Here is what’s happening across Tokyo for the month of January. Check out exhibitions, festivals, events and more!
Tokyo Exhibitions and Art Shows in January
Hiroh Kikai, "Tamasaburo Bando in Kamikakete Sango Taisetsu (The Lover's Pledge)" (1976) © Hiroh Kikai
Hiroh Kikai Photo Exhibition: ‘Persona – Tamasaburo Bando’
Long before he became a titan of Japanese photography, Hiroh Kikai spent the better part of 1976 trailing a young kabuki actor.
| Date & Time | Jan 05-Mar 31 2026・10:00-19:00・until 16:00 on March 31 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Fujifilm Square Photo History Museum |
Dai Tamagotchi 30th Anniversary Exhibition
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Tamagotchi Exhibition will look back at the toy's global popularity and technological development.
| Date & Time | Jan 07-Feb 02 2026・10:00-20:00・Last admission is 30 minutes before closing |
| Price | ¥1800 for adults and university students, ¥1300 for high school students, ¥800 for elementary and junior high school students |
| Location | Roppongi Museum |
Kimura Shohachi, "Shinjuku Station" (1935). Private Collection, image courtesy of Sompo Museum.
Shinjuku: The City of Modern Art
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Sompo Museum of Art is turning its lens toward its own backyard: Shinjuku.
| Date & Time | Jan 10-Feb 15 2026・10:00-18:00・Closed Mondays unless Monday is a national holiday, in which case closed Tuesday. Fridays Open Until 20:00 |
| Price | ¥1,100-1,500 / High School and Under Free |
| Location | Sompo Museum of Art |
Taiki Sato x Sanrio Hangyodon Pop-Up
Japanese dancer and actor Taiki Sato's Upagoro will collaborate with Sanrio's Hangyodon for a special pop-up event inside Shibuya 109.
| Date & Time | Dec 26, 2025-Jan 6, 2026・On select days, the pop-up will be limited to 10:00 to 13:00. |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Shibuya 109 |
Ueno Artists Project 2025: Embroidery – Expression of Life from the Rhythm of a Needle
The Ueno Artist Project is an annual event that spotlights focused themes in artistic expression. This year, the ninth edition steps away from traditional canvases to celebrate the art of the stitch — the profound beauty of embroidery and needlework. More than just a craft, working with needle and thread is a deeply meditative process, bringing peace, focus and inner liberation for artists for centuries across cultures. The show traces this lineage by featuring five artists whose careers span the early 20th century to the present: Toshitaro Hirano, who innovated traditional techniques; Megumi Onoe, who created vibrant, painting-like works with yarn; Mika Okada, who freely embroiders memories of landscapes and films; Yohei Fusegi, who uses daily stitching to portray internal time; and Mari Mochizuki, who felt a deep bond with the Indian Kantha tradition.
| Date & Time | Nov 18, 2025-Jan 8, 2026・09:30-17:30・Fri 9:30 – 20:00 |
| Price | General ¥800 / Over 65+ ¥500 |
| Location | Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum |
Kobayashi Tokusaburo: A Retrospective
The first major retrospective dedicated to the Taisho and early Showa-era painter Kobayashi Tokusaburo reveals the extent of his contribution to Japan’s art world. Initially gaining attention within Fyuzan-kai (Fusain Society) — the first group to break away from traditional academic art, influenced by European movements like Post-Impressionism and Fauvism — he earned the nickname “Sardine Tokusaburo” for his striking paintings of fish. Tokusaburo’s characteristic voice shines most in intimate, unassuming depictions of daily life, often using his own children as models. The exhibition traces his artistic achievements through approximately 300 works and archival materials, and shows his contributions to popular culture at the time.
| Date & Time | Nov 22, 2025-Jan 18, 2026・10:00-18:00・20:00 on Fri, Last Admission 30 min before closing |
| Price | Adults ¥1,300 / Students ¥1,100 / Middle School and Under Free |
| Location | Tokyo Station Gallery |
"Pink" Installation View, courtesy of Ota Fine Arts. Photo by Kanichi Kanegae
Ota Fine Arts Group Exhibition: ‘Pink’
Revolving around the color pink, this group exhibition portrays the shade as a symbol of protest, desire and defiance.
