Tokyo in January offers a mesmerizing mix of traditional celebrations, pop culture exhibitions, and vibrant festivals. This bustling city provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience Japanese traditions, modern culture, and global spectacles. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, thrilling performances, or unique exhibitions, this month’s lineup promises a delightful blend of activities. Here’s your guide to the must-attend events in January 2025!
Photo Credit: Yakuoin Temple Events Webpage
Hatsumode and Geikosai New Year’s Festival at Mt. Takao
Hatsumode is the traditional Japanese practice of making the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year during the initial days of January. The Geikosai New Year’s Festival, held at Yakuoin Temple on Mount Takao, is a magnificent celebration featuring sacred rituals and ceremonies that begin at midnight and extend until 5:00 PM. Participants witness mountain ascetics blowing conch shells and priests reciting sutras to welcome the first light of the new year in the revered Geikosai ceremony. This unique event combines breathtaking views of Mount Fuji with a deep sense of spiritual renewal.
Admission: Free
Date: January 1, 2025
Location: Yakuoin Temple, Mount Takao, Tokyo, Japan
Time: 12:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Website: Yakuoin Temple Events
Hiroshige Utagawa’s ukiyo-e depicts foxes gathering under this tree – Photo Credit: Official website
Ōji Inari Shrine Fox Parade (Kitsune no Gyoretsu)
The Ōji Inari Shrine Fox Parade is a fascinating New Year’s Eve event that brings to life the legends of Japanese folklore in Tokyo’s Kita Ward. Participants don elaborate fox masks and traditional garments, reenacting the legendary procession of foxes that gather at Ōji Inari Shrine to pay homage. As hundreds of participants illuminate the streets with lanterns symbolizing “foxfire,” this mystical event seamlessly blends history with festive celebrations, creating a truly magical atmosphere for visitors.
Admission: Free for spectators; pre-registration required for participants (may include a fee)
Date: December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Location: Ōji Inari Shrine, Kita Ward, Tokyo
Time: Begins on December 31, ending around 1:30 AM (specific activities include a rice ceremony at 11:00 PM and a procession starting at midnight)
Website: kitsune.tokyo-oji.jp
Hama-rikyu Gardens opening for New Year (2024) – Photo Credit: Official website
New Year at Tokyo’s Gardens
Tokyo’s metropolitan gardens, adorned with traditional New Year decorations, specially open on January 2nd and 3rd to offer serene landscapes and cultural activities. Visitors can experience a harmonious combination of natural beauty and traditional Japanese games, making it an excellent way to start the year. With falconry displays, matcha tastings, and seasonal flora, these gardens provide both relaxation and a cultural deep dive for visitors of all ages.
Admission: Varies by garden; some may offer free entry
Dates: January 2–3, 2025
Locations and Highlights:
Hamarikyu Gardens: Falconry displays at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, traditional games, and matcha with sweets.
Kyu-Shiba Rikyu Garden: New Year’s games from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Rikugien Gardens: Traditional decorations and serene landscapes.
Other Gardens: Koishikawa Korakuen, Kiyosumi, Old Iwasaki House, Old Furukawa, and Tonogayato Gardens.
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Website: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Press Release
Wrestle Kingdom 19 at the Tokyo Dome – Photo Credit: Fightful Select
Wrestle Kingdom 19
New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s premier annual event, Wrestle Kingdom 19, showcases top wrestling talents from around the globe. Held at the iconic Tokyo Dome, this electrifying night features high-stakes matches, dramatic storylines, and unforgettable performances that appeal to both wrestling enthusiasts and casual fans.
Admission: ¥5,500 to ¥25,500 depending on seating
Date: January 4, 2025
Location: Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan
Time: 5:00 PM JST
Website: New Japan Pro-Wrestling Official Website
Photo Credit: Tokyo Auto Salon
TOKYO AUTO SALON 2025
A dazzling showcase of automotive innovation, the TOKYO AUTO SALON transforms Makuhari Messe into a hub of cutting-edge car design, technology, and performance. Featuring over 1,000 vehicles and 4,000 booths, the event highlights concept cars, customized models, and dynamic stage performances. This is a must-visit for car enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Admission:
- Premium Ticket (January 10, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM): ¥4,000
- General Ticket (January 11 or 12): ¥3,000 per day
Dates: January 10–12, 2025
Location: Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan
Time: Varies by day (January 10: Business Day & Premium Access, January 11–12: General Admission)
Website: TOKYO AUTO SALON
Winter Ice bath at Teppozu Shrine to bathe and purify – Photo Credit: kuremo
Winter Ice Bathing at Teppozu Inari Shrine
Experience an invigorating tradition at the Winter Ice Bathing event held at Teppozu Inari Shrine. Participants immerse themselves in icy water as part of a purification ritual designed to cleanse the soul and pray for health and well-being in the coming year. This unique cultural spectacle also welcomes spectators to witness the ceremony and its profound symbolism.
