December 2024 Events in Japan

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.

Illumi Eeru Iwaki

See the streets lit up with cherry blossom illuminations

Saga Light Fantasy

Saga Station meets illumination.

NAKED Yoru Mode at Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine and NAKED create a colorful experience for those wanting to worship at night.

Festival of Lights Osaka

See Osaka come alive with light on those cold winter nights.

Osaka and Kōbe Illuminage

See Osaka and Kobe come alight at this unique illumination event.

Ashikaga Flower Park Illuminations 2024

Visit one of the best illuminations in Japan and relive the wonder of the spring wisteria.

Namba Hikari Tabi Illumination 2024

Glow up your Instagram — literally. Experience a mesmerizing journey through lights with glowing art installations and illuminations.

Zao Snow Monster Festival

While most snow festivals feature man-made sculptures, the snow monsters of Zao are entirely natural.

Sapporo White Illumination

See the snowy streets of Sapporo lit up with illuminations