December events in Tokyo
- The Rikugien night opening runs from November 25 to December 6, with tickets at ¥1,000 in advance and ¥1,200 on the day.
- The Christmas Lecture on December 13 costs ¥500 per person by lottery, with applications due by November 30.
December in Tokyo is a month of seasonal markets and temple fairs. This guide covers the four Christmas markets announced so far, a night opening of Rikugien garden, three events in mid-December (the Ako Gishi Festival, a science museum’s Christmas lecture and the Setagaya Boro-ichi), two year-end fairs in Asakusa and Nihombashi, and the Tori-no-ichi fairs held in November. For each one it gives the dates, hours, cost, nearest station and whether you need a ticket or a reservation.
In short
- The Christmas markets start first: Shin-toyosu on November 20, Roppongi Hills and Azabudai Hills on November 21, Shiba Park on December 4. All four run until December 25.
- The Tokyo Christmas Market (Shin-toyosu and Shiba Park) charges admission: adults ¥1,000 on weekdays, ¥1,500 on weekends and holidays, ¥2,000 on December 24 and 25. The Hills markets do not state an entrance fee in the announcements.
- Three markets in a row: Setagaya Boro-ichi on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 15 and 16; the Asakusa Hagoita-ichi on December 17–19; the Yagenbori year-end fair on December 26–28.
- The only event with an application deadline is the Christmas Lecture at the Tamarokuto Science Center (lottery, application must arrive by Monday, November 30).
- Most venues have no parking. Go by train.
Facts taken from official pages checked on October 6 and 12, 2026.
The table lists the events in date order. Tap a name to jump to its section.
| Event | Dates (2026) | Cost | Nearest station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tori-no-ichi (4 shrines) | Nov 7 and 19 | Entry free | Varies by shrine |
| Christmas Market, Shin-toyosu | Nov 20–Dec 25 | ¥1,000–2,000 adults | Shin-toyosu, 2 min |
| Roppongi Hills market | Nov 21–Dec 25 | Not stated | Roppongi, direct |
| Azabudai Hills market | Nov 21–Dec 25 | Not stated | Kamiyacho, direct |
| Rikugien night opening | Nov 25–Dec 6 | ¥1,000 advance, ¥1,200 same day | Komagome, 7 min |
| Christmas Market, Shiba Park | Dec 4–25 | ¥1,000–2,000 adults | Onarimon, 1 min |
| Ako Gishi Festival | Dec 12–14 | Incense offering at the graves | Sengakuji, 3 min |
| Christmas Lecture | Dec 13 | ¥500 per person | Hanakoganei, about 18 min |
| Setagaya Boro-ichi | Dec 15 and 16 | Pay for what you buy | Setagaya or Kamimachi, 3 min |
| Asakusa Hagoita-ichi | Dec 17–19 | Pay for what you buy | Asakusa, 5 min |
| Yagenbori year-end fair | Dec 26–28 | Pay for what you buy | Higashi-nihombashi, about 3 min |
“Not stated” means the announcements we checked do not give an entrance fee. Events that began earlier and run into December are listed in section 9.
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1. Christmas markets: four venues, November 20 to December 25
Tokyo Christmas Market executive committee and Mori Building
The Tokyo Christmas Market 2026 charges admission: adults (junior high school age and up) pay ¥1,000 on weekdays, ¥1,500 on weekends and holidays, and ¥2,000 on December 24 and 25. Elementary school children pay ¥500 (¥1,000 on December 24 and 25), and preschool children are free. The event started in Hibiya Park in December 2015. In 2026 it is held at two sites: Shin-toyosu, a new venue, and Shiba Park, with Tokyo Tower in the background. The Roppongi Hills and Azabudai Hills markets are separate events run by Mori Building.
Photos: past editions of the Tokyo Christmas Market, from the press release of BFC Co., Ltd. (September 15, 2026). The Shin-toyosu venue is new in 2026, so there are no photos of it yet.
