Tokyo Disney Resort® will once again be hosting the special event 'Disney Christmas' this year.

At Tokyo Disneyland®, a heartwarming tale featuring Disney characters celebrating Christmas will be staged in the parade called 'Disney Christmas Stories' (once daily, approximately 45 minutes long). As you enter the World Bazaar, you will be greeted by a towering Christmas tree, standing at about 15 meters in height, adorned with the 40th-anniversary logo.

Over at Tokyo DisneySea®, Mickey Mouse and Disney friends will greet you in Christmas attire with Christmas music at Mediterranean Harbor in 'Disney Christmas Greeting' (1-2 times daily, approximately 15 minutes each performance). The Christmas season is the time when the park sees the most visitors, so come and enjoy the romantic and heartwarming atmosphere.

Event Details
・Venue: Tokyo Disney Resort
・Dates: November 8, 2023 - December 25, 2023
・Hours: Vary by date, please refer to the official website
・Admission: Vary by date, please refer to the official website
・Closed: Open every day during the event
・Phone Number: 0570-00-8632 (Navigation Dial)

A popular autumn destination, Mount Takao is easily accessible within an hour from the center of Tokyo and is recognized for hosting one of the largest numbers of hikers globally.

Despite its mountainous terrain, you can effortlessly reach its summit while enjoying a hiking-like experience using the cable car. Particularly during the mid-November to early December period, when the autumn foliage is in its full splendor, the mountain attracts a multitude of tourists eager to revel in the vibrant fall colors.

The Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival, held during the peak autumn leaf season, showcases captivating performances by students from universities and vocational schools in Hachioji City at Kiyotaki Station Square. Here, the monks of Mt. Takao's Yakuo-in Temple will conduct a prayer ceremony to ensure the safe and successful conduct of the Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival.

Event Details
・ Event Dates: October 28, 2023 - December 3, 2023
・ Event Hours: Vary by day and specific events
・ Admission: Free
・ Closed: Open every day during the event
・ Phone Number: 042-649-2827

The Autumn Foliage Festival takes place at the Showa Memorial Park, located between the cities of Tachikawa and Akishima in Tokyo.

Showa Memorial Park has numerous spots to view the autumn foliage, with the most famous being the Katarai Icho Namiki (or Katarai Ginkgo Avenue) and Canal Icho Namiki (or Canal Ginkgo Avenue). The Katarai Ginkgo Avenue stretches for 300 meters and provides a deep tunnel of autumn leaves. The Canal Ginkgo Avenue offers a spectacular view of the ginkgo trees reflecting on the surface of the water. During the peak season, both avenues are covered with yellow fallen leaves, giving visitors the feeling of walking on a yellow carpet.

Additionally, from November 3-26, the Autumn Night Stroll event will be held, where the Katarai Ginkgo Avenue trees and the Japanese garden will be lit up in the evening. You can also visit the Garden Night Café, where you can cook and eat your own bacon and marshmallows, or the Lakeside Restaurant, which will sell Mont Blanc cupcakes and other treats to accompany your autumn leaf peeping.

Event Details
・ Venue: Showa Memorial Park
・ Event Dates: November 3-26, 2023
・ Event Hours: Vary by day and specific events
・ Admission: Adults 450 yen, additional 1,300 yen for viewing the Japanese garden illumination (1,100 yen when purchased online)
・ Closed: Open every day during the event

The Takahata-Fudoson Maple Festival takes place at Takahata-Fudoson, a separate head temple of the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism, located in Takahata, Hino City, Tokyo. The temple grounds are home to about 1,350 large Japanese maples and yellow maples, which create a stunning display of golden and red colors during autumn. At night, the temple is beautifully lit, and the five-story pagoda and the trees with their autumn leaves stand out vividly in the darkness.

On November 22 and 23, from 5-8 PM*, the Takahata Momiji Lantern Festival will be held with as many as 2,200 lanterns set up on the paths around the way to Takahata Fudoson, creating a fantastic atmosphere. (*Cancelled in case of rain.)

