The New Year has officially begun! January is a month of celebration, new resolutions, and promises for ourselves. And for that, the first month of the year does not lack in entertainment and cultural events to start the year on a fine note, especially in Japan’s capital! Music, festivals, markets, exhibitions, and anniversaries are just the beginning of what can be found in Tokyo this month. We promise you, there is a must-attend event for everyone in January 2026! So let’s jump into some of the top things we recommend!
Neon Genesis Evangelion series’ wallpaper – Credits: rubbertv on Wallpapers.com
All of Evangelion Exhibition
Until the 12th of this January, fans of the anime can still visit the “All of Evangelion” exhibition, marking the franchise’s 30th anniversary! The event celebrates the series Neon Genesis Evangelion as it became an important part of Japanese pop culture and spread internationally, gathering fans from all over the world. If you don’t know it, you probably know at least its iconic opening! For the occasion, this exhibition features exclusive illustrations, artworks, digital production materials from the movies, and original animations! Upon entering, you will be welcomed by a model of the Evangelion Unit-01 for an immersive exhibition experience! If you visit on weekdays (until the 9th of January), you will have the chance to get the “ALL OF EVANGELION Original Card” as a unique souvenir! Know that tickets can be purchased same-day, or online here, with a specified date and time from 10:00 to 20:00. After the exhibition, head to The Sun & The Moon cafe to try their Evangelion-inspired collaboration menu!
Dates: November 14th to January 12th, from 10:00 to 22:00
Location: Tokyo City View, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 52nd floor
Website: All of Evangelion Official Website
Fees: From ¥1000 to ¥2400, depending age, and ticket purchasing method (online / on-site)
Digimon Adventures 2 x Magical Doremi joint exhibition poster – Anime Tokyo Station official website
“Digimon Adventure 02” & “Ojamajo Doremi” Anime 25th Anniversary Joint Exhibition
Both released in 2000, the internationally famous series “The Digimon Adventure 02” and “Ojamajo Doremi” celebrate their 25th anniversary together this year for a 3-month joint exhibition at the Anime Tokyo Station in Ikebukuro until mid-February. For those who grew up watching these shows, it promises to be an event full of nostalgia with displays of storyboards, original and rare character sheets, concept sketches, design materials showing the iconic moves of main characters in their respective series, their costumes and references, and hand-painted backgrounds! For a total immersion, there is some interactive digital content available, and photobooths on site for fans to take pictures with their favorite characters and Digimons! It is a free-to-attend event, so what are you waiting for?
Dates: November 15th 2025 to February 15th 2026
Location: Anime Tokyo Station, Ikebukuro
Website: Anime Tokyo Station events official website
Fees: Free
Minna no Illumi dates 2026 – Credits: Minna no Illumi official website
Meguro River Winter Illuminations
Meguro, a beautiful spot known for its gathering of cherry blossom trees along the river, is always considered impressive during the Sakura season in Tokyo! However, you should definitely take a peek at this place during winter, as gorgeous seasonal illuminations illuminate the river until the end of January once again! Every day from 17:00 to 22:00, there is a set of around 350,000 Sakura flower-looking LEDs decorating the surrounding trees, shining magically in the night between Ōsaki and Gotanda! The best thing about this illumination event is that it stays sustainable and eco-friendly as the lights are being fully self-generated and the electricity is recycled, produced, and consumed locally. Engage in a little walk along the Meguro River this January, those winter sakura trees await your visit as they shine in the cold evenings!
Dates: December 5th 2025 to January 31st 2026
Location: Gotanda Waterfront Plaza
Website: Minna no Illumi official website
Fees: Free
Representation of the Seven Lucky Gods – Credits: j4p4n on Openclipart
Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage
In January, there is a local pilgrimage tradition, the Shichifukujin Meguri – or Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage – to celebrate and wish for good luck throughout the year! It is not always an organized event, and you can even do it yourself at pretty much any time, but it is a really popular rally to do at the very beginning of the new year! The goal is to visit the 7 shrines of the Seven Lucky Gods, to pray and hope for a good year and life in every aspect: prosperity, good fortune, longevity, happiness, good health, and more. There are many different courses, and no strict rules, but one that is very popular in Tokyo is the Yanaka course, also said to be the oldest pilgrimage route. There, you can walk from shrine to shrine (here is an example of an itinerary among many others) easily, as they are not very far apart from each other, and explore this old city at the same time! Don’t forget to get a stamp (or goshuin) at each shrine to keep an authentic souvenir and to ensure yourself a lucky year!
