Shinjuku: List of Events & Festivals for 2024
Shinjuku is a district composed of Japan's largest entertainment area, large-scale office districts, major department stores, and clusters of skyscrapers. It boasts one of the highest foot traffic rates in Tokyo, the heart of Japan.
While Tokyo's summer heat can be intense, it gradually eases from October, with cooler days becoming more frequent. As November approaches, the cold becomes increasingly noticeable, and by December, coats are essential even during the day.
During the October to December period, numerous outdoor events are held. We'll introduce you to the notable Shinjuku Events 2024, their highlights, basic information, dates, and access to the venues, so please consider visiting.
Autumn Events in Shinjuku 2024 (October to November)
Although Shinjuku experiences harsh summer heat, it gradually cools down from October, becoming much more comfortable. By November, the average temperature drops to about 12 degrees Celsius, necessitating coats from mid to late month.
In early November, autumn foliage reaches its peak, making it an ideal time to enjoy the scenery while feeling the pleasant breeze.
Notable Shinjuku Events 2024 in October
October is known as the season for "gourmet and art" in Japan, and Shinjuku hosts numerous events in these genres. Not only Japanese cultural events but also international art events are held, making the district even more cosmopolitan than usual.
The Oktoberfest, which we'll introduce later, is a highly anticipated event being held for the first time in 19 years.
The Great Shinjuku Ward Festival
Source:Shinjuku City
The "Great Shinjuku Ward Festival" is an event coloring Shinjuku's autumn, held throughout October in various parts of Shinjuku. Centered around the main events, Fureai Festa 2024 and Shinjuku Street Fest 2024, over 30 events are held during this period in shopping districts and neighborhood associations across Shinjuku Ward. You can enjoy Shinjuku filled with even more vitality than usual, with events happening everywhere.
Among the numerous events, I particularly recommend the "Lucky Tour Rally" at the "Shinjuku Street Fest 2024". This is a digital stamp rally touring Shinjuku's shrines and temples. While Tokyo sightseeing often focuses on modern locations, there are actually spots in Shinjuku where you can feel the charm of old Japan. Visiting multiple locations allows you to enjoy the different atmospheres, which is another recommended point.
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Dates: October 1 to October 31
Access and admission fees: These vary by event, so please check the website for details
Website: https://www.city.shinjuku.lg.jp/kanko/shinjuku_festival2024.html#:~:text=%E7%AC%AC43%E5%9B%9E%20%E5%A4%A7%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E3%81%BE
Canaletto and the Splendor of Venice
Source:Official website
"Canaletto and the Splendor of Venice" allows you to enjoy works by Canaletto, an 18th-century painter known as a master of vedute (view paintings), and pieces featuring Venice, his most beloved landscape. With Venetian works displayed up to the 20th century, you can trace how the vedute established by Canaletto developed after his death and how Venice itself evolved.
The merchandise at this exhibition is also attractive. You can purchase limited-edition goods featuring cute, deformed versions of the paintings enjoyed in the exhibition. Collaboration items with the famous Japanese character "Hangyodon" are also recommended.
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Dates: October 12 to December 28
Access: [Provided in the map below]
Admission: General, advance reservation 1700 yen
Website: https://www.sompo-museum.org/exhibitions/2023/canaletto/
"The Landscape of Japan as Seen Through Hida's Woodworking Culture" Exhibition
Source:PR TIMES
The "Landscape of Japan as Seen Through Hida's Woodworking Culture" exhibition allows you to experience the skills of woodworking craftsmen called "Hida no Takumi" and the Hida region where these skills were nurtured.
The main exhibit is a model of a Takayama Festival float. These are small house-like structures that parade through the streets during the Takayama Festival. Filled with delicate decorations and mechanisms, they showcase the high skill level of the Hida craftsmen. Even as a model, it conveys the craftsmen's techniques.
The exhibition also features a rich display of Hida's traditional crafts and landscape panels, allowing you to learn in detail about the Hida region.