Other events during the Momiji Festival include the Gozare-ichi antique market (Takahata Fudo Antique Fair) and the Hanazuka Kuyo (memorial service in a mound of flowers) to express gratitude for flowers and comfort the spirits of flowers.

Event Details
・ Event Dates: November 18-30, 2023
・ Event Hours: Vary by event and day
・ Admission: Free
・ Closed: Open every day during the event
・ Phone Number: 042-591-0032

Located in Bunkyo Ward, Rikugien is a historic Japanese garden known as a strolling-style, hill-and-pond garden designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government.

This garden features iconic foliage such as maple and ginkgo, which gradually change colors starting from early November, reaching their peak from late November to early December. Rikugien Gardens opens for special nighttime viewing during this autumn foliage season.

The illuminated garden, enhanced by the vibrant autumn colors, also hosts a 'Projection onto the Warehouse Walls' event (held daily during the period, from 6 PM to 8:30 PM), projecting images onto the warehouse walls built during the time of the Mitsubishi founder, the Iwasaki family. Additionally, various photogenic spots are set up throughout the garden for visitors to capture memorable photos.

Event Details
・ Venue: Rikugi-en Garden
・ Event Dates: November 22, 2023 - December 3, 2023
・ Event Hours: 6 PM - 8:30 PM (Last admission until 7:30 PM)
・ Admission: 1,100 yen (900 yen when purchased online)
・ Closed: Open every day during the event
・ Phone Number: 042-591-0032

Hasedera Temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, is famous for its hydrangeas and hosts a special nighttime viewing event every year during the autumn foliage season. It is the only temple in Kamakura that is illuminated at night, making it a unique experience for visitors.

The temple gradually lights up from the early evening during the special nighttime viewing period, allowing visitors to witness a magical transition as night falls. Various parts of the temple grounds are illuminated, with the Kannon Hall bathed in a striking blue light, which creates an impressive sight.

The illuminated maple leaves at the temple's pond reflect in the water, creating an enchanting 'upside-down maple' effect. Apart from the autumn foliage illumination, the observation deck also provides a stunning night view of Hase, which is a must-see.

Event Details
・ Venue: Kamakura, Hasedera Temple
・ Event Dates: November 23, 2023 (Thursday, public holiday) - December 3, 2023 (Sunday)
・ Event Hours: From sunset to gate closure at 7:00 PM (mountain closure at 7:30 PM)
・ Admission: Adults 400 yen, Elementary school students 200 yen
・ Closed: Open every day during the event

In addition, Hasedera Temple presents 'Hasedera NIGHT TABLE' this autumn from November 13-19, an event combining art, music, and cuisine. Guests can enjoy Kazuyuki Ishihara's Floral Bonsai, live concerts in the Kannon-do hall, garden dinners with local specialties, and early access to the illuminated temple grounds before the fall foliage season.

Event details & tickets: https://hasedera-nighttable.com/en/

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden will host a special autumn foliage illumination event, organized by the creative production company 'NAKED'. Around 160 plane trees will line the paths and light up with dynamic lighting effects. On the sloping terrain, called 'Momiji-yama', approximately 60 maple trees will be illuminated with lights that change from blue to red, mimicking the colors of maple leaves. The event employs cutting-edge technology, including laser lights that simulate falling maple leaves.

NAKED also offers free lantern rentals (one per group). As you walk with a lantern in hand, you can enjoy patterns of maple leaves, ginkgo, or plane trees (available in four colors) projected onto the ground.

The event will feature a food and drink area where visitors can savor autumn-themed cuisine and beverages. Expect to find hot sweets and drinks such as 'floating maple leaf' hojicha chai, among other tempting offerings.

