Headline: Tokyo Buzzing with Holiday Events, Festivals, and Art Exhibitions

Tokyo is buzzing this week, so if you’re wondering what to do between now and the weekend, let’s dive into some of the best things happening around the city.

First, head to Asakusa for the Hagoita-Ichi Fair at Senso-ji. Japan Travel notes that this long-running market is held around December 17, turning the temple grounds into rows of stalls selling colorful hagoita, the decorative wooden paddles used in a traditional New Year’s game. You’ll find everything from classic designs with kabuki actors to modern anime motifs, plus snacks and festival food. It’s a perfect mix of old Tokyo atmosphere, warm lantern light, and that crisp end-of-year air.

If you’re in the mood for Christmas vibes, Time Out Tokyo highlights several seasonal spots you can enjoy all week. Shibuya Christmas Market 2025 brings a German-style winter village to central Tokyo, with mulled wine, sausages, ornaments, and live performances tucked among wooden huts. Over in Maihama, Disney Christmas 2025 at Tokyo Disney Resort lights up both parks with evening illuminations, special parades, and limited-edition holiday snacks, making a full-day escape that still feels very Tokyo.

For something stylish and indoors, This Tokyo reports that Jo Malone London’s Christmas Pop-up at Omotesando Hills is running through December 25. The event transforms the B3 Space O floor into a maze-like game lounge decorated with chess pieces and playing cards, with interactive fragrance “games,” photo spots, and walls of cologne testers. Entry is free, and if listeners reserve in advance, staff mention there are limited dice-shaped perfume charms as a bonus. It’s a fun date idea or a relaxed stop between shopping along Omotesando’s illuminated zelkova-lined avenue.

Art lovers have a packed schedule too. According to the official Go Tokyo exhibition guide, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is in the final days of “Van Gogh’s Home,” featuring more than 30 works and rare letters from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, with timed-entry reservations needed on busy days. Go Tokyo also points to the Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru show at Mori Arts Center Gallery in Roppongi Hills, where about 130 artifacts and an immersive digital recreation of Machu Picchu let you explore Andean history high above the Tokyo skyline.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Japan Travel lists the Oedo Antique Market in central Tokyo on Sunday, bringing vintage kimono, retro furniture, old vinyl, and art to an open-air plaza. It’s ideal for slow browsing, people-watching, and picking up one-of-a-kind souvenirs before the New Year rush begins.

So whether listeners want traditional temple fairs, Christmas markets, high-end fragrance pop-ups, or world-class art, Tokyo this week is absolutely stacked with options. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss what’s happening in the city. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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