Tokyo in October 2024: Highlights, Events & Festivals
Tokyo, Japan’s capital, is one of the largest cities in the world and a popular destination for tourists. Not only is it the center of Japan’s economy and politics, but it constantly shares the latest trends in culture.
While Tokyo is often seen as a city of cutting-edge skyscrapers and glittering neon lights, it also offers historical buildings, traditional streetscapes, and rich natural surroundings. With an average temperature of around 20°C in October, it's the perfect season for sightseeing.
In October, many events take place across Tokyo. From experiences that embrace the season to art and food festivals, there’s something for everyone. This article introduces some of the top October events recommended for tourists!
Table of Contents
- Unique Experiences in Tokyo in October
- Music and Art Events in Tokyo in October 2024
- Tokyo Gourmet Events in October 2024
Unique Experiences in Tokyo in October
Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest
Source: Ikebukuro Keizai Shinbun
The Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest is one of the largest Halloween events in Japan. It takes place around Ikebukuro, including the Sunshine City area.
Many people participate in professional-level cosplay, and there are also participants who enjoy photographing the event with professional cameras. Activities like karaoke contests and arm-wrestling tournaments are held, so even those not in costume can have a great time.
If you plan to join in cosplay, tickets are required. With the ticket purchase, you can access changing rooms and storage facilities. Families with kids can also enjoy the event, as children's tickets come with costume rentals.
<Event Information>
- Date: October 25-27, 2025
- Location: Ikebukuro Area (details to be announced)
- Ticket prices (for cosplay participants): ¥2,700 to ¥10,000 (depending on ticket type) / Free for preschool children
- Website: https://ikebukurocosplay.jp
Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Parade
Source: Official website in 2023
The Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Parade is Japan’s first-ever Halloween parade. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, children in costumes walk along a roughly 1km route through Harajuku and Omotesando.
Only children under the age of 12 with pre-purchased participation certificates can join the parade. But watching these adorable kids in costume is a heartwarming experience.
While soaking in the Halloween atmosphere, why not enjoy some shopping? Many restaurants around Omotesando offer special Halloween menus during this season, so be sure to check them out!
<Event Information>
- Date: October 27, 2024, 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Location: Harajuku/Omotesando area
- Website: https://halloween.omotesando.or.jp
Tokyo Edo Week 2024
Source: Official Instagram
Tokyo Edo Week is a festival where visitors can experience the charm of traditional Japanese culture. The event focuses on sustainability and environmental conservation, aiming to connect these themes with regional revitalization.
This year marks the seventh event, and the theme is “Japanese Ingredients.” You’ll find food made from natural Japanese produce and items crafted from uniquely Japanese materials at various stalls.
Check out the official Instagram for a glimpse of last year’s festival and updates on the stores and events for this year!
<Event Information>
- Date: October 11-14, 2024, 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Location: Ueno Onshi Park
- Access: 2-minute walk from JR or Tokyo Metro Ueno Station / 1-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
- Admission: Free
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyo_edo_week/
Nezu Sendagi Shitamachi Festival
Source: b-kanko.jp
The Nezu Sendagi Shitamachi Festival is a beloved local autumn festival held in the traditional neighborhoods of Nezu and Sendagi.
The main event takes place at Nezu Shrine, where over 50 stalls set up a lively flea market. You can find unique items that offer a glimpse into Japanese life. In addition, performances like Japanese drumming and street performances add to the festive atmosphere.
There are also old-fashioned Japanese games such as water guns, ring toss, and bubble-blowing stations, making it a fun day for both children and adults. If you want a deeper experience, join a tour that explores the historical sites around Nezu Shrine on festival days.
<Event Information>
- Date: October 12-13, 2025
- Location: Nezu Shrine
- Access: 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line’s Nezu or Sendagi Stations
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.city.bunkyo.lg.jp/b014/p003952.html
Music and Art Events in Tokyo in October 2024
Tokyo Yosakoi Festival
Source: Go Tokyo
The Tokyo Yosakoi Festival is the grand finale of the Fukuro Festival, one of Ikebukuro's biggest events. Originally from Kochi Prefecture, Yosakoi is a traditional folk dance performed to vibrant music, and the Yosakoi Festival has become famous across Japan.
Tokyo Yosakoi is based on the traditional Yosakoi but incorporates modern Tokyo-style music and influences. Some teams add reggae or jazz vibes to their performances, making the festival a unique and creative celebration. The dance competition is a thrilling spectacle, with teams showing off their originality in choreography, music, and costumes, captivating audiences with their energy.
Alongside the dance contest, the Fukuro Festival also features an impressive Mikoshi (portable shrine) parade, adding to the traditional Japanese atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this exciting cultural experience!
<Event Information>
- Date: October 12 (Sat) & 13 (Sun), 2024
- Location: Around JR Ikebukuro Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://yosakoitokyo.gr.jp/yosakoi/
"Modern Haniwa and Dogū" Exhibition at the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
Source: Official website
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, is hosting a unique exhibition called "Modern Haniwa and Dogū." These ancient clay figurines, which have recently gained popularity as artistic curiosities, represent distinct aspects of ancient Japanese culture.
Haniwa are clay figures associated with the spirits of the dead, while Dogū represent fertility and are considered charms for childbirth. Both have been around for over 10,000 years. Today, they are appreciated not only for their historical value but also as intriguing works of art.
In this exhibition, you'll have the opportunity to see a wide variety of Haniwa and Dogū from different time periods and artistic genres. There will also be paintings and comics inspired by these figures, offering a modern take on these ancient artifacts. It's a must-see for anyone interested in Japan's unique and quirky side.