Event Details
・ Venue: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
・ Event Dates: November 22, 2023 - December 3, 2023
・ Event Hours: 6 PM - 10 PM (Last entry at 9 PM, last food and drink orders at 9:30 PM, gates close at 10 PM)
・ Admission: Tickets available starting late October
・ Closed: Open every day during the event
・ Phone Number: 0570-200-888 (Kyodo Information)

Jewellumination is a popular event held at Yomiuri Land amusement park in western Tokyo. The event is curated by Mitsuko Ishii, a world-renowned lighting designer. This year's theme is "LIGHT is LOVE," featuring the new color "Earth Blue Jewelry Color," which symbolizes love for the Earth. It blends deep shades of aquamarine and sapphire representing the beautiful sea with emerald tones depicting lush forests.

The event also includes a fountain show with 188 fountains, a 15-meter-tall water screen, and dazzling effects using lasers and flames, showcasing cutting-edge technology.

The "Starlight Bandit Shooting Star Coaster" is one of the attractions adorned with stunning illuminations, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and those who want to enjoy the illuminations.

Event Details
・ Venue: Yomiuriland
・ Event Dates: October 19, 2023 - April 7, 2024
・ Event Hours: 4 PM - 8:30 PM
・ Admission: One-Day Pass: Adults 5,800 yen; After Pass (Entry from 3 PM on Jewel Illumination days + unlimited rides): Adults 3,100 yen
・ Closed: Open every day during the event

Marunouchi's main street, Marunouchi Nakadori, and other locations like Tokyo Kotsukaikan near Yurakucho Station and Tokyo Station Nihonbashi Exit, will see around 340 street trees illuminated with about 1.2 million LED lights. What makes this display unique is its champagne gold color scheme, which is brighter and more vibrant than typical yellow light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

All of the power for the illumination of Marunouchi Nakadori comes from green energy sources like solar and wind. While TOKYO TORCH Park, which is a large outdoor space in front of Tokyo Station's Nihonbashi Exit, is a bit away from Marunouchi, it will also be decorated with illuminations.

Event Details
・ Venue: Marunouchi Nakadori, Tokyo Station vicinity, and more
・ Event Dates: Mid-November onwards (details to be confirmed)
・ Event Hours: 3 PM - 11 PM
・ Admission Fee: Free
・ Closed: Open every day during the event
・ Phone Number: 03-5218-5100 (Marunouchi Call Center)

The annual White Heron Dance takes place at Sensoji Temple and is inspired by the Sagimai (Sacred Heron Dance) depicted in the 'Keian Engi Emaki' scroll. It is held on the 2nd Sunday of April and November 3rd. During the event, eight dancers dressed in white heron costumes perform a graceful dance while parading through the Sensoji Temple grounds. The costumes are reminiscent of the Heian period. The dancers are surrounded by around 40 performers, including warriors, musicians, and other performers who stand in formation, creating an elegant ambiance with the sounds of drums and flutes. The white herons gracefully spread their wings and move in sync with the beat of drums and flutes, creating a mystical experience that resembles swans soaring through the sky.

Event Details
・ Event Dates: November 3, 2023
・ Event Hours: Typically from 11:30 AM and 2:40 PM
・ Admission Fee: Free
・ Closed: Open every day during the event

The 'Tori-no-hi' refers to a day designated by the Chinese zodiac, with 'Tori-no-hi' representing the rooster in this case. The 'Tori-no-ichi' (Bird Market) is an annual event held on this day, where people pray for good luck and prosperity, particularly in business. This tradition has been observed since the Edo period and is held in various regions across Japan, with a focus on the Kanto region.

The Torinoichi market held at Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku is one of the largest among the 'Kanto San-dai Tori-no-ichi' (the three major Tori-no-ichi markets in the Kanto region).

It features the sale of auspicious items such as 'Kumade' (bamboo rakes) and charms, believed to gather fortune, money, and blessings. When you purchase a Kumade, the shopkeeper will cheer, and there's a rhythmic handclap following 'Yo~!' with '3-3-3-1' beats. Since it runs through the night from the eve of Tori-no-hi, it's worth stopping by before heading back to your hotel, especially if staying in Shinjuku.

