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タイムアウト東京 > Things to Do> 東京、2025年1〜5日に開催される正月イベント 新年がやってくる！初日の出から始まり、獅子舞、書き初め、鷹狩、だるま市と行った伝統行事が体験でkるイベントから、渋谷のDJたちが結集し、新春を祝うパーティーまで、1月1日から5日までに東京で開催されるイベントを紹介。年初にとっておきの時間を過ごし、2025年をスタートしよう。 関連記事『年末年始にしかできないこと』

タイムアウト東京 > Things to Do> ザ ベストオブ東京 2024 どう見ても、2024年は東京にとって大きな年だった。パンデミック後の憂鬱（ゆううつ）な気分から真に脱却した年であり、絶えず変化しているこの大都市にとってさえも注目に値する慌ただしさだったといえるだろう。また東京の人口は過去最多となり、記録的な数の訪日外国人観光客を迎えた。 そのダイナミズムについていくのは、難儀なことだ。そこで、この12カ月の間に東京で起きた出来事をアップデート。記憶を呼び覚ますために今年のハイライトを巻き戻し、「タイムアウト東京」英語版編集部が2024のベストを紹介する。来る年に向けて、もう一度行く年を振り返ってみよう。 関連記事『東京、2024年ニューオープンのベストカフェ10』『東京、ベストラーメン2024』

The new year is here! If, like us, you're feeling very done with 2024, then kickstart 2025 with some of the best events happening in Tokyo. If you feel like doing something energetic, head to one of Tokyo's many ice-skating rinks, and then take in the twinkly festive illuminations around town. Whatever you do, don't let the Tokyo winter beat you.

The days may be getting shorter and colder, but even so, Tokyo doesn't turn into a dark and desolate place at this time of year. In fact, from autumn to winter in the city, millions of colourful LED lights are wrapped around trees and buildings, turning Tokyo into a sparkling wonderland. Illuminations, as they’re usually known here, are big in Japan, but Tokyo’s are some of the biggest and the best. We've listed our top picks of where to admire these light displays, which are, of course, best enjoyed in good company. So layer up, grab your scarf, and head out to see Tokyo at its brightest and festive best. It’s gonna be lit. RECOMMENDED: 12 most beautiful autumn destinations in Japan

Renowned for its temples, festivals, street food and old-school atmosphere, Asakusa is rich in history and local tradition. Formerly Tokyo's leading entertainment district – a title it long ago had to relinquish to Shibuya and Shinjuku – Asakusa maintains an authentic appeal that’s hard to come by anywhere else in the city.  That charm is the subject of the fourth instalment of our neighbourhood guides created together with Omo by Hoshino Resorts to inspire you to explore vibrant areas throughout Japan. Here we highlight the best restaurants, cafés, bars and attractions in Asakusa as recommended by the Omo rangers, the hotel’s local experts who know their neighbourhoods inside out. RECOMMENDED: 10 things to do around Omo3 Tokyo Akasaka hotel

However you look at it, 2024 was a massive year for Tokyo. This was the year when the city truly broke out of its post-pandemic blues with a flurry of activity remarkable even for a metropolis famed for never staying the same – all while seeing its population grow to an all-time high and welcoming a record number of international visitors. That level of dynamism can be hard to keep up with. So to help you stay updated on the greatest additions to the city over the past 12 months, and to jog your memory by rewinding some of the year’s highlights, here’s our list of the very best that Tokyo conjured up in 2024. Take one more look back before it’s on to 2025… RECOMMENDED: The best New Year's Eve events and countdown parties in Tokyo

Getting home on New Year's Eve in Tokyo could be tricky. The good news is, some train lines in Greater Tokyo usually add extra late-night services to their timetables in order to accommodate the hordes of revellers out in the metropolis. The bad news is, you'll have to be prepared to wait longer and to squeeze into over-crowded carriages. Now that you know, it's time to plan your 2024-25 New Year's Eve. Whether you're looking to visit shrines for the traditional new year prayers or take part in a spiritual bell-ringing ritual at a temple, here's how to get home safely.

