animals of that era and delves into the mysteries of the ice age that determined their fate. https://hyogakiten.jp/english.html
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
Tokyo Festival 2025
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)
Special Exhibition Expressing Prayer, Capturing Form Buddhist Sculptures by Unkei from the Northern Round Hall of Kohfukuji Temple
This special exhibition recreates in Tokyo the interior of the North Octagonal Hall (Hokuendō) of Kōfukuji Temple in Nara, a space usually closed to the public, as it appeared when rebuilt in the Kamakura period. On display are seven Buddhist statues designated as National Treasures: the late masterpiece Seated Maitreya by the renowned Kamakura-period sculptor Unkei, the standing images of the bodhisattvas Mujaku (Asaṅga) and Seshin (Vasubandhu), as well as the Four Heavenly Kings, which are believed to have once been enshrined in the North Hall. The Seated Maitreya will be shown outside the temple precincts for the first time in about 60 years, and this marks its first public exhibition since restoration. https://tsumugu.yomiuri.co.jp/unkei2025/english.html
Van Gogh’s Home: The Van Gogh Museum - Tokyo
How have Vincent van Gogh’s works (1853–1890) been passed down to the present day? This exhibition focuses on the family collection that has been preserved by the van Gogh family. Vincent’s artistic career was supported by his brother Theo, who also safeguarded the majority of his works. After Theo’s death, his wife Johanna dedicated her life to managing the vast collection and bringing her brother-in-law’s art to the public. To prevent the collection from being dispersed, Theo and Johanna’s son, Vincent Willem, established the Van Gogh Foundation and devoted himself to opening a museum. The painter, who longed for his works to heal people’s hearts, hoped that people would still be able to see his paintings a hundred years later. Through numerous works, that dream has been carried forward to the present day. This exhibition continues that legacy, sharing both the artist’s works and the dreams preserved by his family with future generations. https://gogh2025-26.jp/
Kiborino Konno Exhibition
This exhibition features the works of wood carving artist Kiborino Konno, who recreates familiar foods and everyday items out of wood. On display are pieces such as a lifelike osuimono (clear soup) and “Tamagono Kibami,” a wooden egg with its yolk popping out. Visitors can also enjoy interactive experiences, including a quiz to spot wooden carvings hidden among real food, touchable works, and fascinating creations that appear transparent or three-dimensional when viewed through a smartphone or camera. On Saturday, September 13, there will also be a live demonstration by Kiborino Konno showcasing his carving process. https://kibori-exhibition.com/
Sanrio Character Festival in Hirakata Park
Many Sanrio Characters Appear! The "Sanrio Character Fest," which was held in 2023, is returning for the first time in two years. With the theme "Sanrio Puroland Comes to Everyone’s Town!", a wide variety of Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty, will make an appearance. The event features exhibits introducing the characters and Sanrio Puroland, a "Puroland Festival" where you can play games and win prizes, photo spots, and more. Exclusive event-only merchandise will also be available for purchase. https://www.hirakatapark.co.jp/topics/2025-sanrio/
Maurice Utrillo
This exhibition showcases the works of Maurice Utrillo, a landscape painter known for depicting the streets of early 20th-century Paris. In collaboration with the Musée National d’Art Moderne (Centre Pompidou), the exhibition features around 70 works, including Roofs of Montmagny and Le Lapin Agile, along with materials provided by the Utrillo Association, which manages documents related to his works. The exhibition explores Utrillo’s complete career, from the "Montmagny Period," when he took up painting as part of treatment for alcoholism, to the "White Period," where he captured the poetic beauty of white walls using various materials, and the "Color Period," featuring works with vivid, striking colors. Through these displays, visitors can experience Utrillo’s unique artistic style and the poetic landscapes he cherished. https://www.sompo-museum.org/en/
Hello Kitty Exhibition -As I change, so does she-
An exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty will be held under the theme “50 Years with Kitty and Me.” The event will feature the largest-ever display of Hello Kitty goods, along with an original video work by visual director Atsushi Makino, and illustrations created by 30 unique artists—including illustrators—who each expressed their own vision of “Me and Kitty.” Visitors can also enjoy a variety of special sections, as well as shop for exclusive merchandise such as the exhibition catalog, plush toys, and tote bags. https://kyotocity-kyocera.museum/en/exhibition/20250925-20251207
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.
Impressionist Interiors: Intimacy, Decoration, Modernity
This exhibition brings together around 100 works, centered on 68 masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris—revered as a temple of Impressionism—along with important works from Japan. It is the first time in about a decade that the Musée d’Orsay’s Impressionist collection will be shown in Japan on such a scale, featuring celebrated works by Manet, Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, and others. The exhibition focuses on the interiors depicted by Impressionist painters, tracing both their fascination with indoor spaces and the artistic challenges they undertook in portraying them. https://www.orsay2025.jp/en/
Tokyo Christmas Market 2025 at Jingu Gaien
Japan’s Largest Christmas Market!Last year, over 500,000 visitors attended the Tokyo Christmas Market, and this year it will be held at two locations: Jingu Gaien and Shiba Park! Each venue offers a Christmas market with a unique theme. At Jingu Gaien, you can enjoy food, crafts, and stage performances inspired by European fairy tales, especially the stories of the Brothers Grimm. Explore the largest venue area in Japan and experience the festive atmosphere! https://tokyochristmas.net/
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