From November 1 to December 25, 2024, Tokyo Skytree Town® will host the Tokyo Skytree Town® Dream Christmas 2024.

At Tokyo Skytree Town, the Staircase Graphical Lighting, featuring LED graphical illumination on the stairs of Sorami-zaka and Hanami-zaka, will debut on November 7. Illuminations will also begin on the same day, showcasing a popular 8-meter-tall Christmas tree as a photo spot, along with a Pegasus carriage, in collaboration with Nakayama Racecourse.

Additionally, the popular Christmas Market will be held again this year! Luxurious huts (European-style cottages) decorated with Santa and reindeer monuments imported from Germany will enhance the Christmas atmosphere. With warm food, drinks, and authentic German Christmas goods, couples, friends, and families can all enjoy the Christmas festivities at Skytree Town.

Tokyo Skytree® will host its first collaboration event with the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen, depicting the battles between curses born from human negative emotions and sorcerers who exorcise them. The event is titled "TV Anime 'Jujutsu Kaisen' × Tokyo Skytree® Jujutsu Corridor."

At the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER® on the 350-meter-high observation deck, videos will be screened on a massive glass screen. The event features an exclusive photo service where you can take photos with characters, special lighting displays, and many unique experiences only available at Tokyo Skytree.

Additionally, exclusive merchandise featuring the event's key visuals and mini-characters from Jujutsu Kaisen will be sold. Special café menus will also be offered, so be sure to check them out! Furthermore, postcards with an observation deck entry ticket will be available, featuring newly illustrated key visuals created for this event.

Jewel Illumination is held at Yomiuriland, an amusement park straddling Inagi City, Tokyo, and Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. This year, renowned lighting designer Mikiko Ishii will once again produce the show. This event features LED lights inspired by jewel tones that adorn the park.

This year’s theme is "LIGHT is LOVE ~ Diamond 60 Celebration ~," commemorating the 60th anniversary of Yomiuriland and the diamond wedding anniversary celebrated at the 60-year mark of marriage.

A new color, Diamond Jewelry Color, will debut this year. A stunning water screen display featuring a 15-meter-tall giant ring will showcase 238 fountains, along with a spectacular fountain show utilizing lasers and flames.

In addition, to celebrate the 60th anniversary, a new Ferris wheel named Sky-Go-LAND will begin operations on October 24, 2024. This attraction features a special display where jewel colors change like a parade. From now until January 13, 2025, both the new Ferris wheel and the Great Ferris Wheel will be illuminated simultaneously for a limited time.

Riding attractions while enjoying the illuminations adds a unique amusement park experience!

This year, the special event "Disney Christmas" will be held at Tokyo Disney Resort®.

At Tokyo Disneyland®, a fun parade featuring Disney and Pixar characters will take place. Additionally, the show Disney Christmas Stories: Fond Farewell, will be performed once a day for approximately 45 minutes. Upon entering, guests will be greeted by a magnificent Christmas tree standing about 15 meters tall in the center of World Bazaar, setting the festive mood.

The Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights will also feature a Christmas version! The music will be arranged with Christmas songs, and Mickey Mouse will make a special appearance in a Christmas costume.

At Tokyo DisneySea®, unique events exclusive to this season will be held as well. In Mediterranean Harbor, Mickey Mouse, Duffy, and Santa Claus will greet guests from a beautifully decorated boat adorned with Christmas ornaments during the Disney Christmas Greeting, performed one to two times a day for about 15 minutes. In the evening, the spectacular fireworks display Starbright Christmas, will light up the night sky to the tune of Christmas songs.

Both parks will offer special merchandise and menu items themed around Christmas, including Christmas wreath-inspired headbands.

This festival event lets you enjoy seafood gourmet from all over the country. This is one of Japan's largest seafood festivals, with a total attendance of approximately 1.9 million people. You can savor seasonal and fresh seafood, including seafood bowls, traditional fishermen’s meals, and regional dishes from various parts of Japan, as well as seafood ramen and seafood paella, featuring a variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese seafood dishes.