Christmas in Tokyo is a mind-boggling mashup of traditions, with fancy cakes, KFC chicken buckets (yes, really) and romantic dinners on Christmas Eve. Continental-style markets, however, still play a prominent role in the lead-up to the big day. The German influence is the most pronounced, probably due to the year-round popularity of beer, which often appears to be the main attraction. If you find shopping for Christmas presents stressful, having a hot cup of mulled wine in hand should take the edge off things as you peruse the festive stalls. Just be careful with that stuff – one too many ladles of glühwein and you'll be buying more gifts for your relatives than you bargained for. RECOMMENDED: Prefer to look at pretty lights? Here are the best illuminations in Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo’s Minato ward, Akasaka was an affluent residential neighbourhood for the political and financial elite during the Meiji era. Today, its ryotei district, known for upscale traditional cuisine and hospitality, remains a vibrant symbol of the past. However, Akasaka is also evolving rapidly, blending its historic charm with modern innovation. For the third instalment of our neighbourhood guides, Time Out is teaming up with Omo by Hoshino Resorts to inspire you to explore Japan's vibrant cities. Here, we highlight the best restaurants, cafés, bars and attractions as recommended by the Omo rangers, the hotel’s local experts who know their neighbourhoods inside out. In this feature, we’ll delve into Akasaka, a sophisticated central business hub, and introduce 10 unique spots, ranging from classic favourites to exciting new experiences. RECOMMENDED: 10 things to do around Omo5 Tokyo Gotanda hotel

Time Out Tokyo’s inaugural ‘50 Things to do in Japan’ guide map is now available. Published in partnership with Japanese eyewear brand Owndays, this handy map is a perfect companion for travellers looking to explore Japan. It covers fifty sights and attractions in up-and-coming Fukuoka and Okinawa, as well as in the ever-popular Osaka and Tokyo. Inside, you’ll find the latest things to do, restaurants, cafés and shops. The map also highlights 19 duty-free, multi-lingual Owndays eyewear stores in the aforementioned cities, with step-by-step instructions on how to pick up a new stylish pair of glasses.  Here are some highlights from the newly released map.   Photo: Grab a cold pint at Tokyo Beer Lab, a newly opened microbrewery in Shibuya. The only brewery in Tokyo with its own dedicated DJ booth, the bar pairs a curated line-up of original brews with great music. Photo: Kunihiro Nishigaki Opened in September 2024, Osaka's newest cultural landmark VS in Grand Green Osaka shopping complex features a stunning glass facade designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. Here, you’ll find regularly changing exhibitions in the lofty Studio A space, which boasts an impressive 15-metre high ceiling, allowing for immersive digital projections. 画像提供：しゃぶしゃぶ 紺 Okinawa’s local cuisine is renowned for its premium meats, including rare wagyu beef, Agu pork and Kumejima red chicken. At hot pot speciality restaurant Shabu Shabu Kou, diners can enjoy top-shelf meat without breaking the b

There are moments when sight and sound give us new insights into our consciousness. The audio-visual art exhibition ‘Eternal Art Space’, where you can experience such perceptual revelations, is being held in Shibuya until November 24. Shibuya Hikarie Hall B will host screenings of three immersive installations by Spime.Im + Akasha, a leading Italian art collective, and artist Ryoichi Kurokawa. Read on to find out what’s in store in each of the works.  

Celebrated in Tokyo since the latter part of the Edo era, the Tori no Ichi festival is a sure sign that winter is just around the corner. Observed in order to pray for wealth and good fortune for the year ahead, it is held every November on the days of the rooster (tori, one of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac). There are usually two or three of these days in a typical year. In 2024, it’s on November 5, 17 and 29. Said to have originated at Asakusa's Otori Shrine and the nearby Juzaisan Chokokuji temple, the festival is now held at rooster-related shrines and temples all over Tokyo. These are our picks of the most visit-worthy Tori no Ichi events in the capital, all of which have a warm atmosphere and countless stalls selling traditional kumade (a colourfully decorated, traditional bamboo rake), which are an essential part of any Tori no Ichi celebration. RECOMMENDED: The best parks, gardens and streets to see the autumn leaves in Tokyo

Experience traditional Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints in motion at Warehouse Terrada this winter, as digital creative company Hitohata returns to Tokyo with a dazzling exhibition of works by many of Japan’s most prized artists, including Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige. The exhibition is set to open on December 21 and will go on until March 31. Expect to see vibrant artworks come to life with surging waves, falling sakura petals and moving flowers and trees. In addition to the digital exhibits, the museum will display a selection of famous ukiyo-e from the Edo period (1603–1867), making for a perfect chance to learn more about the art form’s history and culture. Tickets are currently on sale online, with early-bird ticket discounts available from kkday, eplus and Lawson Ticket until Dec 20. 