| Date & Time | Dec 9, 2025-Jan 24, 2026・11:00-19:00・Closed Sundays, Mondays, Dec 28-Jan 5 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Ota Fine Arts |
Portrait of Takashi Murakami. Photo: Blaine Davis, courtesy of Casa BRUTUS
Takashi Murakami: ‘Japonisme → Cognitive Revolution’
Takashi Murakami is bringing his ongoing exploration of art history home to Tokyo with a new exhibit in his Hiroo gallery.
| Date & Time | Dec 19, 2025-Jan 29, 2026・11:00-19:00・Closed Sundays, Mondays and Dec 27–Jan 5 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Kaikai Kiki Gallery |
MOON KYUNGWON and JEON JOONHO, "To Build a Fire_This is me", 2024. Black stone, stainless steel, 81 x 75 x 64 cm. Courtesy SCAI The Bathhouse.
Moon Kyungwon & Jeong Joonho: News from Nowhere
Korean artist duo Moon Kyungwon & Jeon Joonho are presenting their multidisciplinary project, “News from Nowhere,” across two concurrent exhibitions at SCAI The Bathhouse and SCAI Piramide. The shows center on the new moving image installation, Phantom Garden (2024-2025), which explores a “critical dystopia” where the seasons of spring and autumn have disappeared. Visitors will also see paintings by Moon, sculptures by Jeon and the cast aluminum installation Prosperos Botanica (2025).
| Date & Time | Nov 5, 2025-Jan 31, 2026・12:00-18:00・Closed Sun, Mon, Dec 20-Jan 12. Open Nov 9 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | SCAI The Bathhouse |
Kusama Yayoi, "Macaroni Coat" (1963). Mixed media, 118.5×80.3×12.0 cm. Itabashi Art Museum ©YAYOI KUSAMA
Anti-Action: Artist-Women’s Challenges and Responses in Postwar Japan
During the 1950s and 60s in Japan, female artists initially gained prominence in the avant-garde scene, supported by movements like art informel. However, the subsequent introduction of “action painting” — a style closely associated with masculine ideals of boldness and strength — led to the marginalization of women painters from critical discussion. This exhibition seeks to reinterpret modern and contemporary Japanese art history by adopting the “anti-action” perspective, presenting artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Atsuko Tanaka and Hideko Fukushima, and many others who have been traditionally overlooked in art history.
| Date & Time | Dec 16, 2025-Feb 8, 2026・10:00-17:00・Fri and Sat until 20:00 |
| Price | Adults ¥2,000 / College ¥1,200 |
| Location | The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo |
| More Info | includes admission fee for MOMAT Collection |
Marina Perez Simão, "Untitled / Sem Título," 2025 © Marina Perez Simão
Pace Gallery Tokyo: Marina Perez Simão & Tomie Ohtake
Brazilian artist Marina Perez Simão is holding her debut solo exhibition in Japan at Pace Tokyo, with a new series of landscape-inspired abstract paintings. Known for her vibrant, lyrical compositions that blur interior and exterior worlds, Simão’s work explores emotion, memory and place. The exhibition’s pieces are linked by the use of indigo, a deep shade with centuries of tradition in Japan. Her works are displayed in dialogue with paintings and sculptures by the late Japanese-Brazilian artist Tomie Ohtake, who she cites as a key influence. Born in Kyoto in 1913, Ohtake immigrated to Brazil in 1936, eventually becoming one of the country’s most celebrated modernists. Her works employed both organic forms and structured geometries to abstract natural landscapes and phenomena.
| Date & Time | Nov 4, 2025-Feb 11, 2026・11:00-19:00・Open Until 18:00 on Sun, Closed Mon. 19:00-20:00 Appointment Only |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Pace Gallery Tokyo |
Okumura Togyū, "Rabbit", Yamatane Museum of Art
Love: Japanese Paintings of Adorable Things
This winter, Yamatane Museum of Art’s diverse collection of modern and contemporary nihonga warms visitors’ hearts. The exhibition, perfect for viewing with your beloved, showcases how artists have captured the many forms of love in our lives — romance, familial love, compassion toward animals and even oshikatsu fandom. Aptly, the exhibition is titled “Itoshii” in Japanese, an adjective that encompasses various feelings of affection, tenderness and wistfulness. Among the displayed works are Kawasaki Kotora’s painting of a child dreaming of his hometown, Okumura Togyu’s portraits of rabbits and Kaburagi Kiyokata’s depictions of tragic romance.