Shin-toyosu: from November 20, 2 minutes from Shin-toyosu Station
“Tokyo Christmas Market 2026 in Shin-toyosu” runs from Friday, November 20 to Friday, December 25. It is open 11:00–21:30 (opening at 16:00 on November 20 only). Last entry is 20:30 and last order is 21:00. The organizer says the layout makes use of the waterside location on Tokyo Bay.
The venue is at 6-4 Toyosu, Koto Ward. It is a 2-minute walk from Shin-toyosu Station on the Yurikamome line, or 4 minutes from Ichiba-mae Station. There is no parking and no bicycle parking (Shin-toyosu venue page, in Japanese). Google Maps
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Shiba Park: from December 4, a 14 m Christmas pyramid
“Tokyo Christmas Market 2026 in Shiba Park (Onarimon Station Plaza)” runs from Friday, December 4 to Friday, December 25. It is open 11:00–22:00 (opening at 16:00 on December 4 only). Last entry is 21:00 and last order is 21:30. The organizer says the venue is centered on a Christmas pyramid about 14 meters tall, in the style of the Dresden tradition, with Tokyo Tower behind it.
The venue is Tokyo Metropolitan Shiba Park Lot No. 4 (3-2 Shibakoen, Minato Ward). It is a 1-minute walk from exit A6 of Onarimon Station (Toei Mita line). Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya line, exit 3), Daimon Station (Toei Oedo line, exit A6) and the north exit of JR Hamamatsucho Station are each about 10 minutes on foot. There is no parking or bicycle parking here either (Shiba Park venue page, in Japanese). Google Maps
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Tickets and the mug
Advance tickets went on sale on Thursday, October 1 at 18:00. Online sales are only through KKday, a travel booking site (ticket announcement, in Japanese). You choose a date and time slot. After you buy, you cannot cancel or change the date or number of people. Same-day tickets cost the same and stop selling when the planned number is reached (KKDAY JAPAN press release, October 2, 2026).
Adults with an advance ticket receive a mug. The color differs by venue: blue “Ultramarine” for Shin-toyosu and red “Kermes Red” for Shiba Park. Stacked together, the two mugs form the shape of the Christmas pyramid (2026 mug announcement). With the mug, you pay only for the hot drink.
Roppongi Hills: from November 21, the 20th market
Mori Building
The “Roppongi Hills Christmas Market” runs from Saturday, November 21 to Friday, December 25, 11:00–21:00, at the Grand Plaza. This is the 20th year. The venue recreates the Christmas market of Stuttgart, Germany. Ten stalls are planned, including Käthe Wohlfahrt, known for German Christmas goods, and sellers of mulled wine, sausages and stollen. Mori Building also announces limited goods for the 20th anniversary.
Photo: the 2025 market, from Mori Building’s press release (September 30, 2026).
Details of the stalls will be announced later. The address is 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato Ward. Exit 1C of Roppongi Station (Hibiya line) connects directly to Roppongi Hills (Roppongi Hills access, in Japanese). Google Maps
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Azabudai Hills: from November 21, 19 stalls in the central plaza
Mori Building
“Azabudai Hills Christmas Market 2026” runs from Saturday, November 21 to Friday, December 25, 11:00–21:00, in the Central Plaza (Azabudai Hills Arena and the lawn area). Mori Building says 19 stalls are planned (4 selling goods and 15 selling food and drink), with a lit arch gate (“CHRISTMAS HILLS 2026” press release, September 30, 2026, in Japanese). The list of stalls will be published on the special site on October 22.
Photo: the entrance arch at a past market, from Mori Building’s press release (September 30, 2026).
