Ginza in January 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
In January, Tokyo experiences the peak of winter with harsh cold temperatures, making warm clothing like coats and scarves essential due to the chilly winds. Despite the cold weather, New Year sales are happening everywhere, and the streets are bustling with shoppers.
Located in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, Ginza is one of Japan's premier shopping districts, famous for its luxurious atmosphere. Meanwhile, stepping into the back alleys allows you to experience a nostalgic atmosphere of old Japan.
In January 2025, Ginza offers special events that can only be enjoyed during this time. We'll introduce you to the highlights, basic information, schedules, and access details for these events.
Table of Contents
・Traditional Events in Ginza for January 2025
・Art-Related Events in Ginza for January
・Gourmet Events in Ginza for January 2025
Traditional Events in Ginza for January 2025
Yurakucho Festival 2025 Winter
Source:Official website
The "Yurakucho Festival" is a four-day event from January 16th to 19th that brings excitement to Ginza.
While the festival features multiple events, my top recommendation is the "Garapon Grand Lottery." Garapon is a rotating lottery machine where colored balls come out of small boxes rotating like a Ferris wheel. Different colors correspond to different prizes, and at this festival, you can win luxurious prizes worth 1.5 million yen in total, including iPad minis and rice cookers.
Think of it like a lottery - you can participate by collecting five lottery tickets, which you receive when shopping at participating stores. Don't miss this opportunity!
The festival also offers other entertaining events, such as sake tasting and piano concerts.
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Dates: January 16 (Thu) - 19 (Sun)
Access:
- Yurakucho Station on Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line: Direct access from Exit D8
- Ginza Station on Tokyo Metro Marunouchi, Ginza, and Hibiya Lines: Take Exit C9, go straight through Ginza INZ 1, and head diagonally left after reaching ground level
- Hibiya Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line: Exit A0
- JR Yurakucho Station: Immediately after exiting from Kyobashi Gate
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.kotsukaikan.co.jp/event/30576/
Ginza Mitsukoshi "Hina Doll POP UP SHOP"
Source:PR TIMES
In Japan, there is a traditional event called "Hinamatsuri" (Doll Festival) held annually on March 3rd to pray for the healthy growth of young girls. From around February until Hinamatsuri, families with daughters display "Hina dolls," which are traditional Japanese dolls dressed in kimono representing a male and female pair.
You can purchase these Hina dolls at the "Hina Doll POP UP SHOP" held at Ginza Mitsukoshi. The shop features dolls from the doll workshop "Furacoco," which is famous for their small and adorable Hina dolls. Their dolls are characterized by soft colors and rounded shapes, making them so charming that you might want to display them year-round, not just during the Hinamatsuri season.
Once you see them in person, you'll undoubtedly want to take one home. Parents with daughters are especially encouraged to visit. These dolls also make perfect gifts for families with girls.
Information:
- Date: December 26, 2024 (Thursday) - February 4, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Access:
* 1-minute walk from Ginza Station (Ginza, Marunouchi, and Hibiya Lines), Ginza 4-chome Intersection Exit
* 5-minute walk from Ginza-itchome Station (Yurakucho Line), Exit 9
* 2-minute walk from Higashi-Ginza Station (Asakusa Line and Hibiya Line) via underground passage toward Ginza Station
* 9-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station (Central Exit and Ginza Exit)
- Location: Ginza Mitsukoshi New Building 10F, Baby and Children's Section
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.furacoco.co.jp/news/detail.html?no=666
GINZA THEATRICAL NIGHT TOUR
Source:Official website
This night tour is designed for international tourists visiting Ginza. The tour begins with learning about Ginza's history through video projections and theatrical performances. You'll explore the historic streets of Ginza accompanied by guides dressed in vintage clothing, appearing as if they've stepped out of historical footage. All videos, theatrical performances, and guide services are conducted in English, making it accessible for visitors who don't speak Japanese.