| Date & Time | Dec 6, 2025-Feb 15, 2026・10:00-17:00・Closed Mondays, Except Jan 12; Closed Dec 29 - Jan 2, Jan 13 |
| Price | Adults ¥1,400 / Students ¥500 - 1,100 / Middle School and Under Free |
| Location | Yamatane Museum of Art |
Edgar Degas, "The Bellelli Family" (1858-1869) Oil on Canvas, Musée d'Orsay, Paris © photo: C2RMF/Thomas Clot. From "Impressionist Interiors" Exhibition
Impressionist Interiors: Intimacy, Decoration, Modernity
While impressionism is almost synonymous with sun-drenched landscapes, this exhibition focuses on the domestic side of the movement.
| Date & Time | Oct 25, 2025-Feb 15, 2026・09:30-17:30・Closed Mondays unless Monday is a national holiday, in which case closed Tuesday, and Dec. 28–Jan.1. Fridays, Saturdays 9:30–20:00 |
| Price | Door ¥1,000-2,300 / Advance ¥900-2,100 / Junior High and under Free |
| Location | National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo |
'Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru' Exhibition
The Machu Picchu exhibition will show over 130 artifacts from ancient Andean civilization, some being exhibited in Japan for the first time.
| Date & Time | Nov 22, 2025-Mar 1, 2026・10:00-18:00・Friday, Saturday and the day before a holiday: 10:00-20:00 |
| Price | ¥2800 |
| Location | Mori Arts Center Gallery |
Daniel Chau, "Narrative" (2024). Courtesy of Kikuchi Biennale
Kikuchi Biennale XI: ‘The Present of Ceramics’
Held every two years since 2004, the Kikuchi Biennale is a contemporary ceramics competition dedicated to promoting the art form.
| Date & Time | Dec 13, 2025-Mar 22, 2026・11:00-18:00・Closed Mondays unless Monday is a national holiday, in which case closed Tuesday, and Dec. 28–Jan.1 |
| Price | ¥500–¥1,100 |
| Location | Kikuchi Kanjitsu Memorial Tomo Museum |
Roppongi Crossing 2025: What Passes Is Time. We Are Eternal.
The Roppongi Crossing series is a triennial, co-curated exhibition at the Mori Art Museum, launched in 2004 to capture the current state of Japan’s contemporary art scene. The eighth edition, featuring 21 artists and groups, explores how art can shift and diversify our sense of time — whether it be personal, geological and social. The exhibition spans a diverse range of media, from painting and video to crafts, zines and community projects. Some highlights include A.A. Murakami’s immersive installation using fog and light, Takuro Kuwata’s bold, colorful interpretations of historic ceramic techniques and Kelly Akashi’s intricate glass sculpture.
| Date & Time | Dec 3, 2025-Mar 29, 2026・10:00-22:00・Until 17:00 on Tue, and Dec 8 (Mon). Open until 22:00 on Dec 30 (Tue) |
| Price | Adults ¥2,000 / Over 65 ¥1,700 / Students ¥1,400 / Middle School and Under Free |
| Location | Mori Art Museum |
| More Info | on Weekends & Holidays - Adults ¥2,200 / Over 65 ¥1,900 / Students ¥1,500 |
Taro Gomi Picture Book World Exhibition
Explore the world of picture books at the Picture Book World Exhibition featuring Gomi Taro, author and illustrator of over 400 books.
| Date & Time | Aug 8, 2025-May 27, 2026・10:00-18:00 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Mikka Lirio Ichibankan |
| More Info | A separate Mikka admission fee is required for other in-house exhibits |
Pola Museum of Art: Spring Rising
This exhibition presents works inspired by the landscapes of Hakone and other places along the Tokaido route.
| Date & Time | Dec 13, 2025-May 31, 2026・09:00-17:00 |
| Price | ¥2,200 |
| Location | Pola Museum of Art |
Tokyo Festivals and Outdoor Events in January
Universal Studios Japan TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved
Universal Studios Christmas Joy
Universal Studios Japan will celebrate the holidays with new shows, exciting attractions, limited edition merchandise, and seasonal menus.