Exit 5 of Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya line) and exit 4 of Roppongi-itchome Station (Namboku line) connect directly to Azabudai Hills. It is an 11-minute walk from exit A6 of Onarimon Station (Toei Mita line), so you can use the same station as for the Shiba Park market (Azabudai Hills access, in Japanese). Google Maps
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Mugs and house rules at the Tokyo Christmas Market
At the Tokyo Christmas Market, the price of a mug or glass includes a deposit, which you pay at each stall together with your drink. You can take the mug home, but then the deposit is not returned. If you want to return a mug, give the coin with the stall number to the “coin collection box” at the venue. Unused mugs are sold at the information desk, and the mugs can be used in a microwave. The official FAQ (in Japanese) also says:
- You can leave and re-enter. The suggested stay is 3 hours in the official FAQ and 2 hours on the KKday product page.
- You cannot bring in food or drink that is not sold at the venue.
- Non-alcoholic mulled wine, hot tea and hot cocoa are available.
- Payment is by cash or cashless methods; cashless is accepted at all food and goods stalls.
- Pets are allowed on a leash (not inside the tent in front of the stage).
- The venue is non-smoking, with a separate smoking area.
Important
The Tokyo Christmas Market may limit same-day entry when it is crowded, and it recommends advance tickets. Tickets are sold in 30-minute slots. If you arrive outside your slot, people holding tickets for the current slot enter first.
The market is held in the rain. It may be canceled in severe weather such as typhoons, heavy rain or heavy snow. There are tents with a roof, but the number of seats is limited.
2. Rikugien night opening: November 25 to December 6
Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association
The night opening of Rikugien, a Tokyo metropolitan garden, runs from Wednesday, November 25 to Sunday, December 6, 18:00–20:30 (last entry 19:30). Elementary school children and younger enter free. The garden closes at 17:00 and reopens at 18:00 for the night viewing. The whole garden is lit, centered on the autumn-leaf area, with photo spots at several places. This year a projection mapping show is added on the outer wall of the storehouse built in the Iwasaki family’s time and on the bamboo grove.
At night you can enter only with a night viewing ticket. Advance tickets are ¥1,000 and online only. Same-day tickets are ¥1,200 and sold online and at the ticket window (cash only). People with a disability certificate pay ¥500. The window sells same-day tickets at the main gate from 18:00 to 19:30. The number of tickets per day is limited, and online buyers enter through a priority lane. The sales start date and how to buy will appear on the Rikugien website once decided.
Two tea houses, Fukiage-chaya and Shinsen-tei, serve matcha and Japanese sweets. Food stalls and kitchen cars stand beside the storehouse and near the Ginkatei site. The daytime admission is ¥300 for adults; elementary school children and younger (with an adult) and junior high school students who live or go to school in Tokyo are free. Rikugien is also part of the nine-garden autumn stamp rally until December 6. For the best time to see leaves, see Tokyo Autumn Leaves 2026.
Address: 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo Ward (Google Maps). Phone: 03-3941-2222 (Japanese). It is 7 minutes on foot from Komagome Station (JR Yamanote line, south exit, and Tokyo Metro Namboku line) and 10 minutes from Sengoku Station (Toei Mita line). There is no parking. Details: night opening announcement (Japanese).
| Name | Rikugien (Autumn Leaves Special Night Viewing) |
|---|---|
| Address | 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo Ward ( |
| Phone | 03-3941-2222 |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
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3. Ako Gishi Festival at Sengakuji: December 12 to 14
Sengakuji Temple
Sengakuji is the temple where the “47 ronin” (the Ako Gishi, loyal retainers of the Edo period) are buried. The winter Gishi Festival is held for three days, Saturday, December 12 to Monday, December 14, 2026, and the temple is open for visits 7:00–20:00 on all three days. The festival honors the retainers, and it is held every year in December and April. To visit the graves you line up and offer incense, either one person at a time or as a group. The temple asks for an incense offering fee.
On Monday, December 14, around 15:30, a procession of retainers (by the Zaikai Nisei Gakuin) is expected to arrive at the temple (the time may change). On Saturday, December 12 at 18:00 there is a free gagaku (court music) concert in the main hall for the 90th anniversary of the Soto Shoonkai; no reservation is needed. The Gishi Memorial Hall is open 9:00–18:00 on all three days, and a sword called “Oishi Kuranosuke Yoshio’s kaishaku no katana” (大石内蔵助良雄 介錯之刀) is on special display from December 11 to 21.