Admission: Free for spectators; prior application required for participants
Date: January 12, 2025
Location: Teppozu Inari Shrine, Tokyo, Japan
Time: Starts at 11:00 AM
Website: Teppozu Inari Shrine Annual Events
Girls in Kimono – Photo Credit: John Leung
Coming of Age Day Celebrations
Coming of Age Day (成人の日, Seijin no Hi) is a public holiday in Japan held annually on the second Monday of January under the Happy Monday System. It is held to congratulate and encourage those who have reached the age of maturity between April 2 of the previous year and April 1 of the current year, helping them realize they have become adults. Festivities include coming-of-age ceremonies (成人式, seijin-shiki) held at local and prefectural offices, as well as after-parties among family and friends.
Admission: Free
Date: January 13, 2025
Website: Coming of Age Day
Photo Credit: Japan Sumo Association
Grand Sumo Japan Tournament
The Grand Sumo Japan Tournament, the inaugural sumo event of the year, takes place at Tokyo’s historic Ryōgoku Kokugikan. Over 15 days, top-ranked wrestlers demonstrate extraordinary athleticism and honor deep-rooted traditions, culminating in thrilling top-division bouts each evening.
Admission: Ticket prices vary based on seating (advance sales begin on December 7, 2024)
Dates: January 12–26, 2025
Location: Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Tokyo, Japan
Time: Matches start in the morning, culminating in top-division bouts in the late afternoon
Website: Japan Sumo Association
Photo Credit: Earth Garden Winter Festival
Earth Garden “Winter” Festival
An eco-friendly festival celebrating sustainable living with organic food stalls, handmade crafts, live music, and workshops. This festival promotes eco-consciousness and community spirit through engaging activities and entertainment for all ages.
Admission: Free (some workshops may have fees)
Date: January 25, 2025
Location: Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, Japan
Website: Earth Garden Winter
Photo Credit: Haikyu Official Website
Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle Art Exhibition
A very special Haikyuu!! art exhibition will be happening to commemorate the film “Haikyuu!! The Movie: The Dumpster Battle.” This exhibit will feature original drawings and drafts that depict exciting scenes from the film. You can also expect special videos as well as photo spots to take the perfect Instagram shot. Original merchandise exclusive to the film will also be on sale.
Admission: Free
Dates: December 27, 2024 – January 22, 2025
Location: Matsuya Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
Website: Haikyuu Official Site
Photo Credit: Gintama 20th Anniversary Website
Gintama 20th Anniversary Exhibition
Gintama fans, your time is here! An exhibition is happening to commemorate 20 years of this sci-fi comedy manga by Sorachi Hideaki. Fans can expect to see original drawings of the characters, ranked based on a fun popularity poll. There will also be limited edition goods featuring these new illustrations. All visitors will also receive a special Union Arena promotional card signifying this 20-year gathering.
Admission: From ¥1,000
Dates: December 14, 2024 – January 17, 2025
Location: Ikebukuro Sunshine City Exhibition Hall A
Website: Gintama 20th Anniversary Exhibition
Photo Credit: One Piece Only
ONE PIECE ONLY
For a limited time only, the “ONE PIECE ONLY” exhibition will be showcased in Tokyo. This exhibit will allow fans of the series to experience never-before-seen aspects of the manga. There will also be a special video commemorating the exhibition, displaying rough sketches of One Piece, directly from the desk of Eiichiro Oda.
