Must-Visit Events in Tokyo Before 2024 Ends
As the year winds down, Tokyo is bustling with cultural festivals, awe-inspiring fireworks and vibrant displays of autumn foliage. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there’s no better way to embrace Tokyo’s unique charm than by attending these events before the year wraps up. Here are five accessible events that won’t break the bank, along with five high-end experiences for those seeking a touch of elegance.
Affordable and Memorable Events
Shinjuku Hanazono Shrine Tori-no-Ichi Festival
Held annually in November at the historic Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku, the Tori-no-Ichi Festival is a lively celebration that ushers in good fortune for the upcoming year. Celebrated on designated days in November called tori no hi (literally, “the rooster’s market”), this festival brings the community together to mark the end of the harvest season and pray for good fortune in the coming year. Visitors flock to the shrine to purchase kumade (ornate rakes decorated with gold, silver and lucky symbols) which are said to “rake in” good fortune. Each kumade is handmade, and visitors can choose from various designs that represent prosperity, health and success.
The festival atmosphere is further amplified with numerous food stalls, festival games and traditional music. Known for its bustling crowds and colorful displays, the Tori-no-Ichi Festival offers a genuine experience of Japanese culture and a chance to participate in an age-old tradition in a vibrant urban setting.
Dates: November 4-5, 16-17, 28-29
Place: Shinjuku Hanazono Shrine
Admission: Free
Meguro Otori Shrine Tori-no-Ichi Festival
Another shrine that hosts the Tori-no-Ichi festival is Meguro Otori Shrine. The main attraction, the kumade rakes, are sold in various sizes and designs, representing Meguro Otori Shrine’s traditional blessing of prosperity.
As the streets fill with lively market stalls, food vendors and visitors making traditional blessings, the festival creates a warm and communal atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy the spectacle of craftsmen decorating each kumade, adding to the significance and uniqueness of each charm. The Tori-no-Ichi at Meguro Otori Shrine is an immersive way to connect with Japanese culture and themes of luck, harvest and tradition.
Dates: November 5, 17, 29
Place: Meguro Otori Shrine
Admission: Free
Rikugien Garden Exclusive Evening Viewing
This seasonal event allows visitors to experience the tranquility of Japan’s autumn in a truly enchanting way. Rikugien Garden, known for its Edo-period design, becomes a glowing wonderland as lights illuminate the scarlet maples and golden ginkgos, highlighting the intricate beauty of the landscape after dark. Softly lit pathways lead guests through the garden, where reflections of the illuminated trees dance across the pond, creating a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.
This event is particularly special because it brings together the Japanese appreciation for seasonal changes and the aesthetic of yakan (nighttime illumination), offering a memorable experience of Japanese autumn in one of Tokyo’s most famous historical gardens.
Dates: November 22–December 4, 6pm-8:30pm
Place: Rikugien Garden
Admission: Tickets can be purchased in advance online for ¥900. Same-day tickets at the counter can be purchased for ¥1,100 yen.
Mount Takao Momiji Festival
Taking place every November, the festival invites visitors to hike the scenic trails of Mount Takao, where they can witness the stunning transformation of the landscape as leaves change to brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow. The Momiji Festival at Mount Takao is an annual celebration dedicated to the beauty of autumn foliage, particularly the vibrant red maple leaves, or momiji.
Along the ascent, food stalls serve seasonal delicacies, and traditional performances entertain visitors, blending natural beauty with Japanese cultural experiences. At the summit, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of Tokyo and, on clear days, a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji, creating a perfect setting to reflect on Japanese nature and seasonal beauty. This festival highlights Japan’s profound respect for nature and is an ideal outing for those looking to experience autumn in all its glory.
Festival Dates: October 26–December 8
Place: Mount Takao
Admission: Free
Exclusive End-of-Year Experiences
New Year’s Eve at the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
Ring in the New Year in grand style at the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, where the evening promises an unforgettable blend of luxury, elegance and celebration. Guests can enjoy a gourmet multi-course dinner curated by the hotel’s renowned chefs, complemented by live entertainment that builds anticipation for the midnight countdown.
At the stroke of midnight, guests are treated to a champagne toast while enjoying panoramic views of Tokyo Tower and the city’s dazzling lights, making for a memorable moment as they welcome the new year. Known for its impeccable service and breathtaking views, the Ritz-Carlton offers an ideal setting for those looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve with sophistication, style and unparalleled views.
Date: December 31
Place: The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, Roppongi
Admission: Details to be announced at a later date
Conrad Tokyo – Countdown Gala
For a New Year’s Eve celebration with flair, the Countdown Gala at Conrad Tokyo offers an exclusive evening that combines fine dining, jazz performances and magnificent views of Tokyo Bay. Guests can savor a meticulously prepared multi-course dinner, with each dish reflecting the culinary excellence of the Conrad’s renowned chefs. As midnight approaches, jazz music fills the air, setting a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere.
The evening culminates in a champagne toast as guests watch the city’s fireworks light up the sky, making for a truly unforgettable start to the New Year. Known as one of Tokyo’s most elite parties, the Conrad Tokyo Countdown Gala attracts those who wish to celebrate the new year with an elegant flair.
Date: December 31
Place: Conrad Tokyo, Shiodome
Admission:
Standing area: ¥25,000 per person, ¥23,000 per guest
Table seating area, guaranteed window seat: ¥108,000 per table for up to 2 people
Table seating area, premium seat: ¥138,000 per table for up to 4 people
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly festival or an exclusive evening gala, Tokyo offers plenty of events to engage with local culture and end the year on a high note. From enchanting fireworks displays to elite holiday dinners, you can choose the perfect way to celebrate in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.