A prayer service takes place twice a day, at 11:00 and 14:00, on December 12 and 13. Only the prayer service requires a reservation; the temple will announce how to apply. Last year it became very crowded on the approach when the procession arrived. This year, from 12:00 to 16:00 on December 14, the inner gate is split into an entrance and an exit, and entry is stopped for a while before and after the procession arrives.
Address: 2-11-1 Takanawa, Minato Ward (Google Maps). Phone: 03-3441-5560 (Japanese). It is 3 minutes on foot from Sengakuji Station and 5 minutes from the north gate of JR Takanawa Gateway Station. Details: Sengakuji’s Ako Gishi Festival page (Japanese).
| Name | Sengakuji (Ako Gishi Festival) |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-11-1 Takanawa, Minato Ward ( |
| Phone | 03-3441-5560 |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
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4. Christmas Lecture at the Tamarokuto Science Center: December 13 (lottery)
Tamarokuto Science Center
The “Christmas Lecture: Exploring the Properties of Minerals and Gems Through Experiments” is on Sunday, December 13, 13:30–15:00, and entry is by lottery. Applications must arrive by Monday, November 30. You learn through experiments where minerals are found and why gems sparkle. Each participant receives a small labradorite specimen. The lecturer is a staff member of the center’s nature group.
The target age is elementary school grade 4 to adults; elementary school children take part with a parent or guardian. The capacity is 20 groups (up to 2 people per group), and the fee is ¥500 per person. You apply from the center’s event page, entering the name and age of every participant. Each group can apply once per event. Only winners are notified, within 3 days after the deadline. The center does not contact people who lose.
The center is open 9:30–17:00 (tickets sold until 16:00) and closed on Mondays (if Monday is a holiday it opens and closes the next day). Admission is ¥520 for adults and ¥210 for children (age 4 to high school). A ticket that includes one planetarium or large-screen film show is ¥1,040 for adults and ¥420 for children. Tickets are sold only on the day, first come, first served, from 9:30.
Address: 5-10-64 Shibakubo-cho, Nishitokyo City (Google Maps). Phone: 042-469-6100 (Japanese). It is about 18 minutes on foot from the north exit of Hanakoganei Station (Seibu Shinjuku line), or about 25 minutes by “Hana Bus” from the north exit of Tanashi Station (to the last stop). Parking has 170 spaces for standard cars: free for 30 minutes, then ¥100 per 30 minutes (up to ¥700 per day). Details: Christmas Lecture page and access (Japanese).
| Name | Tamarokuto Science Center (Christmas Lecture) |
|---|---|
| Address | 5-10-64 Shibakubo-cho, Nishitokyo City ( |
| Hours / Closed | 9:30–17:00 (tickets sold until 16:00). Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a holiday, closed the next day) |
| Phone | 042-469-6100 |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
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5. Setagaya Boro-ichi: December 15 and 16
Setagaya Ward
The Boro-ichi (“rags market”) is a street market that fills the road around the Daikan-yashiki (the old magistrate’s residence) in Setagaya. It is held on December 15 and 16 and on January 15 and 16, 9:00–20:00. In 2026 the December dates are Tuesday the 15th and Wednesday the 16th. Many stalls line the Boro-ichi street. The market is said to have started in 1578, when the lord Hojo Ujimasa opened a free market in Setagaya-shinjuku. It continued as a year-end market, and it has been called Boro-ichi since the Meiji period, when more stalls selling used clothes and rags appeared. About 200,000 people come in a day.