To support recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, the event will also feature the "Discovery! Fukushima Seafood Festival," where you can taste dishes made with fish from Fukushima. You can enjoy seafood bowls made with fresh seasonal seafood from various regions in Fukushima, such as blackthroat seaperch and olive flounder. Additionally, a section called "Eat and Support! Nippon's Bounty Area," will he present, focusing on seafood dishes, especially scallops, from Hokkaido and the Tohoku region.

On the final day, the 10th Fish-1 Grand Prix will be held; a cooking contest featuring domestic seafood dishes. Visitors can join in and vote, so be sure to participate!

In June 2023, the indoor attraction "Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter" opened its doors, and this year it will host a special limited-time event, "Hogwarts in the Snow," during the Christmas season.

This event recreates the enchanting Christmas scenes from the first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Eight towering Christmas trees, each five meters tall, will adorn the Great Hall set of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, decorated with ornaments crafted using the same techniques as during filming. A long dining table will be laden with traditional British Christmas fare, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Snowflakes will blanket the meticulously recreated Hogwarts model, further immersing guests in the holiday spirit. The entrance lobby and exterior will also be illuminated with Christmas lights. Exclusive seasonal merchandise will be available, including a candy Hogwarts Castle and icing cookie trees.

At the Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa, located within the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, the creative company NAKED, INC. will host an autumn seasonal event. This event, held for the first time, will blend beautiful digital art of autumn leaves with marine life, creating a vibrant world of deep red hues.

In the Aquarium Exhibition Area, scenes of autumn foliage wet from the autumn rains and illuminated night foliage will be showcased. The jellyfish display zone will be adorned with full moon decorations, creating a Moon Viewing Spot. Don’t miss the dolphin performance titled "Dayver: Harvest Festival," where dolphins will leap high in a display reminiscent of harvesting seasonal fruits.

Additionally, the bar Akane Chaya will open, offering autumn-inspired sweets and drinks such as chestnut Mont Blanc penguins and full moon purple sweet potato tea. Experience a unique Japanese autumn in an aquarium colored by autumn leaves, moon viewing, and fall gourmet delights!

The annual autumn festival at Tsukiji Outer Market is held every November. The highlight of the event is the Tsukiji Food Festival, which will be held at the special venue in Shijobashi Park on November 2 and 3. Tsukiji's renowned shops gather to offer a wide range of dishes including seafood, meat, rice bowls, as well as beer and wine, providing a fun experience for all ages.

In addition, there will be a Food Education Seminar held on the same days, where you can learn about chicken and beef, as well as the "Outer Market Home Run Sale" on November 1 and 2, where seasonal ingredient sets and recommended products will be sold at affordable prices. During the event, if you bring a valid Toei Marugoto Ticket and present it at the information center Platto Tsukiji, you can participate in a campaign to receive coffee peanuts.

Shirasagi no Mai is an event inspired by the "Sagimai" depicted in the Keian Engi Emaki scroll of Sensoji Temple's festival procession. It takes place within the temple grounds on the second Sunday of April, during the Sanja Festival in May, and on November 3 each year. Dancers dressed in Heian-era costumes, representing white herons (shirasagi), perform an elegant dance while parading through the temple grounds. Around 40 participants, including warriors, musicians, and performers, accompany them, filling the area with the sounds of drums and flutes. The sight of the white herons gracefully spreading their wings creates a mystical and graceful atmosphere.

Tori-no-Ichi is a traditional event that has continued since the Edo period, held on the day of the rooster to pray for good fortune and prosperous business. It takes place mainly in the Kanto region but is celebrated in various locations across Japan.

The Tori-no-Ichi held at Hanazono Shrine, located near Shinjuku Golden Gai, is considered one of the three major Tori-no-Ichi events in the Kanto region.

