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.
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/
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/
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)
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
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/
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/
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
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/
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/
© 2025 Japan Living Guide. All Rights Reserved.