The walking tour includes visits to historic locations such as long-established bakeries, traditional stationery stores, and apartments built in the 1920s. While Ginza leads the way in modern trends, this tour allows you to enjoy its traditional aspects and reflect on both the past and present of this iconic district.
Information:
Dates: January 26 (Sat) - January 29 (Tue), 2025
Access: Meeting point - Togeki Cinema
1-minute walk from Exit 6 of Tokyo Metro Higashi-Ginza Station
Admission: ¥5,800
Website: https://www.shochiku.co.jp/pj/t-nighttour/ginza/
Rooftop Star Skating Rink
Source:Official website
This seasonal skating rink is located in a rooftop garden, claiming to be the closest spot to the stars in Ginza. The rink is particularly enchanting after sunset when the illuminations create a magical atmosphere. A giant art installation in the center of the rink adds to its otherworldly ambiance.
The skating surface is made of synthetic resin, offering ice-like smoothness while keeping your clothes dry if you fall. This makes it particularly family-friendly and suitable for children. Gloves are mandatory - don't forget to bring them! If you forget or don't have gloves, they are available for purchase at the venue.
Information:
Dates: November 16, 2024 (Sat) - January 26, 2025 (Sun)
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Shinbashi Station
2-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Station Exit A3
Directly connected to Tokyo Metro Ginza Station and Higashi-Ginza Station via underground passage
Admission: Adults (High school and above): ¥2,000
Children (Junior high school and below): ¥1,500
Website: https://ginza6.tokyo/
Ginza Mineral Marché
Source:Official website
The "Ginza Mineral Marché" is an exhibition and sale featuring over 200,000 items including natural stones (minerals and accessories), fossils, meteorites, and jewelry.
This event aims to spread appreciation for minerals, making it welcoming even for those without prior knowledge of minerals. Visitors can view precious gems worth millions of yen that are rarely seen in daily life, while also having the opportunity to purchase minerals for just a few hundred yen.
No registration or contact information is required, so there's no risk of subsequent sales pressure. While this is the first time the Mineral Marché is being held in Ginza, it's a highly popular event that has been held throughout Japan, with some locations hosting it more than 20 times.
This is a must-see event for those interested in minerals but not looking to make expensive purchases.
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Dates: January 18 (Sat) - January 20 (Sun), 2025
Access:
- 7 minutes walk from JR Tokyo Station Yaesu Central Exit
- 3 minutes walk from Kyobashi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
- 6 minutes walk from Ginza-itchome Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
- 5 minutes walk from Nihombashi Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
- 7 minutes walk from Takaracho Station (Toei Asakusa Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.mineralshow.net/marche/post_20.html
Art Events in Ginza - January 2025
Japanese Style and Light Winter Festa
The "Japanese Style and Light Winter Festa" illuminates the winter nights of Higashi-Ginza.
During the event period, visitors can enjoy Japanese-style illuminations at various spots around Higashi-Ginza Station. The illuminations feature traditional Japanese lanterns called "chochin" (wooden frames covered with paper and lit from within) and illuminated Japanese umbrellas. Even in the cold winter air, these Japanese-style illuminations provide a warm atmosphere.
A "Night Entertainment Map" featuring restaurants and nighttime spots is also distributed, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Higashi-Ginza after dark.
The festival reaches its peak on February 14 (Fri) with a special "Japanese DJ Event."
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Dates: November 15, 2024 (Fri) - February 16, 2025 (Sun)
Access:
- 1 minute walk from Higashi-Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
- 1 minute walk from Higashi-Ginza Station (Toei Asakusa Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.higashiginza-area.com/event/%e3%80%8e%e5%92%8c%e3%81%a8%e5%85%89%e3%81%aewinter-festa%e3%80%8f%e9%96%8b%e5%82%ac%e3%81%ae%e3%81%8a%e7%9f%a5%e3%82%89%e3%81%9b-%ef%bc%88we-will-hold-a-winter-festa-of-japanese-illumination/
Synchronicity
Source:PR TIMES
Synchronicity is a contemporary art event gathering 35 artists in a vast 1,500-square-meter venue. Visitors can experience contemporary art through various mediums including performance, music, sculpture, three-dimensional works, and paintings.
