Tokyo: Ultimate Guide to Events & Festivals 2024

From October to December, as autumn transitions into early winter, Tokyo experiences gradually cooler temperatures. With relatively low precipitation and pleasant weather, it's an ideal time for tourists to explore the city.

Beyond traditional local festivals, unique events spanning food, art, and culture take place throughout the season. This guide introduces major events that attract fans from across Japan, highlighting key attractions and essential information. We'll also showcase recommended spots for enjoying the beautiful autumn foliage unique to this season.

We hope this guide helps you make the most of your Tokyo tourism experience!

The Table of Event in Tokyo 2024

Autumn Events in Tokyo 2024 (October-November)

By October, the intense summer heat finally subsides, making it more comfortable to be outdoors. With high temperatures settling around 25°C (77°F), outdoor events become especially enjoyable.

As November arrives, temperatures drop further, with average temperatures falling below 15°C (59°F). From early November, the eagerly anticipated autumn foliage begins to color the landscape, reaching its peak viewing period until early December.

Featured October 2024 Events in Tokyo

Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival

Source: Ikebukuro Keizai Shinbun

The Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival is Japan's largest Halloween event, staged in Ikebukuro and attracting around 20,000 cosplayers and photographers. Now in its 11th year, this popular event draws cosplay enthusiasts from all over the country.

Ikebukuro is famous for "Otome Road," a holy ground for anime and manga lovers from around the world. You might encounter characters that look like they've stepped right out of anime!

On October 25th, "Ike-Hallo Night" will be held at Ikebukuro Sunshine City from 16:30, featuring special events such as nighttime cosplay and photo sessions taking advantage of the night scenery.

If you're interested in Japanese pop culture, this is a must-visit event!

Information:
- Dates: October 25-27, 2024
- Location: Ikebukuro Sunshine City (3-1-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo)
- Access: 8-minute walk from East Exit 35 of Ikebukuro Station (JR, Tokyo Metro, Seibu, Tobu lines)
- Admission: October 25 Ike-Hallo Night special ticket ¥3,300 (tax included) / October 26-27 general ticket ¥2,700 (tax included) *Additional fee for cosplay participation
- Website: https://ikebukurocosplay.jp/

Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade

Source: Official website

Known as the first Halloween costume parade in Japan, the "Harajuku Omotesando Hello Halloween Pumpkin Parade" has been a local tradition since 1983, long before Halloween became widely celebrated in Japan.

Today, over 1,000 children participate annually, walking approximately 1km along Harajuku and Omotesando in creative costumes. Popular choices include globally recognized characters like Spider-Man and characters from Frozen.

Participating stores around Omotesando offer special Halloween menus and candy for children. This event is perfect for tourists with children who want to experience Japanese pop culture!

Information:
- Date: October 27, 2024
- Access: Near Harajuku Station (JR), Meijijingumae <Harajuku> Station (Tokyo Metro), or Omotesando Station (Tokyo Metro, Odakyu Romance Car)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://halloween.omotesando.or.jp/

Tokyo Ramen Festa

Source: Official website 2022

Japanese ramen has become a global culinary sensation, with many international tourists traveling to Japan specifically to taste authentic ramen. The "Tokyo Ramen Festa" is a dream event for ramen enthusiasts both domestic and international.

36 carefully selected ramen shops from across Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south, gather in one place. This unique festa allows you to experience a nationwide ramen tour and compare different styles all in one location.

During the period from October 24 to November 4, shops participate in three separate sessions, with 12 shops per session. Why not try to conquer all three sessions?

Information:
- Dates: October 24-November 4, 2024
  - First Act: October 24-27
  - Second Act: October 28-31
  - Third Act: November 1-4
- Location: Komazawa Olympic Park Central Plaza (1-1 Komazawa Park, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo)
- Access: 12-minute walk from Komazawa-daigaku Station (Tokyu Line)
- Admission: Ramen ticket (1 bowl) ¥1,100 (tax included)
- Website: https://ra-fes.com/

Featured November 2024 Events in Tokyo

DESIGN FESTA

Source: PR TIMES

Since 1994, "DESIGN FESTA" has provided a "free space for expression" for both professionals and amateurs. You can meet over 10,000 artists who continue their unique expressive activities, transcending barriers of age, nationality, genre, and style.

