(Dates not decided for 2022)

The 300-meter long canopy road leading through the Meiji Shrine Outer Garden will be dyed in magnificent gold as the over 150 ginkgo trees lining the street turn color. Because of this amazing spectacle, the Outer Garden is one of Tokyo's most popular autumn leaf viewing spots.

To celebrate the changing seasons, the Ginkgo Festival is being held, a Tokyo event that features around 50 different stalls and booths offering both delicious dishes and various crafts and arts. The Meiji Shrine Outer Garden Ginkgo Festival is a must-visit event for both locals and tourists alike!

・Admission: None
・Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Some areas until 4:30 p.m.)
・May be canceled in case of bad weather

November 17 - December 25, 2022

This celebrated Tokyo winter event returns for 2022! A variety of Christmas trees can be seen around the grounds until December 25, decorated with ornaments for a gorgeous holiday mood!

A large snow dome 3m x 4.5m will also be lighting the night with neon colors. Plus, the Midtown Winter Lights illuminations will set a romantic holiday mood - and if you feel particularly festive, until February 26, 2023, enjoy ice skating at the Midtown Ice Rink!

・Admission: MITSUI FUDOSAN ICE RINK
・Adults: 2,100 yen on weekdays, 2,500 yen on weekends and holidays (including tax, shoe rental fee, and cafe ticket)
・Hours: MITSUI FUDOSAN ICE RINK 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (until 8:00 p.m. at the reception desk)
*Subject to change depending on conditions.

Places to stay near Tokyo Midtown

November 26 - December 25, 2022

The Roppongi Christmas Market is an event that seeks to emulate the one that is said to be the world's largest: the Stuttgart Christmas Market.

Including German goods, ornaments, wreathes, etc., 4 stores are selling around 1,500 items. Also, 4 stores will be selling filling German food, such as hot dogs and beef stew.

Admission will be restricted in 2022, and numbered tickets may be distributed on Saturdays and Sundays.

・Admission: Free
・Hours: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Recommended places to stay near Roppongi Hills

December 15 & 16; January 15 & 16

The Setagaya Boro-Ichi Flea Market has a very long history, dating back over 430 years to the Warring States period. One samurai lord, Ujimasa Hojo, held Setagaya's first flea market event called "rakuichi" in 1578 to give the local residents an opportunity of trading freely. Its successor is the Boro-Ichi Market, which is held twice a year on two days in December and January.

With the Setagaya Daikanyashiki in its center, a historic mansion from the Edo period, the flea market features over 700 individual shops selling everything that the heart desires, from second-hand clothes and antiquities to jewelry and interior.

・Admission: None
・Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Usually December 17-19, not yet decided for 2022

The Hagoita-Ichi Festival is one of the best Tokyo December events right at the end of the year. Hagoita are small wooden paddles, decorated with a variety of different adornments and ornaments. In ancient times, they have been used as ritual instruments for getting rid of demons and evil spirits but became most popular as rackets for an old Japanese badminton-like game called hanetsuki in the Muromachi period.

Held in the precincts of Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple, over 50 different stalls offer their own unique hagoita creations, some masterfully lacquered with kabuki-esque imagery, others decorated with different jewelry and fabric. The prices vary wildly, ranging from a few hundred up to thousands of yen. Pick your favorite hagoita to take home one of Japan's most unique handmade souvenirs!

・Admission: None
・Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Usually December 2-3, not yet decided for 2022

Called yomatsuri in Japanese, the Chichibu Night Festival is a beautiful spectacle held by the Chichibu Shrine in the same-named city, just outside of Tokyo. Dating back around 300 years, it is a winter favorite not only among locals.

The highlight of the celebrations takes place on the evening of December 3, when a gorgeous parade of illuminated floats makes its way from the Chichibu Shrine to a sacred palanquin. Shortly after, the cold winter night is lit up in a thousand vivid colors when one of Japan's only winter fireworks is taking place right above the cozy, lively atmosphere of the Chichibu Night Festival. Japan's winter is by no means a gloomy one!

・Admission: Free
・Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. on December 2, 9:00 a.m. - dawn on December 3

Ennichi Terrace Christmas Market is a festive event held at the foot of Tokyo Tower. The sparkling lights and gorgeous Christmas decorations create a lively atmosphere! Here you can enjoy a diverse lineup of drinks and food, from mulled wine to hot chocolate, plus hams, sausages, and clam chowder - and even classical beer from Feldschlösschen, the oldest brewery in Dresden, Germany!

・Admission: Free
・Hours: Weekdays 4:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Weekends/Holidays 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.; may be rescheduled due to rain.

*Events are subject to change or cancellation depending on conditions. Please check the official websites for the latest information.
*Photos are for reference only. They may differ from the actual event.