Event Details
・ Venue: Hanazono Shrine
・ Event Dates: Ichi-no-tori (Eve) - November 10, 2023, Main Festival - November 11, 2023; Ninotori (Eve) - November 22, 2023, Main Festival - November 23, 2023
・ Event Hours: Eve from evening to next day 2 PM
・ Admission: Free
・ Closed: Open every day during the event

Like the previously mentioned Tori-no-Ichi at Hanazono Shrine, the Asakusa Tori-no-Ichi is considered one of the three major Tori-no-ichi festivals in the Kanto area. Held at Otorisama Temple and Chokokuji Temple in Asakusa, it is considered the largest and busiest in Japan in terms of both scale and liveliness.

The Asakusa Tori-no-ichi starts at midnight on the day of the rooster in November (November 11, 2023) with the beating of drums. The festival then continues for 24 hours.

The grounds of the temple are lined with about 100 stalls selling "kumade," colorfully decorated rakes decorated with sea bream motifs, large and small gold coins, maneki-neko beckoning cats, and other ornaments believed to bring good luck. In addition, about 750 stalls will be set up, creating a festive atmosphere. The sound of rhythmic clapping of hands and hand clapping, which can be heard here and there, makes one feel as if something good will happen in the future. Asakusa Torinoichi also takes place throughout the night, so don't worry about the time and take your time to enjoy the atmosphere. However, it gets cold in the morning and at night, so don't forget to bring warm clothes.

Event Overview
・Dates: November 11 and November 23, 2023
・Hours: Midnight to midnight on both days
・Admission: Free
・Closed: Open daily during the period

Every year in November, the Tsukiji Outside Market hosts its Autumn Festival, which includes a special event called the Tsukiji Food Fest held at Ichibashi Park. The festival features a variety of dishes such as seafood, meat, noodles, rice, beer, and wine.

There are also other events such as Food Education and Meat Seminars where visitors can learn about chicken, beef, wine, and more. Additionally, the Tsukiji Outer Market Home Run Sale offers seasonal ingredients, limited edition sets, and recommended products at reasonable prices. During the event period, a campaign will be held that allows visitors to receive an original Tsukiji postcard when they present a valid Toei 1Day Pass (Toei Marugoto Kippu) at the information counter at Plat Tsukiji.

Event Overview
・Venue: Tsukiji Outer Market 　
・Dates: November 3-4, 2023
・Hours: Varies depending on the day and event
・Admission: Free
・Closed: Open daily during the period

The Katsushika Food Festa is a highly anticipated event that will take place in Katsushika-ku, located in the eastern part of Tokyo. A total of thirty-three local restaurants will be opening their stalls, offering a wide range of menu items.

The event's main attraction is the diverse selection of dishes provided by the participating restaurants, including Japanese sweets such as chestnut dorayaki and kusa-dango dumplings, famous street foods like mazesoba and yakisoba, fried foods such as karaage, and rice dishes like sekihan and takomeshi. The festival offers a chance to sample an array of exquisite flavors that are loved by the locals and known only to them. This is a great opportunity to get an introduction to Japan's famous "B-class cuisine." Additionally, from the 24th to the 30th, a free circulation bus will be available for rides.

Event Overview
・Dates: November 25-26, 2023
・Hours: 10 AM - 4 PM
・Admission: Free
・Closed: Open daily during the event
・Tel: 03-3838-5555, Katsushika-ku Food Festa Executive Committee

The autumn foliage, or “koyo”, is one of Japan’s most picturesque seasonal phenomena, and the number one draw for travelers to Japan in November. Fiery maple, golden gingko, and orange oak leaves are joined by deep red dogwoods and polychromatic zelkovas. The parks and tree-lined avenues of Tokyo are no stranger to the colors of fall.

Some of the famous foliage spots around Tokyo include Hibiya Park, Ueno Park, Rikugien Gardens, Hamarikyu Gardens, and Meijijingu Gaien.

Although the mornings and evenings are chilly in November and you can feel the approach of winter, there are many unique Japanese events to enjoy autumn, such as autumn foliage events, illumination, gourmet festivals, and more. We hope you will visit the event sites and enjoy yourselves.

(The information in this article is current as of October 2023. Please check the official websites for the latest information.)