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

MYSTERY OF TUTANKHAMUN: An Immersive Ancient Egypt Exhibition

Jan 1 - Dec 25, 2025
TUTANKHAMUN MUSEUM

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

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/  

Suntory Building Rooftop Beer Garden

Suntory Building Rooftop Beer Garden

Apr 25 - Sep 28, 2025
Suntory Building Rooftop

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

Summer River Picnic: A Cool and Unique Experience

May 1 - Oct 31, 2025
β Honmachibashi|Higashi Yokobori River

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

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/  

Unraveling the Mysteries of Ancient EGYPT from Brooklyn Museum  in Aichi

Unraveling the Mysteries of Ancient EGYPT from Brooklyn Museum in Aichi

Jun 28 - Sep 7, 2025
Toyota City Museum

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

Leo Lionni: The Art of Picture Book Making

Jul 5 - Aug 27, 2025
Shibuya Hikarie

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

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

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

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

Jul 19 - Sep 21, 2025
Contemporary Art Museum 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