December 2024 Events in Japan

Kawase Hasui: Landscapes of Travel and Nostalgia Exhibition in Osaka

Love ukiyo-e or traditional Japanese woodblock prints? This new exhibition in Osaka features stunning prints by foremost artist Kawase Hasui.

Osaka Candlelight Concert: Best of Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)

Warm up a chilly night before Christmas with candlelight and your favorite songs from Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi.

Tōji Temple Flea Market

Visit Tōji Temple, one of Kyoto's oldest temples, and explore the bustling Kobo-ichi Market. Held monthly, this vibrant market is an unmissable experience for visitors and locals alike.

Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2024

The Atami Marine Fireworks have been lighting up the east coast of the Izu Peninsula since 1952.

Osaka Christmas Market

Spend some time with Christmas cheer at this traditional market.

Fukuoka Christmas Market and Illuminations

Spend your Christmas wrapped up in the midst of the beautiful Fukuoka Christmas Market and Illuminations.

Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market

Explore the Tenjin-san Flea Market at Kitano Tenman-gū, Kyoto, held on the 25th of every month.

Twinkle Jōyō Illumination

Explore dazzling illuminations at southern Kyoto's Twinkle Jōyō Light Pageant.

Sendai Pageant of Starlight

See Sendai's most beautiful sights under the radiant illuminations.

Nankinmachi Lantern Fair

Kobe's China Town comes alight with dozens of lanterns.

Glover Garden Night Illumination

Get your dose of local history while also enjoying pretty nighttime illuminations.

Hakodate Christmas Fantasy

For a magical Christmas event that all the family can enjoy, head over to Hakodate Christmas Fantasy.

Light Cycles Kyoto

Visit Light Cycles Kyoto at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Japan's oldest public botanical gardens, for unique installations uniting light, sound, and projection art.

Sagano Romantic Train Light-Up in Kyoto

Ride the Sagano Romantic Train in winter and enjoy the festive light-up.

Ramen Expo 2024

Taste the depth of Japan's ramen experiences here

Kobe Countdown Drone Show

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Kobe Fruit Flower Park with a drone light show, live music, and vibrant illuminations.

Huis Ten Bosch New Year Countdown

Celebrate the new year in extravagant style at this (literally!) star-studded event

Bad-Mouthing Festival

This bizarre New Year's Eve ritual, dating back to the Edo period, lets participants shout away their frustrations while trekking to the temple summit.

Okera Mairi: Old Year’s Eve at Yasaka-jinja Shrine

Want to ensure peace and prosperity for the new year? You might have to stay up all night.

No Limit! Christmas at Universal Studios Japan

The whole of USJ will get a blanket of festive fun. Expect cheery decorations and a massive show under the impressive 30-meter-tall glowing Christmas tree.

Huis Ten Bosch Christmas Town

Christmas really does come early in Nagasaki.

Saga Light Fantasy

Saga Station meets illumination.