It has been held on the day of the rooster in November since the Meiji era, commemorating the anniversary of the deity of Shinjuku Otori Shrine, Yamato Takeru no Mikoto. Lucky items such as "kumade" (rakes) and "kumade mamori" (rake charms) are distributed, believed to gather luck, gold, and happiness. When you purchase a kumade, the vendor will clap their hands and cheer "Yo~!" to wish you prosperous business. The event runs late into the night, making it a great stop before returning to your accommodation. There will also be performances at the shrine's famous sideshow tent. Access is a 7-minute walk from the East Exit of JR, Odakyu, and Keio lines at Shinjuku Station.

Similar to the previously introduced Hanazono Shrine Tori no Ichi, Asakusa Tori no Ichi is regarded as one of the three major Tori no Ichi festivals in the Kanto region. It takes place at Ootori Shrine and Chokoku-ji in Asakusa, known for its scale and lively atmosphere, considered the best in Japan.

On the Tori no Hi (Tori Day) in November (November 5, 17, and 29), drums are struck at midnight, marking the start of the Asakusa Tori no Ichi. The festival continues for 24 hours.

Approximately 50 stalls sell "Kumade" (bamboo rakes) adorned with colorful decorations such as sea bream, large and small coins, and lucky cats, all considered auspicious. In addition, around 350 food stalls add to the festive atmosphere. The rhythmic clapping sounds of the hand-clapping ceremonies create a feeling that something good is about to happen. Since Asakusa Tori no Ichi is held all night long, take your time and enjoy the atmosphere without worrying about the hour. Keep in mind it can get chilly from night to morning, so don't forget to dress warmly.

At Chokoku-ji, you can purchase the Kakome Kumade Mamoru (1,000 yen), a small bamboo rake adorned with rice ears, symbolizing good fortune.

The Autumn Leaf Festival is held at the National Showa Memorial Park, which spans Tachikawa City and Akishima City. Within the expansive park, there are several beautiful spots to enjoy the fall colors, with the most famous being the Katarai Ginkgo Avenue and the Canal Ginkgo Avenue. The Katarai Ginkgo Avenue stretches 300 meters long, allowing visitors to relish in its depth of colors. The Canal Ginkgo Avenue offers a magical view as the ginkgo trees reflect on the water's surface. During peak fall season, both avenues are covered with a carpet of yellow leaves, creating the sensation of walking on a golden rug.

From October 31 to December 1, the Autumn Night Stroll will be held, featuring light displays along the Katarai Ginkgo Avenue and in the Japanese garden. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the bonsai garden within the Japanese garden, showcasing special exhibits of fine specimens and beautifully illuminated bonsai during the night. The Garden Night Café, where visitors can roast their own bacon and marshmallows, and the Lakeside Restaurant, offering Mont Blanc cupcakes, are perfect accompaniments for your leaf-viewing experience.

Rikugien, located in Hon-komagome, Bunkyo Ward, is a historic garden designated as a special scenic spot by the national government. Known as a "strolling-style garden with a pond," it features colorful autumn leaves from varieties like Japanese maple (Iroha maple) and ginkgo, which begin to change color in early November, reaching their peak from late November to early December. During this autumn foliage season, Rikugien opens for special nighttime viewing.

The garden, illuminated by lights, hosts a projection event called "Storehouse Projection," where projections are displayed on the surface of the storehouse walls (held daily during the event period). Additionally, several photogenic spots will be set up throughout the garden for visitors to enjoy.

How about a special experience immersing yourself in Japanese culture in Tokyo in the autumn?

Special experience in “The Heart” of Tokyo - Enjoy special ukiyo-e prints, beautiful scenery and gourmet food at Kokyo gaien*the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens in the autumn leaves", experiential event to enjoy a range of aspects of Japanese culture will be held on 20th & 21st November.

The event will include an outdoor Japanese tea ceremony in Kokyo Gaien, a special ukiyo-e viewing at former Imperial Guards Headquarters in Kokyo Gaien, and experience of an "IKI *sophisticated" creative dishes by a 2-star chef. Here and now, you can enjoy a premium "OMOTENASHI" experience of Japanese culture.

Mt. Takao is a popular tourist destination that is accessible in about an hour from downtown Tokyo and is said to have the highest number of climbers in the world. Despite being a mountain, one of its appeals is the ease of access to the summit, which can be enjoyed with a casual hiking experience thanks to the cable car. From mid-November to early December, during the peak autumn foliage season, many tourists visit for leaf peeping, making it the busiest time of the year.