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Dates: October 1 (Tue) - October 31 (Thu) 10:00-17:00 (Until 15:00 on the last day)
Access: 5 minutes walk from "Shinjuku Station West Exit (JR, private railways, subway)"
Just up the B1 exit stairs from "Tochomae Station (Toei Oedo Line)"
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/event/hida2024#:~:text=%E9%A3%9B%E9%A8%A8%E3%81%AE%E6%9C%A8%E5%B7%A5%E6%96%87%E5%8C%96%E3%81%8B%E3%82%89%E8%A6%8B
Oktoberfest 2024 in Jingu Gaien
Source:FASHION PRESS
Oktoberfest is a beer festival originating from Germany. The original event in Munich attracts over 7 million beer fans. German beer is also very popular in Japan, so the Oktoberfest held here also draws many beer enthusiasts.
At the Oktoberfest held in Jingu Gaien, you can find your favorite brew from over 20 types of German beers. The food at this event is also attractive, featuring meat dishes that pair perfectly with beer, such as sausages and steaks. The experience of enjoying excellent meat dishes and beer while feeling the autumn breeze is exceptional.
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Dates: October 11 (Fri) - October 31 (Thu)
First day 16:00-21:30 (L.O. 21:00)
Other days 11:00-21:30 (L.O. 21:00)
Last entry 20:30
Access: 10 minutes walk from "Gaienmae Station" on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Hanzomon Line
10 minutes walk from "Aoyama-Itchome Station" on Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and Oedo Line
5 minutes walk from "Shinanomachi Station" on JR Chuo-Sobu Line
5 minutes walk from "Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station" on Toei Oedo Line
Admission: 1000 yen
Website: https://www.oktober-fest.jp/
This concludes the translation of the Shinjuku Events 2024 article, highlighting various attractions and activities for tourists visiting Tokyo in the autumn season.
Notable Shinjuku Events 2024 in November
As November arrives, autumn foliage begins to reach its peak in various locations. While there aren't as many events as in October, the charm of November lies in simply walking through the streets colored by autumn leaves.
Although fewer in number, several traditional events are held. With cooler temperatures than October, you can participate in outdoor events without worrying about the heat.
Hanazono Shrine Tori-no-Ichi Festival
Source:PR TIMES
The "Hanazono Shrine Tori-no-Ichi Festival" is a traditional event with a very long history, dating back over 2000 years. Hanazono Shrine has been worshipped as the guardian deity of Shinjuku for about 400 years, making the Tori-no-Ichi Festival deeply rooted in the hearts of Shinjuku residents.
During this event, countless lanterns are displayed. The sight of brightly lit lanterns against the clear autumn night sky is breathtaking.
The Tori-no-Ichi is famous for its night market, where many shops sell kumade (decorative bamboo rakes). Kumade are believed to bring prosperity in business, safety for the family, and good fortune. The kumade purchased here are for display rather than use. You'll find a variety of fancy and stylish kumade, from those with traditional Japanese decorations to modern character designs.
Why not purchase one as a souvenir of your Japan trip when you visit?
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Dates: November 5, 17, 29
Access: 5 minutes walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.
10 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station on JR, Keio, Odakyu, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway lines.
Admission: Free
Website: http://hanazono-jinja.or.jp/ceremony/#:~:text=12%E6%9C%88%E7%A5%AD%E5%85%B8.%20%E6%AF%8E%E9%80%B1
Ginkgo Avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien
Source: Go Tokyo
Meiji Jingu Gaien has long been known for its ginkgo trees and has been loved by people for over 100 years. You can enjoy 146 ginkgo trees along a 300-meter-long path.
The ginkgo trees at Meiji Jingu Gaien begin to change color in mid-November, reaching their peak from late November to early December. Viewing the ginkgo avenue from a distance, you can enjoy the contrast between the blue sky and the yellow ginkgo leaves. Walking along the avenue, you'll see fallen ginkgo leaves beautifully carpeting the ground in yellow.
Why not spend some relaxing time at Meiji Jingu Gaien, taking a walk while feeling the pleasant breeze or sitting down to view the ginkgo trees?