The event features works created through fieldwork in Ginza and pieces focusing on urban life, making it uniquely suited to the Ginza location.
Several works have already been revealed on the website, including "Blue" (shown in the photo above). This work is completed through real-time composition with passing visitors on monitors, creating an experience that can only be fully appreciated in person.
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Dates: January 25 (Sat) - 26 (Sun), 2025
Access: 1 minute walk from Ginza Station
Admission: 1,800 yen
Website: https://artsticker.app/events/53858
Forms of Prayer: Seiichiro Fujino Lacquer Art Exhibition
Source:PR TIMES
This is a solo exhibition by Seiichiro Fujino, a renowned lacquer artist. Lacquerware is one of Japan's traditional crafts where lacquer (sap extracted from specific trees) is applied to wood or paper, followed by decorative techniques. The pieces exhibit unique luster and depth, with warmth created through multiple layers of lacquer.
The main focus of this exhibition is Buddhist artifacts, particularly ihai (memorial tablets that record the deceased's name and date of death, believed to house their spirit). This connects directly to the exhibition's theme of "prayer." When standing before Fujino Seiichiro's captivating works, visitors can gain insight into the Japanese perspective on life and death. We encourage you to experience these pieces in person.
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Date: December 7, 2024 (Sat) - January 23, 2025 (Thu)
Access:
- 3 minutes walk from JR Yurakucho Station (Kyobashi Exit)
- 2 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line (Ginza 1-chome Station, Exit 5)
- 3 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (Kyobashi Station, Exit 3)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.zushiya.com/blog/2362/
Ginza Gourmet Events in January 2025
Ginza Sweets Collection 2025
Source:Official website
The "Ginza Sweets Collection 2025" is a special sweets event themed "connect hearts."
Over 60 brands will gather, offering special sweets from around the world. Chocolate is the highlight of this event, featuring internationally acclaimed chocolates that even chocolate connoisseurs won't want to miss.
In Japan, there's a custom of giving chocolates to romantic interests and exchanging sweets between friends on Valentine's Day. Many people visit this event to prepare for Valentine's Day. While visiting Japan, why not embrace this Valentine's culture by selecting a gift for your special someone?
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Date: January 23, 2025 (Thu) - February 14, 2025 (Fri)
Access:
- 1 minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza, Marunouchi, and Hibiya Lines (Ginza Station, Ginza 4-chome Crossing Exit)
- 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line (Ginza-itchome Station, Exit 9)
- 2 minutes walk via underground passage from Toei Asakusa Line and Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (Higashi-Ginza Station)
- 9 minutes walk from JR Yurakucho Station (Central Exit/Ginza Exit)
Location: Ginza Mitsukoshi New Building 7F Event Space
Admission: Free
Website：https://www.mistore.jp/shopping/event/ginza_e/sweets_collection_51
Donut Market at Ginza Shochiku Square
Source:Official Instragram
The donut market's concept is to "connect encounters in a round way, as deliciously and enjoyfully as donuts," featuring daily food truck gatherings.
While this is a monthly event, the participating food trucks vary each month. January's lineup includes international cuisines such as Gapao rice, Turkish cuisine, Thai food, and Singaporean chicken rice. Even familiar international dishes take on a unique Japanese twist, offering a fresh experience.
While traveling, we recommend trying outdoor dining to enjoy the atmosphere. Please make sure to visit the "Donut Market at Ginza Shochiku Square."
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Date: January 6 (Mon) - January 31, 2025 (Fri)
Access: 3 minutes walk from Hibiya Line/Toei Asakusa Line Higashi-Ginza Station Exit 5
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.donut-market.com/