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 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
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/
Nachikatsuura Digital Nomad Retreat 2025
Set along the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama, Daitaiji Temple offers a retreat for digital nomads working while traveling the world, featuring meditation, Zen sauna sessions, and meals made with locally sourced ingredients to restore mind and body. https://event.oterastay.com/