Dates: January 1st to 10th
Location: From Tabata, through Nishi-nippori and Yanaka, to Uenokoen
Fees: Free
Sumo wrestling match – Credits: Artem Zhukov on Pexels
Grand Sumo Tournament
One of the big events in January is the Grand Sumo tournament, and it will be held in Tokyo from the 11th to the 25th in 2026. It is the first of the 6 annual grand tournaments known as honbasho. Sumo consists of 2 wrestlers in a ring who have to push each other out of the ring (dohyō) to win the battle. It may sound simple, but this sport is a pillar in Japanese culture, being a vital part of its long history! The wrestlers are classified in different ranks, the highest being the Yokozuna, who enter the ring later in the day for the tournaments, while in the morning, the lower-ranked sumo wrestlers fight. The entry fees range from ¥3500 for the lowest price in the arena seats on a weekday (less crowded) to ¥42000, the highest for the special Maku-seki (Japanese-style box) for groups of 4 on the weekend. Get more details about ticket options here and purchase yours here. Don’t forget to bring cash money to get some food in case you get a little hungry during the battles!
Dates: January 11th to January 25th
Location: Ryōgoku Kokugikan Stadium
Website: Japan Sumo Association Official Website
Fees: From ¥3500 to ¥42000, depending on the seating area and the day of the week
Daruma dolls displayed – Credits: Benny Analog on Pexels
Ōme Daruma Market
One very popular item to purchase in January is the daruma doll, and many markets are selling them in bulk for people to have their own and bring them luck for the coming year! One particularly popular option is the one in Ōme, a 200-year-old market located right outside the station. Once you purchase yours, fill in his right eye and make a wish. Then, when your wish comes true, fill in the other eye. Ōme Daruma market is open on January 12 this year in 2026, from 13:30 to 20:00, so you have plenty of time to choose your favorite doll and to think about your wish! You can also enjoy the view of people throwing their old Daruma dolls in the fire at the Sumiyoshi shrine at the annual Daruma Burning Festival. Enjoy this traditional event with locals and immerse yourself in New Year’s Japanese customs!
Dates: January 12th, from 13:30 to 20:00
Location: Sumiyoshi Shrine, Ōme station
Website: Ōme Tourism Association Official website
Fees: Free
Workshop at Handmade in Japan festival – Credits: Creema for Handmade in Japan
Handmade in Japan Festival
Taking place on the 17th and 18th of this month is the 18th edition of the “Handmade in Japan” festival, operated by Creema, at the Tokyo Big Sight (or Tokyo International Exhibition Center). This is the largest festival of its kind, attracting more than 3000 Japanese and foreign creators alike for the entire weekend. This is an opportunity to buy original products made by local artists and independent crafters, while supporting their business and staying sustainable! You can find any type of products from old-style to modern, there is something for everyone! Entry fees vary, and you can pay either online here or on-site (keep in mind that buying your ticket on-site will cost more than purchasing the ticket in advance). Not only will you find traditional craftsmanship and interactive workshops, but the event will also feature music performances, food and drinks stalls in a dedicated area!
Dates: January 17th and 18th, from 11:00 to 18:00
Location: Tokyo Big Sight, West Halls 1 & 2
Website: Handmade in Japan Official Website
Fees: From ¥1300 to ¥2500 depending on days and purchasing method, free entry for children and elementary school students
Full of exhibitions, tournaments, festivals, and illumination, January 2026 is packed to the brim with interesting and exciting events! There is something for everyone and every age this month for you to enjoy your time in Tokyo to its absolute fullest, whether you live here or you just visit! Don’t forget to always wear comfortable clothes and to bring a warm jacket, as the temperatures outside get lower during the colder months! Bring your extra layers, and jump headfirst into the wintertime fun!
Featured Photo Credit: Sabine Meier on Pexels