With one of the best vistas of Tokyo cityscape, Tokyo Skytree is a popular spot for enjoying aerial views of our beloved city. For a limited time this winter, the lower observation deck is hosting exclusive geisha and sumo shows that are only available to 20 guests per session.  There are two separate plans: geisha dance at night and sumo wrestling at the break of dawn. On November 26 and December 15, you can experience the enchanting world of geisha with the Night Plan. From 10pm to 12.30am, the observation deck will come alive with the mesmerising sounds of traditional shamisen music and the graceful dance of elegant geisha. There will be refreshments, and you will have a front-row view of the artistry, with a panorama of the glittering skyline in the background. The plan also includes an interpreter to guide you through the performance and share insights on geisha culture. Furthermore, you’ll also get to create your own Edo Kiriko, a traditional Tokyo glass craft. Early-risers on the other hand are in for a treat on November 27 and December 16. The action-packed Morning Plan starts at 5.15am (5.30am on Dec 16), where you can witness the raw power and ancient ritual of sumo wrestling. Imagine the thrill of watching these impressive athletes face off against the backdrop of the rising sun, as the city slowly awakens from slumber. The morning sumo plan comes with a breakfast bento box featuring dishes made with fresh ingredients sourced locally in Tokyo. Prices start at ¥100,

Sagamiko Resort Mori Mori has gone all out for its winter illuminations, featuring over six million dazzling LEDs. This year, there's an entire area dedicated to Japan's beloved laid-back bear, Rilakkuma, along with his sidekick Korilakkuma and other San-X friends like Sumikkogurashi. You can hop on the park’s Rainbow Chairlift and sail over colourful stripes before reaching the top of a hill, where you'll find a series of illumination art walls showcasing Rilakkuma and his friends. Walk further in to discover a massive Tarepanda inflatable and a bear-shaped igloo with Sumikkogurashi characters glowing in colourful lights. Be sure to catch the spectacular illumination show at the San-X character stage, where Korilakkuma, Afro-dog and Ebifurai No Shippo perform live with synchronised laser lights for four minutes each. Nearby, a massive Rilakkuma is perched a set of swings, providing the perfect setup for a special photo. While you’re there, indulge in Rilakkuma and Sumikkogurashi-themed meals and snacks. Enjoy a hearty Sumikkogurashi Bon Pasta or the Meat Doria Plate with San-X characters. Prefer something sweet? Then check out the colorful popcorn sundae or the Rilakkuma pudding in a cup.

British Olympic gold medallist and four-time world champion diver Tom Daley is showcasing his creative side in his first solo exhibition of knitwear at Parco Museum Tokyo. Aside from winning a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games, Daley also garnered worldwide adoration for his artistic skills after being photographed knitting in between competitions at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. The exhibition presents around 20 of Daley’s favourite knitted works as well as knitting tutorial videos by Daley himself. On the opening day of the exhibition, Daley will be present at the gallery to host a workshop (applications closed). Later, a charity auction of Tom’s knitwear will take place online from November 8 to November 25. Visitors will be gifted a postcard featuring knitting instructions for ‘Tom’s Friendship Bracelet’ (while supplies last).

What Museum’s latest exhibit, Synesthesia, is an interactive one. This engaging showcase is the work of a Japanese artist who uses air, water and light to craft mesmerising sculptures that blur the lines between perception and reality.  With a background in sociology and art education, Akihito Okunaka is inspired by late philosopher Bruno Latour to explore the connections between nature and society through our five senses. Here you get to touch, enter and lie down in a balloon-like installation and feel connected with your surroundings. The 12-metre in diameter balloon sculpture is weighed down by a water 'bed' and bathed in different light frequencies. This multi-sensorial work promises a visual and tactile experience that blurs the lines between sight and touch. Imagine light refracting through multiple layers of translucent plastic film, creating a kaleidoscope of colours that dance across the surface, all while being swayed gently by the water bed. This exhibition is closed on Mondays (except October 14, November 4, January 13, February 3 and 24) and New Year holidays.

