Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is pulling out all the stops for its Christmas event, which even includes a Christmas market. Visitors to USJ during the festive period will be able to get into the festive spirit in a variety of ways, such as Christmas-themed foods in its eateries, a special Christmas show, and decorations, of course!

The Christmas show, titled “Light up the Night — Christmas Celebration,” features a multitude of favorites including Hello Kitty, Elmo and Snoopy. Candles and dancers will also spread the Christmas cheer. Elsewhere, Sesame Street, Minions, and Hello Kitty will be hosting extra-special Christmas greetings.

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It’s your last chance to catch this Fall-themed event at Nijigen no Mori. Godzilla and Monster Hunter unite to create a brand-new series of quests and goodies for visitors to Nijigen No Mori’s Godzilla Intercept Operation and Monster Hunter: The Field.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Japanese character, Godzilla, guests at the theme park are invited to take part in new quests, and purchase a variety of exclusive collaboration goods. There is also a limited-edition menu at the site, and the on-site lodgings have been transformed especially for the occasion. If Naruto is more your thing, the Naruto Shinobizato attraction is hosting projection mapping and a new series of missions.

Toei Kyoto Theme Park celebrates Japan’s infamous yokai, the creatures of Japanese folklore whose looks could give zombies a run for their money. Visit the theme park to discover the yokai world that lasts long after Halloween.

The park will be transformed during the Kaikai Yokai Festival, with yokai appearing all around. A special event “The Night Parade of One Hundred Yokai” will happen on weekends, parading yokai through the streets of the theme park and inviting audiences into the fun. There will be bus tours, taking participants off-site, in order to educate yokai lovers about key Japanese ghost incidents that happened in Kyoto itself.

If you like K-Pop, mascots and have an interest in Japanese history, this festival is for you. Hosted at Shitenno-ji Temple in Osaka, one of the oldest temples in the country, Wasso is a celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, with the theme “Lessons from Ancient Cultures.”

The festival is held to commemorate the 99 years that Osaka was the capital of Japan (646–745), and honor the ties to other Asian countries that the city built in that time. The event has a large main stage hosting music acts, dancers and bands. This year will see music from performers such as Aimers and Garyokai. There is also a parade that sees participants dressed up in traditional dress from various periods of history. The event is fun, festive and you’ll learn a lot.

Officially known as the Ohitaki-sai (火焚祭/fire-hitting festival), this festival is a staple of Kifune Shrine’s annual calendar. Kifune Shrine is one of the most famous in Kyoto. It’s thought to be over 1300 years old, and it is said that the deity Takaokami-no-Kami is enshrined there.

Takaokami is the God of Water, able to bring or dispel rain, and seen as a life-giving source. The fire festival, known for its drastic burning pyres, is a ritual where impurities are cleansed by blazing fires, lit by the shrine’s priests. It’s thought that Takaokami was born from a fire, and that by burning the flames each year, the deity will see a rebirth. There is one the following day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, but beware of crowds.

Hasedera is one of Nara’s most famous, picturesque temples. Built in 686 AD, the temple serves as the headquarters for the Buzan school of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. It’s so large that it takes around 40 minutes to walk around its buildings, which comprise over 30. The temple is renowned for its five-storey pagoda, surrounded by leaves and flowers that reflect the seasons.

The temple is often referred to as the “temple of flowers” — and fall is no different. The temple hosts an autumn leaf viewing event to show off its fabulous fiery foliage in the cooler months, and invites visitors inside the great hall to pay respects directly to the Kannon herself, normally a privilege reserved for temple staff only.

Motorsports lover, rejoice! Here’s the final round of the 2025 season for Japan’s premier racing car competition. With everything to lose, this final race event of the year sees its drivers going for an all-or-nothing approach, taking risks around Suzuka Circuits infamously tight corners and extremely technical sections.

Tickets also include access to Suzuka Circuit Park which includes go-karting, a ferris wheel and Honda’s Racing Gallery, where historical cars will be on display. Visitors may also grab local Japanese fare from the food stalls and browse the affiliated booths, where a range of merchandise will be on sale.

Take the train to see an exhibition of works by Japan’s most famous contemporary artist, Yayoi Kusama. It encompasses artworks ranging from the artist’s early days in New York with the original Infinity Mirror Rooms, through to more modern paintings and even one of her renowned yellow pumpkin sculptures.

Less recognizable than her installation-view mirror rooms, Kusama’s paintings enable the viewer to ponder the mind of the artist as she puts brush to paper. Combined with an interview from 2015, “Let’s Fight Together,” this modest exhibition is a great way to gain an oversight into Kusama and her work, from the country in which she was born.

“When I Change, Hello Kitty Changes Too,” is an exhibition looking at Hello Kitty’s evolution over the past five decades. The show has seen a tremendous run, starting in Tokyo in January, then moving through Fukuoka and Osaka where it enjoyed rave reviews.

Hello Kitty, perhaps one of Japan’s most famous exports, was first drawn in 1974 by Yuko Shimuzu, an employee at Sanrio. Hello Kitty was released on a coin purse the following year, and went on to become Sanrio’s best-selling character of all time. The exhibit details Hello Kitty’s changes, going from artist collaboration showing different bags and accessories, to candy and exclusive videos.

Creative company, Naked Inc., returns to Nijo Castle with a light-up event to celebrate the moon-viewing history of the castle. Visitors can experience Nijo in a whole new light (quite literally!), lit with illuminations and projection mapping in various themes, such as the moon and ikebana.

Nijo Castle is one of the largest castles in the region of Kansai, covering a total area of two kilometers. With many of its buildings dating back 400 years to the Edo period, the castle and its buildings stand as important cultural artefacts, some officially Important Cultural Properties. Through the festive period, the Ninomaru-goten Palace will be open until late, giving visitors the chance to wander its halls after dark.

The grounds of Osaka Castle will transform into a winter wonderland this winter, with special collaboration with Illuminage, a lighting company. Visitors will be able to enjoy brightly-illuminated walkways, special “Osaka-style” photospots, and even a pet zone, where your pet becomes the star of the show.

The lighting is based around the story of Shogun, Toyotomi, whose dream was to unite Japan, and bring about everlasting peace. He was unsuccessful in achieving his dream, and the illuminations are designed to pay tribute to this.

All aboard the Eizan railway panorama train “Kirara” for an unforgettable autumn leaf viewing experience. It actually runs all year round, but it’s during the fall that it shines, with glass windows from top to bottom.

Board the train at Kurama Station or nearby, and stay on for 20 minutes until the end (Demachiyanagi Station) for a color-changing trip through the fiery leaves of Kyoto’s maple trees. Alight at Demachiyanagi to stroll through the forest to Shimogamo Shrine. The route is especially vibrant between Ichihara Station and Ninose Station, known as the “Maple Leaf Tunnel.”

Admire Japan’s changing seasons at Kobe’s largest botanical gardens, lit up especially for the occasion. Compared to busier areas, the lightup at Kobe’s Municipal Arboretum is a calm way to enjoy fiery leafy colors in fall.

Its maple trees cover areas including the pond area, gingko trees line its walkways, making for a plethora of ways to experience the blazing branches. The park, which celebrates its 85th anniversary this year, will also host events, so keep an eye on the Kobe Arboretum instagram for up-to-date information.