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Dates: Mid-November to early December
Access: 3 minutes walk from Gaienmae Station on Tokyo Metro or Aoyama-itchome Station on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.meijijingugaien.jp/#:~:text=%E6%98%8E%E6%B2%BB%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%A4%96%E8%8B%91%E3%81%AF%E6%98%8E%E6%B2%BB%E7%A5%9E
Autumn Foliage, Chrysanthemum Exhibition, and Orchid Exhibition at Shinjuku Gyoen
Source:Official website
Shinjuku Gyoen is a vast garden spanning Shinjuku and Shibuya wards, with over 400 years of history. Originally developed as an imperial garden, it was opened to the public after World War II and is now loved by many as an oasis in the city.
While Shinjuku Gyoen offers various sceneries throughout the seasons, November is recommended for autumn foliage, the chrysanthemum exhibition, and the orchid exhibition.
Shinjuku Gyoen is famous as an autumn foliage spot in Tokyo, with about 940 trees changing color in autumn. With various types of trees planted, including dogwood, ginkgo, and maple, you can enjoy beautiful scenery somewhere in the garden from November to early December.
The chrysanthemum exhibition is a late autumn tradition, displaying various types of chrysanthemum flowers. These flowers were originally enjoyed only in the imperial court but can now be appreciated by everyone.
At the orchid exhibition, entries from orchid enthusiasts are displayed in the greenhouse. During this period, a sweet fragrance wafts through the greenhouse, and colorful flowers bloom proudly everywhere you look. It's one of the events I personally look forward to every year.
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Dates: Autumn Foliage - Early November to early December
Chrysanthemum Exhibition - November 1 to November 15
Orchid Exhibition - November 19 to November 24
Access: 10 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station South Exit (JR, Keio, Odakyu lines)
15 minutes walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
5 minutes walk from Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station Exit 1 (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
5 minutes walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station Exit E5 (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
5 minutes walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station Exit C1/C5 (Toei Shinjuku Line)
Admission: 500 yen for adults
Website: https://www.fng.or.jp/shinjuku/#:~:text=%E7%92%B0%E5%A2%83%E7%9C%81%E6%89%80%E7%AE%A1%E3%81%AE%E5%9B%BD%E6%B0%91%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92
TRY Ramen Awards Festival 2024 (until December 15)
Source:Yahoo! News
The "TRY Ramen Awards" is an award presented in a ramen information magazine published by Kodansha. TRY stands for "Tokyo Ramen of the Year". This ranking, created with the slogan "Let's decide the best ramen in Tokyo," attracts attention from ramen enthusiasts nationwide and celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024. The "TRY Ramen Awards Festival" is held to commemorate this milestone.
This event brings together ramen that have won the "TRY Ramen Awards" in the past. As these are award-winning ramen, you can't go wrong with any choice. Another pleasing point is that each serving is smaller, allowing you to try and compare many different types.
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Dates: November 26 to December 15
Access: 2 minutes walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station / 7 minutes walk from Higashi-Shinjuku Station / 7 minutes walk from Okubo Station / 8 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station
Admission: Free entry
*1000 yen per ramen serving
Shinjuku Events 2024: New Year's Eve and Winter Events (December)
In Shinjuku, you can still enjoy the autumn foliage in some areas until early December. As we approach the end of the year, while there aren't many events, there are several noteworthy ones to conclude 2024.
As Christmas approaches, the entire city sparkles with illuminations, which is highly recommended for visitors.
Notable Shinjuku Events 2024 in December
Tokyo Christmas Market in Meiji Jingu Gaien
Source:PR TIMES
Christmas markets are traditional events that have continued since medieval times in various parts of Europe, adding color to the Christmas season. In Japan, Christmas markets have only become common in various locations over the past decade or so, but they are gradually taking root as a new tradition.
In 2024, a large Christmas market will be held in Meiji Jingu Gaien as part of the Shinjuku Events 2024 lineup. The highlight is the giant Christmas pyramid (an object with various decorations) brought from Germany, allowing you to feel the warmth of wood on a cold winter night.