Setagaya Ward asks visitors to take a child only with an adult and to watch out for children getting lost. It also asks you to avoid eating inside the venue if you can, not to eat on private land, and to take your trash home, as there are no trash cans. The time may change with the weather, and the market may be canceled in severe weather; the ward says it will announce this on the ward website and on the X account of the Setagaya General Branch Office. The procession of the magistrate is held once every five years, and the next one is planned for fiscal year Reiwa 9 (April 2027–March 2028). There is no procession this year.
The venue is the Boro-ichi street and the area around it, Setagaya 1-chome, Setagaya Ward (Google Maps). It is a 3-minute walk from Setagaya Station or Kamimachi Station on the Tokyu Setagaya line. There is no parking, parking for bicycles is limited, and traffic is restricted around the venue from 7:00 to 22:00. Inquiries: Setagaya General Branch Office, Community Promotion Division, 03-5432-2831 (Japanese). Details: Setagaya Ward’s Boro-ichi page (Japanese). The market is held again on Friday, January 15 and Saturday, January 16, 2027, at the same place and hours.
| Name | Setagaya Boro-ichi |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-chome Setagaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo (Boro-ichi street and surrounding area) |
| Phone | 03-5432-2831 (Setagaya General Branch Office, Community Promotion Section) |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
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6. Hagoita-ichi at Sensoji, Asakusa: December 17 to 19
Sensoji Temple
A hagoita (羽子板) is a decorated wooden paddle, a lucky charm often given to a family with a newborn girl. Sensoji lists the “Osame no Kannon festival day and Hagoita-ichi” for December 17 to 19, with dozens of paddle stalls in the temple grounds for the three days. On the 18th of every month there is a festival day for the Kannon deity. December 18 is called “Osame no Kannon” (the last Kannon day of the year) and is especially crowded. In 2026 the 17th is a Thursday, the 18th a Friday and the 19th a Saturday, so the only weekend day is December 19.
In the Edo period, stalls selling New Year goods and lucky charms gathered in the grounds on December 17 and 18, expecting the crowds of the festival day. This was called the “toshi-no-ichi” (year-end market). Sensoji explains that stalls selling paddles increased from the end of the Edo period, and paddles became the main item. The stall owners’ sales patter and the three-clap “sanbon-jime” for each buyer are part of the fun. From December 18 the temple also gives out a picture of the gods Ebisu and Daikoku and a lucky “koban” coin charm for the new year.
Sensoji’s official page does not state the hours of the Hagoita-ichi. Call the temple before you go (office open 9:00–16:30, except Sundays and holidays). Sensoji has no parking; the temple suggests nearby car parks such as the Kaminarimon underground car park. Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito Ward (Google Maps). Phone: 03-3842-0181 (Japanese). It is a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tobu Skytree line, Tokyo Metro Ginza line, Tsukuba Express), and from exit A4 of Asakusa Station (Toei Asakusa line). Details: Sensoji’s annual events page and access (Japanese).
| Name | Sensoji (Hagoita-ichi) |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito Ward ( |
| Phone | 03-3842-0181 (9:00–16:30, except Sundays and public holidays) |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
| Official site | Open the official site ↗ |
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7. Yagenbori Fudoin year-end fair: December 26 to 28
Yagenbori Fudoin Temple
Yagenbori Fudoin, a Tokyo branch of Kawasaki Daishi, lists its “Osame no Toshi-no-ichi” (year-end fair) for December 26 to 28 on its annual events page. A toshi-no-ichi is a market that sells New Year goods. Of the several such markets that once existed in Tokyo, Yagenbori’s was the last of the year. Today a sale of clothes, shoes and daily goods at low prices, called “Odekoichi”, is held at the same time. In 2026, the 26th is a Saturday and the 28th a Monday.
On the last day, December 28, a special large “goma” fire ritual is held at 15:00 and 18:00 for “Osame no Fudo” (the last Fudo day of the year). At 17:30 there is a memorial ceremony for old hand fans (harisen) in front of the Kodan Birthplace Monument in the grounds, and storytellers give street talks in the evening. General visitors can take part in the harisen ceremony.