Admission: From ¥800
Dates: UNTIL May 13, 2025
Location: Tachikawa Play! Museum
Website: One Piece Only
Photo Credit: Haganeyomi Motto Cafe
Full Metal Alchemist x Yomi No Tsugai Cafe
Manga author Hiromu Arakawa’s works will be having their own limited-time cafe. This is the Full Metal Alchemist x Yomi no Tsugai Cafe, an event that combines two beloved series into one unforgettable dining experience. Expect items themed after dishes from the steampunk world of Full Metal Alchemist and the murky shadow realms of Yomi no Tsugai. Limited edition merch will also be available!
Admission: Free to enter. Food and drinks must be purchased separately
Dates: January 29 – April 20, 2025
Location: MOTTO Cafe Ikebukuro
Website: Full Metal Alchemist x Yomi No Tsugai Cafe
Photo Credit: Demon Slayer Official Website
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Hashira Exhibition
The popularity of Demon Slayer continues to grow and this time, they want to shine a light on the hashira! In the series, the “hashira” are also known as pillars and are the highest-ranking officers in the Demon Slayer Corps. This exhibition will explore the charms and personalities of all nine of the pillars who each have their own backstories. Alongside this exhibition, the museum will also have a separate cafe with a menu inspired by the hashira.
Admission: From ¥1,000
Dates: UNTIL March 2, 2025
Location: Creative Museum Tokyo
Website: Demon Slayer Exhibition
Photo Credit: Tokyo Anime Center
Beyblade 25th Anniversary Exhibition
A beloved Japanese toy is about to celebrate 25 years of spinning! This is “Beyblade Park” a special exhibition that looks back on the 25-year history of the franchise. From the first-generation Bakuten Shoot Beyblade all the way to the latest Beyblade X, this event promises to also take a sneak peek at what the future holds. Merchandise featuring designs from each generation as well as original “Beyblade Park” items will also be on sale.
Admission: ¥3,000
Dates: December 27, 2024 – February 2, 2025
Location: Tokyo Anime Center at DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA
Website: Beyblade 25th Anniversary Exhibition
Photo Credit: Ikebukuro Parco
Jujutsu Kaisen Domain Expansion Square Pop-Up
The Jujutsu Kaisen fever never stops. This exciting pop-up store has been touring all over Japan and will now be descending upon Tokyo with all of its limited merch goodness. Expect to see a lineup of original items featuring the likes of Satoru Gojo, Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, and more. From keychains to standees and stickers, these would make perfect gifts for the Jujutsu Kaisen fans in your life.
Admission: Free
Dates: December 13, 2024 – January 13, 2025
Location: Ikebukuro Parco
Website: Jujutsu Kaisen Pop-Up
Photo Credit: Shibuya Parco Cafe
Ranma 1/2 “Nekohanten” Collaboration Cafe
Ranma 1/2 is back with a brand new anime series that brings all of our favorite characters back with modern animation. Commemorate this hilarious anime by checking out its “Nekohanten” pop-up cafe. The cafe will offer food and drinks, including dessert, all inspired by characters from the series. The poster for the event also features the likes of Ranma Saotome, Akane Tendou, Ryoga Hibiki, Shampoo and more, all dressed in Chinese-style costumes.
Admission: Free to enter, food and drinks must be purchased separately
Dates: December 27, 2024 – February 16, 2025
Location: Shibuya Parco 6F TOKYO PARADE goods&cafe
Website: Ranma 1/2 Nekohanten Cafe
Tokyo Illumination – Photo Credit: Kittipoom Ragtawat
Winter Illuminations
If you weren’t here in Tokyo in time for Christmas, don’t worry! Most Winter Illuminations last all the way through February and aren’t just a holiday affair. The winter illuminations in Tokyo are a must-see for anyone visiting the city during the season. These dazzling light displays transform the city into a magical wonderland, offering something unique at every location. Whether you’re looking for a romantic stroll or a family-friendly outing, these illuminations provide the perfect opportunity to soak in the festive charm of Tokyo. We covered a ton of locations and recommendations in our previous blog about Illuminations, so if you’re interested in seeing some of these in person, get ready to Discover the Magic of Winter and Christmas Illuminations in Tokyo!
We hope this guide has inspired you to make the most of your time in Tokyo this January. From cultural traditions and thrilling events to mesmerizing winter illuminations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. What are you planning to do this New Year? Let us know your favorite picks from this list or share your exciting plans for January!
Feature photo credit: Daniel Louis Jean