UPDATE, August 30: Due to the approaching typhoon Shanshan, the event is cancelled. *** Takeshiba Pier is hosting a summer festival with outdoor music performances, Bon Odori dancing and a craft beer event – all against the scenic backdrop of Tokyo Bay at night. Held across three venues over three days, the event offers all the classic summer festivities. From August 28 to 30, the stage at the Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal central plaza will put on special jazz performances by local artists such as Ricky with FSP (August 28, 8.10pm), M&K with Takayuki Emori (August 29, 6pm and 7pm) and Tokuta Yuichiro Ralyzzdig (August 30, 6pm), just to name a few.  On Friday and Saturday, expect to hear the rhythmic beat of taiko drums coming from the nearby Tokyo Port City Takeshiba shopping complex’s first-floor plaza, as there will be a Bon Odori festival happening at 6pm (2pm on Saturday), with plenty of outdoor food stalls and games for kids to enjoy. The organisers will be playing over 40 tracks including Doraemon theme song, Bon Odori classics such as the local Takeshiba Emaki song and even Western and anime tunes, making this a fun and inclusive experience for everyone.  After taking part in the communal dance, quench your thirst at the nearby craft beer festival. Taking place on Saturday and Sunday from 5pm and 2pm respectively, the nearby Waters Takeshiba will be serving up a variety of unique brews at the outdoor grass field. Here you can sample eight local beers while learnin

Heralding the arrival of the summer farming season, the Narita Gion Festival has been a key celebration of Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple in Chiba prefecture's Narita City for over 300 years. Taking place near the Narita International Airport, this event is held annually to pray for prosperity and good harvest while seeking the blessing of the temple’s main deity, Fudo Myoo.  On all three days, ten beautifully carved and decorated floats plus one mikoshi (portable shrine) will be taken on a vibrant parade on the city streets, including the area surrounding JR Narita Station and the main road leading to Naritasan Shinsho-ji temple. The festivities begin on Friday July 5 with an opening dance ritual at Naritasan Main Hall at 1.30pm to pray for the safe proceedings of the festival. From there, the floats will begin their procession around town, with each having its own designated route.  The festival highlights include a large-scale traditional dance performance involving all the floats, set to happen in front of the JR Narita Station on Saturday July 6 at 9am. This event effectively kicks off the festival’s second-day festivities.  Be sure to stay until the evening on the last day, Sunday July 7, as the festival will reach its climax with floats reconvening on Omotesando road for an energetic race up the town’s main thoroughfare towards Naritasan Shinsho-ji. For this night procession, the floats will be illuminated with lanterns, giving them an even more awe-inspiring and mystical

Waymo, formerly Google’s self-driving car project, recently announced plans to start testing its autonomous vehicles in Tokyo in early 2025, partnering with local taxi operator Nihon Kotsu and popular taxi-hailing app GO.  The company rolled out its commercial robo-taxi service, Waymo One, this June in San Francisco and now operates a growing fleet of fully autonomous taxis in US cities such as Los Angeles, Phoenix and Austin. Anyone in these cities can download the Waymo One app and hail a ride. Utilising manned Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, Waymo in Japan plans to collect data and train the company’s self-driving system on the nuances of driving on narrow Tokyo streets and in left-hand traffic. During the initial test, Waymo plans to run 25 vehicles on public roads in Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chuo, Shinagawa and Koto wards. The cars will be operated by Nihon Kotsu drivers. While Waymo has not yet announced any plans to provide actual rides in Tokyo, the company told CNBC that this is the ‘first phase’ of its partnership with the local firms and that it expects to remain in Japan for ‘an extended period’. With the Japanese government’s renewed push over the summer to allow for fully autonomous driving on more public roads as a way of tackling challenges associated with the ageing society and an impending shortage of taxi drivers, seeing self-driving cars on Tokyo roads seems closer to reality than ever. Let’s just hope the robot cabs you may be able to take in Tokyo soo

While spending the festive season at Christmas markets and illuminations is the go-to choice for most holiday revellers in Tokyo, Sanrio Puroland offers an alternative way to celebrate with a lengthy line-up of exclusive events and activities. © 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN The theme park turns into an illumination extravaganza until December 25. You’ll be feeling the holiday spirit immediately at the entrance, which is decorated with sparkling champagne gold illuminations and yellow poinsettias for the season. © 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN There’s also a designated photo spot featuring Hello Kitty and friends riding shooting stars. © 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN The main Christmas event is the 20-minute long 'Starry Starry Christmas Party' parade at Puro Village. Little Twin Stars Kiki and Lala, Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll and the rest of the Puro friends will be dressed in star costumes and dancing along to festive music under synchronised illuminations. © 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN For an additional ¥1,300, you can immerse yourself in the world of Little Twin Stars Kiki and Lala at the 'Little Twin Stars Shooting Star Experience - Dream Nebula'. As the name suggests, the virtual reality immersive experience takes you on a journey to the stars with Kiki and Lala. Make sure you make a reservation in advance via Lawson Ticket (each session is limited to two guests). © 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN When holiday hunger strikes, head over t