The event features a diverse array of works, from original character goods and colorful paintings to graffiti-style designs and everyday accessories.

This melting pot of art allows visitors to enjoy various experiences, including artist interactions, live performances, and international cuisine.

Information:
- Dates: November 16-17, 2024
- Location: Tokyo Big Sight West & South Halls (3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
- Access: 7-minute walk from Kokusai-tenjijo Station (Rinkai Line) or 3-minute walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station (Yurikamome)
- Admission: ¥1,000
- Website: https://designfesta.com/

Pokémon × Craft Exhibition - Discovery of Beauty and Technique

Source: Internet Museum

This unprecedented exhibition combines Japan's popular Pokémon franchise with traditional Japanese crafts. Master craftsmen skilled in kinkou (metalworking), Shigaraki pottery (one of Japan's six ancient kilns), sensyoku (textile processing techniques dating back to the 8th century), and tyokin (metalworking techniques originating in the early 6th century) express Pokémon characters through their respective methods.

Some works are even created by Living National Treasures (individuals designated as having exceptional skills in areas of important intangible cultural properties). This exhibition is impressive even for those who aren't Pokémon fans, showcasing the high level of artistic expression.

Information:
- Dates: First Period: November 1-December 25, 2024 / Second Period: December 26, 2024-February 2, 2025 *Exhibition changes between periods. Closed December 31
- Location: Azabudai Hills Gallery (Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza A MBF, 5-8-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku)
- Access: Directly connected to Exit 5 of Kamiyacho Station (Tokyo Metro), 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of Roppongi-itchome Station
- Admission: ¥1,800
- Website: https://www.azabudai-hills.com/azabudaihillsgallery/sp/kogei-pokemon-ex/

Asakusa Tori-no-Ichi Festival

Source: e-asakusa.jp

The "Asakusa Tori-no-Ichi" is a festival held on the Days of the Rooster in November, praying for good fortune and business prosperity. Originally an agricultural market featuring harvest goods and farming tools, it gradually evolved into a major festival.

The festival is famous for its "kumade" (decorative rake). While originally a practical farming tool, it has become a good luck charm symbolizing "raking in" money and customers. Consider getting one as a unique souvenir!

Food stalls selling yakitori, oden, and various simmered dishes create a lively atmosphere. We recommend enjoying the festival with some sake for a truly authentic experience.

Information:
- Dates: November 5, 17, and 29, 2024
- Location: Chokoku-ji Temple (3-19-6 Senzoku, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
- Access: 9-minute walk from Minowa Station Exit B1 (Tokyo Metro), 7-minute walk from Iriya Station Exit 3, 8-minute walk from Asakusa Station Exit A (Tsukuba Express)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://torinoichi.jp/

Setagaya Pan (Bread) Festival

Source: FASHION PRESS

The "Setagaya Pan Matsuri 2024" is a festival by bread lovers, for bread lovers! Using Setagaya Park as its venue, this event brings together some of Japan's best breads, their creators, and bread enthusiasts from across the country.

Last year, over 50,000 people visited during the two-day event, enjoying tastes from more than 250 specialty shops. The "Pan Nomi" (bread and alcohol pairing) area was particularly popular. Limited-edition breads are often created specifically for this event, so keep an eye on the official website and Instagram for updates.

Information:
- Dates: November 2-3, 2024
- Location: Setagaya Park and Mishuku 420 Shopping District member stores (1-5-27 Ikejiri, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo)
- Access: 18-minute walk from Ikejiri-ohashi Station or Sangenjaya Station (Tokyu Line)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://setagaya-panmatsuri.com/info/6586/

Must-See Autumn Foliage Spots in Tokyo

Meiji Jingu Gaien

Source: Go Tokyo

The ginkgo tree avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien is one of Tokyo's most famous autumn foliage spots. The approximately 300-meter avenue from the Aoyama entrance to the outer garden's central plaza is lined with 146 ginkgo trees, creating a golden tunnel that looks like a painting.

