As winter settles in and the holiday season begins to sparkle across Japan, December brings a wonderful mix of festive celebrations, cultural exhibitions, and immersive art experiences. Here are 7 events you can’t miss

 

Tokyo Art Book Fair

 

In its 15th edition, Asia’s largest TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR 2025 will be held across two weekends, with around 280 exhibitors changing each week and a total of approximately 560 independent publishers, gallery presses, bookshops, and artists from Japan and abroad coming together. Browse and purchase unique art publications directly from creators, enjoy special exhibitions, and attend talks and workshops throughout the event. The fair is extremely welcoming to international visitors and offers a free bicycle rental service from TOKYOBIKE TOKYO, available by presenting the venue map distributed at the fair—perfect for exploring the charming Kiyosumi-Shirakawa neighborhood.

📍 Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
📅 Week 1: December 11 ~ 14 / Week 2: December 19 ~ 21
⏰ Week 1: 12:00–19:00 (Thu), 11:00–18:00 (Fri–Sun) /
Week 2: 12:00–19:00 (Fri), 11:00–18:00 (Sat–Sun)
💰 Online tickets (date and time specified): ￥1,165, Door tickets: ￥1,200
(Advance tickets available. Free entry for elementary school students and younger)

 

Bungu Joshi Haku Stationery Festival

While “joshi” means girls in Japanese, Japan’s largest stationery festival welcomes everyone who appreciates quality paper goods, pens, and creative supplies. With hundreds of vendors from established manufacturers to emerging brands, you can see, touch, and purchase items directly. Last year’s event welcomed approximately 52,000 visitors from across Japan and abroad.

📍 Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Halls C & D
📅 December 18 ~ 21
💰 18th and 19th: ¥990,
20th and 21st: ¥1,190

 

THE MOVEUM YOKOHAMA by TOYOTA GROUP

Opening this December at Yokohama’s Yamashita Pier, this new immersive museum transforms 1,800 square meters into a stunning audio-visual experience where you become part of the artwork. Through massive projections and immersive soundscapes, explore exhibitions that combine art and music, including “LISTEN. ONE MOMENT,” a sensory journey through the world’s musical cultures captured over a decade of global travel. It’s an entirely new way to experience art that goes beyond traditional museum displays.

📍Yamashita Pier No. 4 Warehouse, Yokohama
📅 December 20, 2025 ~ March 31, 2026
⏰ Sun–Thu & Holidays: 10:30–19:30
Fri–Sat & Eve of Holidays: 10:30–20:30
💰See website for pricing

 

Christmas Market at The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

One of Japan’s most beloved Christmas traditions returns to the historic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse with its largest tree yet at 12 meters tall and a stunning 30-meter illumination roof. Explore approximately 60 stalls offering festive food, drinks, and handcrafted Christmas goods in this European-style market atmosphere. This year debuts a new “Christmas Gate” area at the warehouse entrance, expanding the magical experience even further.

📍 Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Akarenga Park & Shinko Central Square
📅 November 21 ~ December 25
💰￥500～ (Some areas are free to enter)

 

DANDELION PROJECT Himeji Castle × NAKED, INC.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Himeji Castle becomes a stunning canvas for interactive light art installations. Created by NAKED, a leading Japanese creative company known for immersive digital art experiences, the illuminations gracefully embrace the castle’s elegant form, emerging majestically against the night. Relax in a traditional Japanese umbrella lounge while enjoying local cuisine and viewing the illuminated castle. A special combo ticket is available for both this event and Kyoto’s Nijo Castle illumination.

📍 Himeji Castle Sannomaru Plaza
📅 November 22 ~ December 11
⏰ 17:45 ~ 21:15 (weather permitting)
💰 ¥1,000~

 

130th Anniversary NAKED Yorumairi at Heian Shrine

Celebrate the 130th anniversary of Kyoto’s iconic Heian Shrine with this special nighttime illumination event. The newly renovated Important Cultural Property Daigokuden (Grand Hall) makes its debut after 1.5 years of restoration work, illuminated alongside the shrine’s gardens in a journey through the Four Guardian Gods. Carry a lantern through interactive light installations, witness projection mapping on historic buildings, and experience a unique cultural celebration that blends tradition with modern art.

📍Heian Shrine, Kyoto
📅 December 19–30, 2025 / January 6–18, 2026
⏰ 17:30–21:30 (Last entry 20:50)
💰 ¥1,600～

 

Happy New Year Tokyo 2026

Spending New Year’s in Tokyo? Ring in 2026 at this spectacular countdown event at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Experience world-class projection mapping by photographer Mika Ninagawa, an immersive live performance by virtual singer Hatsune Miku, breakdancing by Olympian Shigekix, and adorable stage shows featuring beloved Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty and My Melody. Pre-events start at 22:00 with the main countdown from 23:30, and the entire event will be livestreamed on YouTube for those who can’t attend in person.
📍 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Citizens’ Plaza
📅 December 31
⏰ Doors: 21:30 / Pre-events: 22:00~ /
Main event: 23:30~24:10
💰 Free (advance registration required, lottery system)

 

Whether you’re currently in Japan or planning a winter visit, we hope our December event roundup inspires you to celebrate and create memorable moments.

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