Halloween festivities may have ended just a month ago at Tokyo Disney Resort, but the two theme parks in Tokyo are now fully immersed in the holiday spirit, which is happening now until December 25.  Photo: ©Disney Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea will have a 15 metre-tall Christmas tree each, all decked out with colourful ornaments and golden garlands. Along with the main tree at DisneySea which is set up at the American Waterfront area, you'll find another tree decorated with ornaments of Duffy and friends at Cape Cod. Photo: ©Disney Disneyland will run two parades as usual, one during the day and another after dark. The daytime Disney Christmas Stories parade will feature Christmas-themed floats carrying Mickey Mouse and his friends in cosy winter outfits. The evening Electrical Parade Dream Lights, on the other hand, will feature illuminations as well as a special Christmas medley. Photo: ©Disney At DisneySea, you can catch the Disney Christmas Greeting at the Mediterranean Harbor. Photo: ©Disney Don’t forget to enjoy all the Christmas meals and treats while you’re there. Until Christmas Day, you can try an omurice (omelette over rice) served with deep-fried shrimp and tomato cream sauce at Grandma Sara’s Kitchen, gratin bacon cheese hot dog at the Refreshment Corner, and a hot apple ginger drink at The Gazebo. Photo: ©Disney Keep an eye out for exclusive Christmas merchandise, which is now available online and in stores. You’ll find greeting cards, wreaths,

As the autumn leaves turn burning red and yellow across the city, hordes of Tokyoites flock to quintessential must-see spots like the Ginkgo Avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien or Mt Takao. But equally Instagram-worthy seasonal photo ops can be had on the usually closed-off Imperial Palace grounds, where the 750-metre-long tree-lined Inui Street is now open to the public.  Stretching from the Sakashitamon Gate near Marunouchi to the Inuimon Gate near Kitanomaru Park, the picturesque path can be accessed until December 8, which coincides with peak autumn leaves season in Tokyo. Visitors can enter the pathway for free and without prior reservations between 9am and 3pm. Note that entrance to Inui Street is only through the Sakashitamon Gate. More news There's a frozen icicle forest just outside of Tokyo – and it's lit up at night Hokkaido has a gorgeous hotel made entirely of ice in winter See frozen waterfalls with colourful illuminations in Aomori this winter The amazing illuminations at Ashikaga Flower Park are here until February 2025 Katsuo-ji temple in Osaka is lighting up for autumn night visits Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.

There are plenty of incredible illuminations and light displays in Tokyo during winter, a time of year when the city shines much brighter to compensate for the cold, short days and long nights. This year, Shibuya Sky is joining in the year-end trend with its own Christmas illuminations until December 25. Photo: Shibuya Scramble Square Co., Ltd. The Shibuya Sky observatory deck at Shibuya Scramble Square is celebrating the holiday season with its Sparkling View event. One of the most eye-catching elements is the Sparkling Balloon Corridor. An entire walkway at the Sky Gallery on the 46th floor is decked out with ‘mirror balloons’ of all sizes. This will surely add some extra sparkle to the spectacular views of the city.  Photo: Shibuya Scramble Square Go up to the rooftop Sky Stage and you’ll find a unique and rather surreal Christmas tree. Shibuya Sky’s 'holographic' tree is made up of light beams shining brightly into the night sky. Stick around for the special light and sound performance with bubbles. It comes on every 30 minutes from 7pm to 10pm. Photo: Shibuya Scramble Square Co., Ltd. Make sure you drop by the Paradise Lounge on the 46th floor for some festive drinks and desserts, available until Christmas Day. There’s a snow-inspired sparkling white wine (¥900), a Christmas parfait (¥1,200) and a marshmallow hot chocolate (¥880). Photo: Shibuya Scramble Square Co., Ltd. Entry to Shibuya Sky is ¥2,500 at the door (¥2,000 for high school and middle school student