| Date & Time | Nov 19, 2025-Jan 4, 2026 |
| Price | starting at ¥8900 |
| Location | Universal Studios Japan |
image courtesy of qetic
Tokyo Mega Illumination 2025-2026
The Tokyo Mega Illumination is a vast, dynamic spectacle held at the Oi Racecourse, featuring one of the largest light installations in the Tokyo area. Highlights include the spectacular Aurora Forest and a vibrant, synchronized Rainbow Fountain show, often combined with interactive displays and appearances by miniature horses.
| Date & Time | Nov 1, 2025-Jan 11, 2026・16:30-21:00・Last entry 20:00 |
| Price | Advance: Adults ¥800-¥1,300 / Children ¥400-¥700 |
| Location | Oi Racecourse |
| More Info | Check website for detailed pricing options |
Shinjuku South Illumination 2025-2026
The Shinjuku "Minamillumi" transforms the Shinjuku South Exit area into a festive, illuminated walkway. Starting at the New South Gate, the glowing path connects Southern Terrace, Shinjuku Mylord and Takashimaya Times Square, with each location featuring its own unique lighting theme. This event offers a warm, calming escape from the city rush, showcasing Shinjuku’s softer holiday side.
| Date & Time | Nov 12, 2025-Feb 15, 2026・17:00-23:00 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Shinjuku Southern Terrace, Shinjuku Mylord, Takashimaya Times Square |
Marunouchi Illumination 2025-2026
This elegant display features approximately 820,000 champagne-gold LED lights adorning over 340 trees along the 1.2 km stretch of Marunouchi Naka-dori and Gyoko-dori Avenue. It's a classic, sophisticated winter tradition in the upscale business district, known for its warm, refined ambiance and eco-friendly lighting.
| Date & Time | Nov 11, 2025-Feb 15, 2026・16:00-23:00・Gyoko-dori Ave Illuminations 16:00 - 24:00, Nov 28 – Dec 25 only |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Tokyo Station area and Marunouchi-Nakadori Ave |
Yunth Midtown Ice Rink
The Yunth Midtown Ice Rink is Tokyo's largest outdoor ice skating rink and will be open from November 21 to February 23.
| Date & Time | Nov 21, 2025-Feb 23, 2026・11:00-21:00・closed on January 1; last entry at 20:00 |
| Price | starting at ¥1400 |
| Location | Tokyo Midtown Grass Square |
Hibiya Magic Time Illuminations 2025
The streets of Hibiya welcomes guests to experience the magic of holiday illuminations, including a special collaboration with Zootopia.
| Date & Time | Nov 13, 2025-Feb 28, 2026・16:00-23:00 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Step Plaza |
Yebisu Garden Place Illumination 2025-2026
This spot exudes luxury and charm, highlighted by one of the world's largest Baccarat crystal chandeliers, featuring thousands of crystals and lights. The area also boasts a magnificent Christmas tree and a festive European-style market, creating an elegant holiday atmosphere.
| Date & Time | Nov 8, 2025-Mar 1, 2026・16:00-23:00・From 17:00 on November 8 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Yebisu Garden Place |
Photo courtesy of PR Times and Yomiuri Land Co., Ltd. | © MOTOKO ISHII LIGHTING DESIGN
Yomiuriland Jewellumination
Yomiuriland will have its 16th season of illuminations from October 23 to April 5 with fountain shows, food and merchandise.
| Date & Time | Oct 23, 2025-Apr 5, 2026 |
| Price | ¥1800 for adults (admission only); ¥5900 for adult day pass (all-you-can-ride) |
| Location | Yomiuriland |
© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN Copyright Sanrio Co., Ltd.