The Mt. Takao Momiji Festival is held right when the leaves are at their most vibrant. Focusing on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, performances by students from Hachioji City and local traditional arts will take place at the Kiyotaki Station Plaza, the gateway to Mt. Takao. Additionally, at the special stage in front of Kiyotaki Station, the monks of Takao-san Yakuouin will conduct the “Mt. Takao Momiji Festival Fire Ritual and Street Sermon,” which involves prayer and teachings.

There will also be a campaign where participants can win prizes by posting photos on Instagram.

The Takahata Fudoson Kongō-ji Temple, belonging to the Shingon sect, is located in Takahata, Hino City. This festival showcases the beauty of large Japanese maples and Iroha maples planted throughout the temple grounds, which shine in golden and red hues. At night, the trees are illuminated, creating a vivid contrast against the darkness, with the five-story pagoda adding to the enchanting scenery.

Additionally, on November 22 and 23 from 5 PM to 8 PM, the Takahata Momiji Tōrō event will take place. Around 3,000 lanterns will light the approach to Takahata Fudoson, enveloping the area in a magical atmosphere.

The Tokyo Ramen Festa, one of Japan's largest outdoor ramen events, is held every October to promote tourism, food education, and food culture through ramen.

This year features an exciting new format with three sessions over four days, showcasing 12 ramen shops in each session, for a total of 36 different types of ramen to sample. The first session will include unique ramen shops offering beef bone ramen made with Miyazaki beef. The second session will feature popular ramen shops making their first appearance at a Tokyo event. The third session will focus on ramen shops that have drawn long lines at ramen events nationwide. This gathering brings together popular ramen shops from across Japan to Komazawa Olympic Park. With different shops in each session, you can enjoy visiting multiple times!

Experience the chance to savor ramen from all over the country right in Tokyo—perfect for indulging in the autumn season's culinary delights. Admission is free, so those who simply want to soak up the atmosphere are welcome to drop by!

The Yakiimo Fest® will feature a total of 38 unique yakiimo (roasted sweet potato) dishes from 14 vendors, showcasing a variety of cooking methods and daring, creative interpretations of the popular fall food.

This year's theme is "Science of Potatoes," highlighting unique menus that creatively manipulate yakiimo through various culinary techniques. Expect to see intriguing items like Yakiimo Daifuku Mont Blanc Bar and Whole Roasted Sweet Potato Senbei, which are so innovative that they defy conventional imagination for yakiimo dishes.

Among the highlights are the Super Extra Honey Roasted Sweet Potato, which is incredibly sweet and soft, to the point that it can hardly be held, and the Nama Hoshiimo, which features a moist texture and is uniquely served with the skin still on.

In addition to purchasing items like Imo Kenpi (sweet potato chips), there will also be original capsule toys and print seal machines available.

The Ōedo Antique Market, held at the Tokyo International Forum in Yurakuchō, is Japan's largest outdoor antique market, taking place once or twice a month. This event, which started in September 2003, is held on the first and third Sundays of each month (excluding August).

Around 250 vendors participate, offering a wide variety of items, including antique artworks, collectibles, and everyday antiques. Shoppers can find Japanese antiques dating back over 300 years, as well as American vintage goods, making for a diverse selection. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to engage with Japan’s history and culture through these unique products. The venue, the Tokyo International Forum, is conveniently located just across the pedestrian crossing from Yurakuchō Station and a five-minute walk from Tokyo Station, making it an attractive event to visit.

In November, the Tokyo area is bustling with events that evoke the essence of autumn, including momiji festivals, gourmet fairs, and Christmas celebrations alongside dazzling illumination events. As November rolls in, the air becomes crisp and chilly, marking the onset of colder weather. Some days may feel as cold as mid-winter, so if you're planning to attend outdoor events, be sure to dress warmly!

*Please note that the information in this article is accurate as of October 2024. For the latest updates, please check the official websites.