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/  

Van Gogh’s Home: The Van Gogh Museum - Tokyo

Van Gogh’s Home: The Van Gogh Museum - Tokyo

Sep 12 - Dec 21, 2025
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Tokyo Ueno Park)

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/  

Sanrio Character Festival in Hirakata Park

Sanrio Character Festival in Hirakata Park

Sep 13, 2025 - Jan 12, 2026
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

Maurice Utrillo

Sep 20 - Dec 14, 2025
Sompo Museum of Art

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-

Hello Kitty Exhibition -As I change, so does she-

Sep 25 - Dec 25, 2025
Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art

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

Impressionist Interiors: Intimacy, Decoration, Modernity

Oct 25, 2025 - Feb 15, 2026
The National Museum of Western Art

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

Tokyo Christmas Market 2025 at Jingu Gaien

Nov 21 - Dec 25, 2025
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/