The fair hours are not stated on the temple’s page. Call before you go (03-3866-6220, 9:00–16:00, Japanese). Address: 2-6-8 Higashi-nihombashi, Chuo Ward (Google Maps). It is about 3 minutes on foot from exits B3 and B4 of Higashi-nihombashi Station (Toei Asakusa line) and about 5 minutes from exits A3 and A4 of Bakuroyokoyama Station (Toei Shinjuku line). Details: Yagenbori Fudoin annual events (Japanese).
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8. Tori-no-ichi in November: November 7 and 19 (before December)
Four shrines
Tori-no-ichi is a fair held on the “day of the Rooster” in November, to pray for good luck and business success. People buy a “kumade” (熊手), a decorated bamboo rake, as a lucky charm. These fairs come just before December, so they are included here for early planners. In 2026 the first Rooster day is Saturday, November 7 and the second is Thursday, November 19. There is no third Rooster day this year. The table compares four shrines.
| Shrine | Dates (2026) | Hours | Nearest station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washi Shrine (Asakusa) | Nov 7 and 19 | 0:00–24:00 each day | Iriya, about 7 min |
| Hanazono Shrine (Shinjuku) | Eve Nov 6 and 18; main days Nov 7 and 19 | 2025: eve about 15:00–24:00, main day about noon–24:00 | Shinjuku-sanchome, exit E2, 0 min |
| Otori Shrine (Meguro) | Nov 7 and 19 | 8:00–about 22:00 | Meguro, west exit, 7 min |
| Okunitama Shrine (Fuchu) | Nov 7 and 19 | Not stated (ask the shrine office) | Fuchu, south exit, 5 min |
Washi Shrine (Asakusa): open all day, from midnight to midnight
Washi Shrine in Senzoku, Taito Ward, announces the first and second Rooster days. On both days the fair opens at midnight with the first drum and runs until 24:00. At 23:15 the evening before (November 6 and 18) there is a prayer ceremony, and at 13:00 on the day there is a special ceremony; to attend either you must reserve in advance and check in 15 minutes before the start. Prayer at the shrine hall is also accepted on the day, from ¥5,000, with up to 5 people per family or group.
The shrine says there are about 150 kumade stalls and about 750 other stalls, and 700,000 to 800,000 visitors every year. Its guide says small kumade start from ¥1,000, and that the price changes with the decorations, so it suggests walking around the grounds once to compare. The shrine has no parking on the day. The nearest station is Iriya Station on the Hibiya line (north exit 3), about 7 minutes on foot. Address: 3-chome Senzoku, Taito Ward (Google Maps). Phone: 03-3876-0010 (Japanese). Details: this year’s Tori-no-ichi (Japanese).
Hanazono Shrine (Shinjuku): an eve and a main day, right by the station exit
Hanazono Shrine holds the fair as the “Otori-sai”. The first Rooster fair is the eve on Friday, November 6 and the main day on Saturday, November 7; the second is the eve on Wednesday, November 18 and the main day on Thursday, November 19. Stalls open the evening before, so a weekday evening after work is possible.
Photos: Hanazono Shrine’s Tori-no-ichi in 2025 (Mozzucu, CC0) and 2023 (Dick Thomas Johnson, CC BY 2.0) / Wikimedia Commons
The hours for 2026 have not been announced. The 2025 notice (posted October 1) said the eve had stalls from about 15:00 to 24:00 and the main day from about noon to 24:00. It also said entry to the grounds may be restricted after 18:00, that the flower kumade is given only on the main day in limited numbers, and that goshuin (temple stamps) are written ahead on paper during the period. Check the shrine’s news page for the 2026 notice.
The shrine is at exit E2 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Fukutoshin lines, Toei Shinjuku line), or 7 minutes from the east exit of Shinjuku Station. Address: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward (Google Maps). Phone: 03-3209-5265 (Japanese). Details: annual events and news (Japanese).