The scenery with the majestic Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery in the background and the yellow carpet of fallen leaves creates a magical atmosphere. The best viewing time is from mid-November, with the golden colors reaching their peak in late November.

Don't miss the "Icho Festival" held during peak viewing times, featuring carefully selected food stalls and family-friendly events.

Information:
- Best Viewing Period: Late November to early December 2024
- Access: 6-minute walk from Exit 1 of Aoyama-itchome Station (Tokyo Metro)
- Admission: Free
- Website: http://www.meijijingugaien.jp/walk/sight/

Ueno Onshi Park

Commonly known and loved as "Ueno Park," Ueno Onshi Park is a relaxing oasis located near JR Ueno Station's west exit, offering Tokyo residents a nearby escape.

The park is home to several cultural institutions, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, the Tokyo National Museum, and Ueno Zoo, making it a popular destination where you can easily spend the entire day exploring.

This lush, green park showcases various landscapes throughout the year. Autumn is especially pleasant, as the park’s trees, including maples and ginkgoes, change color. It’s a perfect season to enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring the harmony between the historic buildings and the vibrant autumn foliage.

One must-see spot is the towering tulip tree in front of the National Museum. Its impressive presence and reflection in the pond create a graceful and beautiful scene. The best time to view the fall colors is typically from early November to mid-December.

Winter and Year-End Events in Tokyo 2024 (December)

Featured December 2024 Events

Sensō-ji Temple New Year's Eve Bell Ringing

Source: e-asakusa.jp

In Japan, temples ring their bonsho (Buddhist bells) from New Year's Eve through to January 1st. The "Joya no Kane" bell-ringing ritual, performed 108 times to ward off human worldly desires, has been a long-standing tradition.

At Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo, this ceremony has been performed by 108 devotees since 1951. Local residents primarily ring the bell, but celebrities such as kabuki actors, rakugo storytellers, and manga artists also participate, creating a solemn yet festive atmosphere for the New Year.

For tourists spending New Year's in Japan, visiting Sensō-ji is highly recommended.

Information:
- Dates: December 31, 2024-January 1, 2025
- Location: Sensō-ji Temple (2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
- Access: 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro, Tobu Skytree Line, Tsukuba Express, Toei Subway)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/

Comic Market (Comiket)

Source: THE SANKEI SHIMBUN

Comic Market, commonly known as Comiket, is Japan's largest doujinshi (self-published works) fair. Started in 1975, it has supported Japan's manga culture and creative activities. This major event attracts over 200,000 visitors each time and is known for its significant economic impact.

Doujinshi, a Comiket staple, are original magazines created by fans based on anime, manga, and games. These often feature "what-if" scenarios or gender-swapped characters from existing works. Beyond anime and manga, you can find niche content like train photography collections, detailed tank explanations, tourist spot guides, and nationwide souvenir catalogs.

Comiket is recommended for tourists looking to experience an adventure that opens the door to new worlds.

Information:
- Dates: December 29-30, 2024
- Location: Tokyo Big Sight (3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
- Access: 7-minute walk from Kokusai-tenjijo Station (Rinkai Line) or 3-minute walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station (Yurikamome)
- Admission: Lottery system (sales schedule TBA as of October 2024)
- Website: https://www.comiket.co.jp/info-a/C105/C105Info.html#N100

Jump Festa

Source: Official website

Jump Festa is an annual must-visit event for manga fans. It features popular works from the "Jump" series of weekly manga magazines, which lead Japan's manga industry.

Stage events for renowned series like "ONE PIECE," "My Hero Academia," "Jujutsu Kaisen," and "DRAGON BALL" are especially popular. For example, at ONE PIECE anime events, voice actors participate in talk shows and fan meet-and-greets.

Many fans come for event-exclusive merchandise, and you'll see plenty of cosplayers dressed as their favorite characters. With original artwork displays and beginner-friendly programs, even manga newcomers can thoroughly enjoy this event.

Information:
- Dates: December 21-22, 2024
- Location: Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Halls 1-9 (2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba City)
- Access: 5-minute walk from Kaihin-Makuhari Station (JR Line)
- Admission: Free (pre-application or invitation required for entry tickets)
- Website: https://www.jumpfesta.com/