My recommended way to enjoy this Shinjuku Event 2024 is to walk around the Christmas-themed venue while sipping hot wine or beer.
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- Date: November 23 to December 25
- Access:
10 minutes walk from Gaienmae Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Hanzomon Line
10 minutes walk from Aoyama-itchome Station on Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and Oedo Line
5 minutes walk from Shinanomachi Station on JR Chuo-Sobu Line
5 minutes walk from Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station on Toei Oedo Line
- Admission Fee:
[Nov 23 - Dec 22] Adults (Junior high school and above): 1,000 yen on weekdays / 1,500 yen on weekends and holidays, Children (Elementary school): 500 yen
[Dec 23 - Dec 25] Adults (Junior high school and above): 2,000 yen, Children (Elementary school): 1,000 yen
- Website: https://tokyochristmas.net/
Oharae: Hanazono Shrine, Naruko Tenmangu Shrine, etc.
Source:Official website
"Oharae" is one of the traditional customs that have continued since the medieval period.
As we live our lives, we commit various sins and mistakes, and as a result, we accumulate negative energy called "kegare" on our bodies. "Harae" is performed to remove this, and it's generally done twice a year, in summer and at the end of the year.
The one performed at the end of the year is called "Oharae," and it's the most important "Harae" of the year, performed to welcome the new year with a clean body free from "kegare." Near Shinjuku, you can participate in this Shinjuku Event 2024 at Hanazono Shrine or Naruko Tenmangu Shrine.
Oharae is a unique Japanese event that allows you to welcome the new year with a refreshed feeling, so it's highly recommended. The Oharae ceremony is also very interesting as it's performed in traditional Japanese procedures, so if you're interested, please try participating.
<Information (Hanazono Shrine)>
- Date: December 31
- Access: 5 minutes walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. 10 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station on JR, Keio, Odakyu, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway lines.
- Admission: Free
- Website: http://hanazono-jinja.or.jp/ceremony/#:~:text=12%E6%9C%88%E7%A5%AD%E5%85%B8.%20%E6%AF%8E%E9%80%B1
Winter Solstice Festival at Anabachi Hachiman Shrine
Source:tenki.jp
The "Winter Solstice Festival" is held every year on the winter solstice (January 21, 2024) at Anabachi Hachiman Shrine as part of the Shinjuku Events 2024.
The "winter solstice" is the day with the shortest daylight hours in the year. It's also called "Ichiyo Raifuku," a day when previously bad luck turns for the better.
At Anabachi Hachiman Shrine, you can purchase lucky charms that apply this "Ichiyo Raifuku" energy to financial fortune from the winter solstice until February 3. Many people visit Anabachi Hachiman Shrine for this reason.
Although it's called the "Winter Solstice Festival," the main events are visiting the shrine and purchasing lucky charms. Please note that it's a bit different from festivals where you enjoy food stalls and stage performances.
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- Date: December 21
- Access: 5 minutes walk from Exit 3B of Waseda Station on Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.anahachimanguu.jp/event/
New Year's Eve Bell Ringing at Shojuin Temple and Tenryuji Temple
Source:Wikipedia
"Joya no Kane" (New Year's Eve Bell Ringing) is a traditional Japanese custom where temple bells are rung 108 times on New Year's Eve (December 31). It's believed that humans have 108 worldly desires, and each bell ring eliminates one desire. By listening to the bell rings, you can welcome the new year in a refreshed state, free from worldly desires.
In recent years in Japan, the culture of New Year's Eve bell ringing has been declining due to noise concerns. However, near Shinjuku, you can still enjoy this Shinjuku Event 2024 at Shojuin Temple or Tenryuji Temple. At both places, you can not only listen to the bell but also experience ringing it yourself.
Why not spend some relaxing time listening to the bell sounds during the busy end of the year?
Shojuin Temple
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Date: December 31
Access: 10 minutes walk from Oji Station on JR Keihin-Tohoku Line
Admission: Free
Tenryuji Temple
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Date: December 31
Access: 3 minutes walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station on Toei Subway
Admission: Free