Otori Shrine (Meguro): 8:00 to about 22:00, with a kagura dance at 19:00
Otori Shrine in Meguro announces the fair for November 7 and 19 and says this year has two Rooster days only. The hours on both days are 8:00 to about 22:00, and a “lucky kumade charm” is given out on both sides of the front of the worship hall. This is the shrine’s own charm, a small kumade with an amulet attached.
Photo: Otori Shrine in June 2013 (Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0) / Wikimedia Commons
On both days at 19:00, a kagura dance and a kumade dance are offered at the shrine building. On the second day, November 19, a traditional firefighters’ chant by the Edo Firefighters’ Association is offered at about 10:10. The nearest station is JR Meguro Station, 7 minutes from the west exit. Parking is described as being for people receiving a purification rite. Address: 3-1-2 Shimomeguro, Meguro Ward (Google Maps). Phone: 03-3494-0543 (9:00–17:00, Japanese). Details: Tori-no-ichi (Japanese).
Okunitama Shrine (Fuchu): the fair for the Owashi Shrine inside the grounds
At Okunitama Shrine in Fuchu, the Tori-no-ichi is held as the annual festival of the Owashi Shrine inside its grounds. The shrine’s annual events list gives the first Rooster day as November 7 and the second as November 19. The shrine’s page does not give the stall hours, so ask the shrine office (042-362-2130) if you want to plan a time.
Photos: the Tori-no-ichi at Okunitama Shrine (Jipanguguru, CC BY 3.0) / Wikimedia Commons
It is 5 minutes on foot from the south exit of Fuchu Station (Keio line) and 5 minutes from Fuchu-honmachi Station (JR Nambu and Musashino lines). There is free parking for worshippers, entered from the new west approach beside the “Fuchu-honmachi-eki-iriguchi” traffic light on Fuchu Kaido; parking for any purpose other than worship is declined. Address: 3-1 Miyamachi, Fuchu City (Google Maps). Details: festivals and annual events and access (Japanese).
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9. Events that started earlier and continue into December
These four began in October or November and continue into December. For the details, see Tokyo Events in November 2026. Here are the December points only.
- Nine-garden autumn leaves stamp rally (until Sunday, December 6): collect stamps at the nine metropolitan gardens, including Hama-rikyu, Koishikawa Korakuen and Rikugien. Three stamps get you a garden postcard (while supplies last). The final weekend is the same as the Rikugien night opening. Special page (Japanese)
- Mt. Takao Momiji Festival (until Sunday, December 13): the best time for leaves is mid-November to early December. It is 3 minutes on foot from Takaosanguchi Station (Keio line). The cable car fare is on the Takao Tozan Railway site (Japanese).
- Jewellumination at Yomiuri Land (until Sunday, April 4, 2027): open 16:00–20:30 (hours vary by season). Buy tickets on the official page (Japanese).
- Komazawa Olympic Park app point rally (until Tuesday, January 12, 2027): a free app, “TOKYO PARKS PLAY”, from the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association. Data charges apply. Komazawa Fantasia 2026 page (Japanese)
For the light-up dates of the illuminations (Keyakizaka, Omotesando, Tachikawa and others), see Tokyo Christmas illuminations 2026.
