Tokyo events for Monday, December 4 to Sunday, December 10, 2023.
While Christmas markets and illuminations are still in full swing, several other events are joining the early December festivities.
These include antique markets, fire festivals, beer events, and more.
Azabudai Hills Christmas Market
The opening of the brand new Azabudai Hills complex comes with a sprinkling of Christmas cheer. As this is the first year, we are a bit in the dark, but we do know there will be 17 food and drink stalls (incl. vegan options), a 12-meter-tall Christmas tree shining with 20,000 LED lights, and shops stocking wreaths and other festive trinkets.
Oji Tori-no-Ichi Fair
The Tori no Ichi Fairs are one of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets. These “Rooster Fairs” aren’t in many of the tourist guides, but they’re a big deal for local communities. This is touted as the last Tori-no-Ichi in Tokyo.
Akibasan Fire Festival
The festival, which dates from the 16th century, is ostensibly for offering protection from fire. A better description might be “fun with fire” — with robed priests doing a variety of activities with fire, including writing Chinese characters in the air with a flaming stick and firing arrows into a bonfire.
Mutek Japan
MUTEK Japan is a five-day music festival that combines electronic music, art, and technology. The festival features a mix of international and local artists along with chances to see and experience the latest technology.
Tokyo Comic Con
So far for 2023, Tom Felton of Harry Potter fame will be on the bill, as well as Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), Evangeline Lilly (Lost and The Hobbit Trilogy), Mads Mikkelsenm, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, Ewan McGregor, and many more.
Advance sales: ¥4,400 | ||
Advance sales: ¥2,500 |
Belgian Beer Weekend Shinjuku
While not the cheapest event on our list, for ¥3,300 (advanced ticket) you get an original Belgian Beer Weekend glass to keep and the ability to choose from 59 strong Belgian beers.
Advance sales: ¥3,300 | At the door: ¥3,500 |
Heiwajima Antiques Fair
The Heiwajima Antiques Fair is a popular indoor flea market that’s held five times a year, for a period of three days each time. Close to 300 vendors from all over Japan come to sell their wares, which comprise a wide range of Japanese antiques.