Another weekend, another long list of events to help you make the most of your time in Tokyo. Over the next few days, the city is hosting some really unique festivals, and here are three that are worth going for. Foodies can sample different styles of ramen all in one place while anime and manga fans should check out a cosplay Halloween parade in Ikebukuro. For those who like a bit of everything, Koenji Fes has markets, live performances, mascot appearances as well as pro-wrestling matches right outside the station. Photo: Ramen Data BankTsunatori Monogatari's spicy miso ramen with char siu pork Tokyo Ramen Festa Until November 4 Komazawa Olympic Park is hosting a ramen festival with over a dozen booths serving Japanese noodles from different prefectures. You can go for a simple shoyu (soy sauce) or shio (salt) ramen, or a bowl with rich tonkotsu pork broth, or one topped generously with beef. Be warned though: some stalls are expected to have up to two hours wait time, as they are exclusive to the festival or have won the Ramen Grand Prix in recent years. The event is split into three parts, each with a different set of vendors. The ramen restaurants that are participating in the first part (October 24 to 27) include Katsuryu from Ibaraki prefecture with its rich paitan (cloudy white chicken broth) ramen topped with uni, and Kaga Miso Menyūkai from Ishikawa prefecture, whose signature miso ramen is a voluminous bowl topped with seared pork belly. In short, you’ll find ever

In the last couple of years, the public was urged to refrain from gathering at Shibuya during Halloween. This year, Shibuya ward mayor Kenichi Yoshizumi is doubling down on the same resolve by announcing that Shibuya will be closed for Halloween. The city is more determined than ever to prevent overcrowding in the streets surrounding the ever-busy Shibuya Station in days leading up to the holiday.  For many years now, Shibuya was the de-facto gathering spot for Halloween celebrations. Hordes of revellers could be seen flocking to the streets and public squares around Shibuya Station to party and show off their elaborate costumes. But the district has put a stop to this, as it’s aiming to distance itself from its ‘unofficial’ image of rowdy Halloween festivities. Moreover, Shibuya is serious about combating issues of littering, noise and public disturbances caused by these massive gatherings.  Photo: Lim Chee WahNo drinking and no smoking on the street signs are now up all over central Shibuya In general, Shibuya is stepping up its efforts to curtail overcrowding by implementing several initiatives. The first is a year-round ban on public drinking, which went into effect earlier this month.  Additionally, from October 26 to October 31, the police and 185 security guards will be deployed in Hachiko Square and ten other locations in Shibuya for crowd control. The famous Hachiko statue will also be cordoned off behind a fence. Shibuya city has even asked venues including conven

For many hikers and pilgrims, the Kumano Kodo trail is synonymous with the iconic view of Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine’s striking red, three-storey pagoda with the gorgeous Nachi waterfalls in the background. Those making the challenging hike in anticipation of the spectacular view, however, will be left severely disappointed this autumn, as the pagoda is currently undergoing repainting works until the end of December 2024.  The three-storey structure, officially known as the Seigantoji Pagoda, is receiving its first fresh coat of vermillion paint since its reconstruction in 1972. The repainting has begun on September 1 and is set to run until end-December. However, the time period could change depending on the progress. In the meantime, the pagoda is being covered up with scaffolding, but at least the temple has kindly printed a photo of the pagoda on the hoarding.  More from Time Out Tokyo Four cool festivals to check out in Tokyo this October 19-20 weekend Kumamoto Castle is hosting a temporary sea of clouds installation Shibuya is officially closed for Halloween 2024 Shinjuku now bans public drinking during Halloween 33,000 kochia bushes are now growing at Hitachi Seaside Park near Tokyo Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.

Autumn is here, sort of. And while we wait for the leaves to turn their beautiful shades of yellow and red – which will probably happen in a month’s time according to the official forecast – Tokyo continues to host a barrage of events to make sure we are having the best time here in one of the world’s best cities. If you plan on staying in Tokyo this weekend, you can join a grand tea ceremony in the city’s most atmospheric outdoor museum, or sip on craft gin from Japan and around the world by the canal. Otherwise, take a short day trip to Kawagoe for a spectacular float parade, or to Enoshima for a mesmerising fireworks display.  Photo: SuppliedKawagoe Matsuri Kawagoe Festival, Saitama October 19-20 One of Greater Tokyo's most spectacular traditional matsuri, the annual Kawagoe Festival has been going on for more than 370 years. The matsuri is famous for its huge floats parading along the city’s kurazukuri (old architecture) streets. Make sure you stay until the evening when the floats are lit up and the festivities reach their peak in a cacophony of drums, bells, flutes, moving floats and dancing, for a spirited ritual known as hikkawase. The festival float parade is held in front of city hall on Sunday (around 1.30pm-4pm) while the festival float light-up takes place on Saturday (around 6pm-7pm). If you're only coming for the main event, hikkawase is held throughout the evening on both Saturday and Sunday. You'll also find fringe events on both days, including a tradition