10. How to choose, and what to know in Tokyo
Choose by date
- Nov 7 (Sat) and Nov 19 (Thu): Tori-no-ichi at four shrines
- Nov 20 (Fri) and Nov 21 (Sat): Christmas markets open at Shin-toyosu, Roppongi Hills and Azabudai Hills
- Dec 5 (Sat) and 6 (Sun): the last weekend of the Rikugien night opening and the nine-garden stamp rally
- Dec 12 (Sat) and 13 (Sun): Ako Gishi Festival (gagaku concert on the evening of the 12th); Christmas Lecture on the 13th; the last day of the Mt. Takao Momiji Festival
- Dec 14 (Mon): last day of the Gishi Festival, procession at about 15:30
- Dec 15 (Tue) and 16 (Wed): Setagaya Boro-ichi
- Dec 17 (Thu) to 19 (Sat): Hagoita-ichi at Sensoji (the 18th is the Osame no Kannon day)
- Dec 26 (Sat) to 28 (Mon): Yagenbori year-end fair
Weekdays and weekends
Most of the mid-December fairs fall on weekdays: the Gishi Festival ends Monday the 14th, the Boro-ichi is Tuesday and Wednesday the 15th and 16th, and the Hagoita-ichi is Thursday to Saturday, the 17th to 19th. On weekends you can go to the Gishi Festival on the 12th and 13th, the Hagoita-ichi on the 19th and the Yagenbori fair on the 26th. The Boro-ichi falls on a Friday and Saturday in January (15th and 16th). Note that the Sensoji, Boro-ichi and Yagenbori dates are given by the organizers as yearly dates without a year. The weekdays for 2026 are worked out from the calendar.
Getting there and crowds
Many of these venues are not meant for cars. Rikugien has no parking, and Sensoji has none either. Setagaya Ward says “there is no parking, use trains or buses” for the Boro-ichi, and traffic is restricted from 7:00 to 22:00. The Tamarokuto Science Center is the only venue that gives a number of parking spaces (170 standard cars).
The organizers also describe how crowded some of them get. The Boro-ichi is said to draw about 200,000 people a day, and there are no trash cans. On December 14 Sengakuji splits its inner gate into an entrance and an exit from 12:00 to 16:00 and stops entry about 15 minutes before the procession arrives. Check year-end closings too: Rikugien is closed from December 29 to January 1, and the Tamarokuto Science Center is closed over the New Year holidays.
Important
The only application deadline is the Christmas Lecture lottery (by Monday, November 30). The Gishi Festival prayer service requires a reservation, and the Rikugien night ticket can be bought in advance online. Everything else is “just go” on the day.
Common questions
Common questions
Do children need a ticket for the Rikugien night opening?
According to Rikugien, elementary school children and younger enter the night opening free. From junior high school age you need a night viewing ticket (¥1,000 in advance or ¥1,200 on the day). A daytime ticket, including an online daytime-only ticket, does not let you in at night.
Are there events I can only go to on weekdays?
The last day of the Gishi Festival and its procession are on Monday, December 14. The Boro-ichi is on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 15 and 16, if the usual dates apply. The Hagoita-ichi is usually December 17 to 19, and the 19th is a Saturday.
Can I drive?
Rikugien, Sensoji and the Boro-ichi have no parking. Traffic around the Boro-ichi is restricted from 7:00 to 22:00. The Tamarokuto Science Center has 170 standard-car spaces and the first 30 minutes are free.
Where can I look for more winter events?
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s tourism site, GO TOKYO (Japanese), and the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association’s event list (Japanese) show dates and fees.
Next steps
- Light-ups and illumination hours: Tokyo Christmas illuminations 2026.
- Christmas cakes and year-end parties: Tokyo Christmas Cakes 2026 and Tokyo Hotel Year-End Party Plans 2026.
- After the new year: Hatsumode 2027 in Tokyo.
Sources (checked October 2026)
5 pages we checked
- Tokyo Christmas Market (Japanese): official site, Shin-toyosu, Shiba Park, tickets, mugs, FAQ; press releases of BFC Co., Ltd. and KKDAY JAPAN
- Mori Building (Japanese): Roppongi Hills Christmas 2026, Christmas Hills 2026, Roppongi Hills access, Azabudai Hills access
- Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association (Japanese): Rikugien night opening, nine-garden stamp rally, Komazawa Fantasia
- Temples and shrines (Japanese): Sengakuji, Sensoji, Yagenbori Fudoin, Washi Shrine, Hanazono Shrine, Otori Shrine, Okunitama Shrine
- Tamarokuto Science Center: Christmas Lecture and Setagaya Ward: Setagaya Boro-ichi (Japanese)
Dates, hours and prices can change, so check the official page before you go.