<Event Information>
- Date: October 1 (Tue) – December 22 (Sun), 2024
- Location: National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from Takebashi Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Exit 1b)
- Admission: Adults ¥1,800 / University students ¥1,200 / High school students ¥700 (Free for junior high school students and younger)
- Website: https://www.momat.go.jp/en/exhibitions/560
"Monet and Water Lilies" Exhibition at the National Museum of Western Art
Source: Official website
From October 2024 to February 2025, the National Museum of Western Art will hold an exhibition dedicated to the works of Claude Monet, the iconic French Impressionist painter. Titled "Monet and Water Lilies," this exhibition will be the largest collection of Monet's "Water Lilies" series ever assembled in Japan.
The museum already houses some of the most beloved works from Monet’s Water Lilies series. For this exhibition, 65 pieces will be gathered from museums across Japan as well as from the Marmottan Monet Museum in Paris, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors to enjoy Monet’s masterpieces in one place.
Special edition merchandise, unavailable in Paris or elsewhere, will also be available, making this a must-visit for fans of Monet and fine art collectors.
<Event Information>
- Date: October 5, 2024 (Sat) – February 11, 2025 (Mon, National Holiday)
- Location: National Museum of Western Art
- Access: 1-minute walk from JR Ueno Station
- Admission: Adults ¥2,300 (¥2,100 for early purchase) / University students ¥1,400 (¥1,300) / High school students ¥1,000 (¥900)
- Website: https://www.nmwa.go.jp/jp/exhibitions/2024monet.html
Tokyo Gourmet Events in October 2024
Tokyo Ramen Festa
Source: Official website 2022
Ramen, a staple of Japanese cuisine, is also beloved by many people around the world. If you're someone who wants to sample a variety of ramen, why not visit the "Tokyo Ramen Festa"?
Held at Komazawa Olympic Park, this event is Japan’s largest ramen festival, with 36 different ramen shops participating over the course of 12 days. It offers the unique opportunity to taste ramen from all over Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, all while staying in Tokyo.
Admission to the event is free, but to enjoy a bowl of ramen, you’ll need to purchase a ticket (¥1,100 per bowl).
Whether you want to savor multiple bowls by yourself or share with friends or family, it’s a great way to experience a variety of flavors!
<Event Information>
- Dates: October 24 (Thu) – November 4 (Mon), 2024, 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Location: Komazawa Olympic Park, Central Plaza
- Access: 12-minute walk from Komazawa-daigaku Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line
- Admission: Free (Ramen ticket: ¥1,100 per bowl)
- Website: https://ra-fes.com
Dai Tsukemen Haku
Source: FASHION PRESS
Have you heard of "tsukemen"? It’s a popular dish in the Japanese ramen world, where the noodles and broth are served separately. You dip the noodles into the broth, allowing you to fully enjoy the taste of the noodles themselves.
"Dai Tsukemen Haku" is an event where you can help decide Japan's best tsukemen restaurant! Only 40 restaurants that passed the preliminary round through public voting are allowed to participate. At the event, visitors vote for their favorite restaurant, and the champion is crowned based on those votes.
Returning after a 10-year hiatus, this year’s event features a wide variety of tsukemen, from classic to innovative new styles. Your vote could determine Japan’s top tsukemen restaurant!
<Event Information>
- Dates: October 10 (Thu) – November 6 (Wed), 2024
- Location: Okubo Park
- Access: 6-minute walk from Shin-Okubo Station on the JR Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://dai-tsukemen-haku.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daitsukemenhaku/
Lohas Festa Tokyo
Source: Official website
"Lohas Festa Tokyo" is an event centered around the concept that "each individual’s lifestyle choices can shape the future of our planet." It’s a fun and engaging way to learn about environmental sustainability.
You can enjoy eco-friendly foods such as deep-fried tuna, additive-free smoked cheese, dried fruits, and donuts made with carefully selected ingredients. As the event encourages sustainable living, vendors charge for containers and packaging, so bringing your own eco-bag, reusable bottle, and utensils is recommended.
In addition to the delicious food, there are stage performances, including hula dancing and live music. Spend a refreshing day under the autumn sky while thinking about our environment.
<Event Information>
- Dates: October 18 (Fri) – 20 (Sun), 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Location: Hikarigaoka Park, Lawn Plaza
- Access: 8-minute walk from Hikarigaoka Station on the Toei Oedo Line
- Admission: ¥700 (Free for elementary school students and younger)
- Website: https://lohasfesta.jp/tokyo
Tokyo Meat Market Festival
Source: PR TIMES
The "Tokyo Meat Market Festival" is a rare event where the meat market is opened to the public once a year. The festival aims to showcase the deliciousness of domestic meat under the theme "Premium brand beef is tasty and safe."
This year’s focus is on "Sendai Beef," a brand from Miyagi Prefecture known for its tenderness and rich, juicy flavor. Visitors can sample Sendai Beef shabu-shabu and stew at a free tasting corner, although quantities are limited—so don’t miss out!
Additionally, there’s a booth offering Sendai Beef steak bowls (limited to 200 servings per day), along with food stalls serving global cuisines. If you’re a meat lover, this festival is a must-visit!
<Event Information>
- Dates: October 19 (Sat) – 20 (Sun), 2024
- Location: Tokyo Central Wholesale Meat Market
- Access: 3-minute walk from Shinagawa Station (Konan Exit)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.shijou.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/press/2024/0906.html