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Tokyo Events This Week: Comic Con, a Rabble of Robots, and Plenty of Festive Cheer
What's a Cheapo to do this week?
Tokyo Cheapo
November 30, 2025
Tokyo events for Monday, December 1, to Sunday, December 7, 2025.
The holiday season is officially upon us, and just as your enthusiasm for the work week is winding down, the city’s Christmas markets and illuminations are just hitting their stride. On top of that, Tokyo Comic Con hits Chiba this week with appearances from some names you’ll recognize, and robots take over Odaiba at the International Robot Exhibition. Looking for more winter illuminations and Christmas markets? Check out our dedicated guides.
Dec 5th - 7th
Comic Con is famous the world over for merchandise, celebrity meet-and-greets, as well as cosplay — and Tokyo’s edition is no different. For 2025, names such as Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Johnny Depp, Jon Bernthal, Christina Ricci, Mads Mikkelsen, and Jack Quaid are set to make an appearance.
Dec 3rd - 6th
With more than 300 exhibitors and over 100,000 visitors, IREX claims to be the largest robot trade show in the world. The theme of this year’s event is “Sustainable Societies Through Robotics”. The goal is to highlight how humans and robots can work together to solve social challenges.
Dec 6th
The Akibasan Kongen Yabuse Matsuri — or the Akibasan Protection from Fire Festival — takes place at the Akibasan Shrine in the Itabashi district of Odawara City. The purpose of the festival, which dates back to the 16th century, is to offer protection from fire.
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Dec 6th
Tokyo’s annual human rights awareness festival returns. Each venue offers hands-on experiences, performances, and talks exploring how everyone can help build a more open and accessible city.
Dec 6th
Too Hot to Be Cool is a regular series of gigs raising money for important climate change charities worldwide. Bringing together rock and indie bands from around Tokyo, their previous sold-out events have raised money for such charities as WWF Japan, For the Future Philippines, and Green Youth Thailand.
Nov 6th - Dec 7th
Every year, the Refugee Film Festival invites viewers to explore stories of displacement, survival, and hope. Hosted by the UNHCR Association Japan, the festival aims to foster empathy through film.
Dec 3rd - 7th
This is a Belgian beer extravaganza in the heart of Tokyo. The Starter Kit will give you a unique glass — your companion for the festival — and 13 tokens. These tokens are then exchanged at the various stalls for the beer of your choice.
Nov 28th - Dec 9th
Built by a feudal lord, Rikugien Gardens is one of the most famous gardens still existing from the Edo Period. Designed to reflect famous scenes from waka poems, it has been designated as a national scenic beauty spot since 1953.
Nov 13th - Dec 25th
Every year, something new is added or changed to the program. This year’s main illumination in Midtown Garden changes as you walk through it, starting cool and urban before warming into classic Christmas lights and finishing with a splash of color.
Nov 21st - Dec 25th
Modeled after Christmas markets in Germany, the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market leans hard into tradition. Wooden Hütte stalls imported from Germany serve up seasonal fare like sausages, stollen, and spiced wine, alongside snow globes, hand-carved toys, and other festive finds.
Nov 19th - Dec 25th
One of Japan’s most beloved Christmas events is coming to Tokyo. Like many Christmas markets, this one, too, is going for a European vibe. Expect an outdoor market atmosphere with lights, food stalls, and seasonal art installations.
Dec 4th - 25th
One of Shibuya’s favorite winter illuminations is back for 2025. This year’s display will feature around 500,000 LED lights (guess what color) stretching between Shibuya Koen Dori and Yoyogi Park (just south of Yoyogi Park Events Square).
Dec 4th - 30th
Crowned one of Japan’s top three cities for stunning night views, Yokohama celebrates its title with Yorunoyo, an expansive winter illumination event that takes over the entire bayside.
Dec 1st - Jan 5th
A classy and impressive annual display, the Omotesandō Illumination is a light-lit walk of just over 1 km along Omotesandō Avenue.
Dec 5th - Jan 31st
See the famous cherry blossom view of Meguro River in winter — well, sort of. The lights will be powered by cooking oil waste from local homes and businesses.
Dec 3rd - 7th
For the first time in its 1,400-year history, Sensōji will host a large-scale projection mapping event. The free show runs throughout the evening with no reservation needed.
Nov 22nd - Dec 7th
Bursts of red, orange, and yellow leaves highlight Japan’s autumn. But add in some illumination to really see the fall trees glow.
Nov 28th - Dec 7th
Take a walk and enjoy the changing colors of the autumn leaves even at night. One of the biggest draws is the reflection of the trees on the park’s pond.
Dec 2nd - 3rd
Chichibu Shrine itself has over 2,000 years of history. This is a great opportunity to catch an enchanting traditional festival.
Discover local culture and secure yourself exclusive access to one of Japan’s most unique New Year’s ceremonies. While it’s free to watch the parade, spots get taken quickly, and you usually need to arrive at least a few hours early to stake out a seat.