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Tokyo Events This Week: Illuminations and Christmas Markets Light up the City
What's a Cheapo to do this week?
Tokyo Cheapo
November 23, 2025
Tokyo events for Monday, November 24, to Sunday, November 30, 2025.
It’s late November, which means illumination and Christmas market season is well and truly underway.
This week, catch light-ups at temples, parks, and shopping areas across the city with more than a dash of peak autumn leaves. On top of that, the city’s Tori-no-ichi Fairs make their return early in the week, and a bunch of concerts are on offer to soundtrack your weekend.
Nov 4th - Dec 25th
Each year, the 400 meters of Keyakizaka Street behind Roppongi Hills becomes one of the most popular couples’ strolling spots. There will be around 800,000 lights. Expect brilliant blue LEDs decorating the trees, and Tokyo Tower providing the perfect backdrop. For more illuminations, check out our dedicated article here.
Nov 13th - Dec 25th
With a total of 19 stalls along Nakadori, this year’s edition promises to be the biggest yet. And for the first time, there will also be a Christmas tree and chalet-style food stands — borrowing from the design of German and Austrian Christmas markets — along Gyōkō-dōri Avenue. Head to our Christmas Markets round-up if you’re keen to see what other Christmassy offerings are on this week.
Nov 22nd - Dec 7th
From sunset each day, the temple’s lights will illuminate the canopy of autumn leaves. Wander through the traditional structures, around koi ponds, and under the boughs.
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Nov 28th - Dec 7th
Take a walk and enjoy the changing colors of the autumn leaves even at night. The illumination presentation changes every year, so even if you have been before, you’ll have a whole new experience this time around.
Nov 28th - Dec 9th
The gardens are known as one of the best spots for autumn foliage viewing. Near the entrance, you can buy small souvenir lanterns to light your way, and near the exit, there is a small market selling food and handicrafts.
Tori-no-ichi Fairs
Nov 24th
Tori-no-ichi is an annual traditional festival held at shrines and temples nationwide on multiple days in November to wish for good luck and prosperity in business. The tradition dates back to the Edo period, and this week will see the second of this year’s events.
Nov 28th
Doburoko is a sort of cloudy Japanese alcoholic beverage, and this event is regarded as one of the two major doburoku festivals in the Kanto region. The drink will be offered to visitors in prayer for the productivity of grain, perfect health, and good luck.
Nov 28th - 30th
Celebrating all things fish and those who catch them, this festival will have an array of stalls to choose from. Try Japanese specialties like deep-sea tempura, along with international options like paella — all made with the freshest ingredients.
Nov 29th - 30th
Taking place in Yoyogi Park, this Philippines Embassy-supported festival will feature domestic entertainers as well as those flown in from the Philippines. There will be carnivals, fashion shows, traditional dancing, a dance contest, cosplay, and more. You can also try some traditional Filipino food at one of the many food booths that will be there on both days.
Nov 30th
Catch a ton of J-pop groups in one day and get the chance to meet the performers in person, take photos together, and truly experience the fan-driven nature of the J-pop scene.
Nov 30th
Experience an Autumn night with candlelight and your favorite songs from Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi. Similar concerts are taking place throughout the city over the coming months, including this one dedicated to popular movie soundtracks.
Nov 30th
Edo Wave has something for all music tastes. Held annually at the iconic Shinjuku LOFT, the event features a high-energy mix of rock, punk, indie, and experimental performances.
Nov 1st - 30th
This is an annual autumn festival held to celebrate the area’s beautiful changing leaves. There will be food stalls, performances, and local specialties to try, with crowds expected on weekends.
Nov 1st - 30th
Nagatoro is well known for its beautiful fall colors, with several spots that highlight the natural splendor. See the changing leaves from riverboats, suspension bridges, and even a ropeway.
Oct 25th - Dec 14th
November is the best time to see the autumn leaves on Mt. Takao, and on weekends and holidays throughout the month, there are various exhibitions like taiko drumming, Japanese orchestra performances, yosakoi dancing, and concerts held at the cable car Kiyotaki Station Plaza.
Nov 24th
This is one of Tokyo’s biggest — and most irregular — flea markets. Expect hundreds of vendors, peddling everything from clothes to pottery and other crafts, antiques, and tasty snacks.
Nov 26th
Head to Shinjuku for a night of inspiring ideas and networking at this masterclass led by Joe Cherian, CEO of the Asia School of Business.