Sanrio Puroland Illumination Christmas
Sanrio Puroland will be celebrating the holidays with new shows, character greetings, merchandise and food from November 7 to December 25.
| Date & Time | Nov 7, 2025-Dec 31, 2026 |
| Price | starting at ¥4300 |
| Location | Sanrio Puroland |
Tokyo Live Music and Night Life Events in January
LiSA 'Live is Smile Always ~Patch Walk~' Tour
J-pop artist LiSA will be going on a nationwide concert tour starting in September and extending into the new year.
| Date & Time | Sep 27, 2025-Jan 12, 2026 |
| Price | ¥9600 |
| Location | Tokyo International Forum |
Tokyo Anime and Manga Events in January
Dragon Ball Z 40th Anniversary Genkida Matsuri
Celebrating the 40 years, Dragon Ball Genkida Matsuri at Makuhari Messe will bring merch, games and special guests such as the voice of Goku.
| Date & Time | Jan 25, 2026・~18:00・last admission at 17:00 |
| Price | Free |
| Location | Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Halls 9-11 |
| More Info | Admission by lottery only |
All of Evangelion 30th Anniversary Exhibition
Celebrating 30 years of Evangelion, the All of Evangelion exhibition at Tokyo City View will showcase anime's history and production process.
| Date & Time | Nov 14, 2025-Jan 12, 2026・10:00-22:00・Last Entry at 21:00 |
| Price | ¥2400 for adults, ¥1700 for university/high school students, ¥1100 for 4-year-old children to junior high school students, ¥2100 for seniors 65 and older |
| Location | Tokyo City View |
Chopper's Cafe One Piece Collaboration Pop-Up
One Piece's popular character Tony Tony Chopper will host a collaboration cafe inside Shibuya 109 from December 24 to February 1.
| Date & Time | Dec 24, 2025-Feb 1, 2026 |
| Price | ¥660 reservation fee |
| Location | BOX cafe & space SHIBUYA 109 |
Tokyo Food and Drink Events in January
Festive Brunch at the Oak Door
Visitors to the Oak Door on the 6th floor of the Grand Hyatt Tokyo during weekends and holidays in December can enjoy a Festive Brunch.
| Date & Time | Dec 6, 2025-Jan 4, 2026・11:30-15:00 |
| Price | Food only ¥8,800, With Free-Flow Drinks ¥11,550 |
| Location | The Oak Door |
| More Info | With Free-Flow Champagne ¥15,700 |
Dreamlight Hotel Festive Tree and Afternoon Tea at The Tokyo Edition
The Tokyo Edition hotel has unveiled its annual festive trees — this year created in collaboration with art director Yuni Yoshida and design brand 130 (OneThirty). Continuing the hotel's tradition of championing local creativity and sustainability, the 2025 installation is titled Dreamlight Hotel, a playful concept imagining another hotel hidden inside the hotel.
| Date & Time | Nov 20, 2025-Jan 20, 2026・12:00-17:00・L.O. 16:30 |
| Price | ¥9,000 and up |
| Location | The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon |
Oriental Hotel Tokyo Bay's Winter Market Fair
Visitors to the Oriental Hotel Tokyo Bay can enjoy a cozy winter-themed buffet designed to warm both the body and soul.
| Date & Time | Nov 1, 2025-Jan 30, 2026 |
| Price | Dinner: ¥6,000-¥7,500 for Dinner (Adults), Lunch: ¥5,000-¥6,000 (Adults) |
| Location | Oriental Hotel Tokyo Bay |
| More Info | Prices are subject to change. Please check the official website for details. |
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills' 2025 Festive Menus
With the festive season drawing closer, Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is celebrating the magic of the season with some special winter offerings.
| Date & Time | Oct 1, 2025-Jan 31, 2026 |
| Price | Varies |
| Location | Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills |
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills Launches 'The Nostalgic Soul of Tokyo Today'
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is launching its newest cultural stay package, “The Nostalgic Soul of Tokyo Today"
| Date & Time | Sep 22, 2025-Mar 15, 2026 |
| Price | Rates start from: ¥125,000 per room per night (excluding service charge and taxes) |
| Location | Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills |
| More Info | A minimim two-night stay is required |
Tokyo Film and Gaming Events in January
Five Nights at Freddy's Cafe & Pop-Up Shop
The first-ever Five Nights at Freddy's pop-up event in Japan will open in Tree Village in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka featuring a special menu.
| Date & Time | Jan 10-Feb 06 2026・10:00-21:00・last order at 20:30 |
| Price | |
| Location | Tree Village |
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Updated On January 1, 2026
