January 2025 events in Tokyo

Winter's no excuse to stay inside. In fact, when the cold starts to creep through the wafer-thin walls and shoddy window frames of Tokyo houses and apartments, rather than trying to hide under a mountain of blankets, you might actually be better off engaging in some outdoor activities. Ice skating is obviously something best experienced out in the open, and quality rinks are popping up all around the city.

Here's our quick guide to the best skating spots out there, including both winter-only rinks and year-round, indoor facilities that are also great places for serious figure skating or ice hockey training. First-timer or seasoned veteran – everyone's welcome, and gear rental is available at most of these places as well.

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.

Located next to Tokyo amusement park Yomiuri Land, the Hana Biyori garden is lighting up with a spectacular illumination display until April 6 2025. Follow the path lined with 500 takeakari bamboo lanterns and takemari (ball-like ornaments made from bamboo) and you’ll come to a historical gate that was transplanted from the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Once inside, you’ll find a wall of illuminated Japanese umbrellas that look like colourful lanterns, leading you further into the garden. Awaiting here are more takeakari and takemari, in addition to a glowing chozuya (basin with purified water) decked out with flowers.

A new addition this year are the kiri-e (paper cutout) lanterns, which are placed around the garden’s east waterfall, as well as an illuminated bamboo wall featuring cutout images of flowers, wind and water.

To complement your experience, you can rent a Japanese umbrella and lantern to walk around and take photos for just ¥200.