Experience the charm of Nasu in northern Tochigi prefecture at the D’harvest Walk Fest in front of Nasushiobara Station. This new festival offers visitors a chance to explore the city with their appetite: by sampling a variety of local gourmet delicacies at a massive farmers market with over 70 shops, chatting with local producers and chefs, and participating in workshops.  画像提供：那須塩原市/ダーベストウォークフェスト運営事務局Travelling Chef Nao Mikami Held from November 1 to 2, the festival’s first day will host travelling chef Nao Mikami for an exclusive dining experience. At this community dinner, local produce and vegetables will be cooked over an open fire, and participants can share the dining table with the producers and local residents who are part of the local agricultural economy. 那須塩原市/ダーベストウォークフェスト運営事務局D'harvest Long Table community dinner The second day of the event will feature a large-scale farmers market along the main street in front of Nasushiobara Station. Here you’ll find a cheese picnic area, a marché for fresh vegetables, and a food area where you can enjoy local Nasu specialities including toteyaki, a popular crepe-like dessert which is a delicacy of nearby Shiobara onsen. 画像提供：那須塩原市/ダーベストウォークフェスト運営事務局Produce for sale at the farmer's market Lastly, Saturday will also feature a line-up of community guests and industry experts for a talk event discussing the urban development of Nasushiobara, lifestyles that are only possible in Nasu, and the future of tourism in the regio

Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most vibrant nightlife hubs. But it’s also notoriously known for attracting hordes of rowdy revellers during holidays and festivals like Halloween and New Year’s Eve – especially in areas surrounding the world-famous Shibuya Crossing.  Now, officials of this central Tokyo ward have had enough. The authorities had in the last couple of years implemented temporary public drinking bans to crack down on public drinking. Most recently, however, city officials have doubled down by enacting a year-round ban on public drinking to curb littering and alcohol-related disturbances once and for all.  The new measure, which went into effect on October 1, expands upon an existing ban previously limited to areas near Shibuya Station during Halloween and New Year’s Eve celebrations. The ban now prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages in several busy and popular spots in central Shibuya from 6pm to 5am every day.  Asahi Shimbun reports that the latest restriction targets a larger area than previous temporary bans. It now includes Shibuya Center Street and Miyashita Park as well as additional districts such as the east side of Shibuya Station and the club district of Maruyamacho on the western side of Rambling Street. While violators will not be legally penalised, the ban will strengthen patrols and allow private security officers to confiscate drinks from offenders. More from Time Out Tokyo The best times to see autumn leaves in Japan for 2024, according to

Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in Saitama prefecture’s Hidaka city is one of the best places near Tokyo to see red spider lilies, also known as higanbana or manjushage in Japanese. With about five million of these unique flowers expected to bloom around this time of year, the sprawling Saitama park will be bringing back its annual autumn flower festival from September 18. However, the warmer-than-usual weather this year delayed the growth and the blooming of the flowers, as such the festival has been extended until October 9. And that's perfect because the red spider lilies are now approaching full bloom and this weekend's the best time to go see them. Photo: Kinchakuda Manjushage Park Aside from fields of beautiful scarlet red spider lilies, you’ll also find booths at the festival selling a variety of local food and drinks as well as souvenirs. Photo: Hidaka city As this is one of Japan's largest concentrations of red spider lilies, the organisers are expecting large crowds, especially on these dates: September 28-29 and October 5-6. As parking is limited, we recommend taking the train instead. It takes about 90 minutes from Ikebukuro Station to Koma Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro line; from there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the park.  Kinchakuda Manjushage Park is open from 9am to 4.30pm. Entry costs ¥500 per person (free for junior high school students and younger children). To all photographers and Instagrammers who’re planning to shoot photos and videos, note that you’re n