As the summer heat starts to settle down, would it be nice to enjoy the outdoor hunting for vintage bargains at the weekend flea market, taste the best beer made around Japan, check the latest gaming trends, and join the EDM party with your friends?

Here are a few things you can add to your travel itinerary when you visit Tokyo this autumn season.

Tokyo Romantic Flea Market

Peruse over 100 shops offering antiques and vintage items from Japan and afar alongside handicrafts, accessories, fine art, organic foods, and plants. Held in the green surrounds of Shibuya Garden Tower’s gardens, the market offers a relaxed Sunday spot for browsing.

Location: Shibuya Antique Market

Date: Every 2nd Sunday of the Month

Sun. 8 Sep. 2024 | 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Sun. 22 Sep. 2024 | 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Sun. 13 Oct. 2024 | 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Sun. 27 Oct. 2024 | 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Sun. 10 Nov. 2024 | 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Sun. 24 Nov. 2024 | 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Sun. 8 Dec. 2024 | 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Sun. 22 Dec. 2024 | 10:00AM – 4:00PM

Entry Fee - FREE

Moon Art Night Shimokitazawa

In Japan, moon viewing is a classic tradition celebrated each September, marking the early days of autumn, and this unique art festival is a tribute to tradition. Held in venues across the trendy Shimokitazawa neighborhood, exhibitions will include art from artists all over the world, including an eye-catching enormous moon hanging overhead, and glowing rabbit sculptures to light up the night.

The event will feature the Museum of the Moon, an impressive lunar installation measuring 7 meters in diameter by the internationally acclaimed artist Luke Jerram.

In Japan, the Moon is associated with rabbits. That is why Amanda Parer's rabbit-themed "Intrude" installation is another highlight that fans of whimsical art shouldn't miss.

The 2024 edition will also feature new artwork and displays at new venues.

Moon Art Night Shimokitazawa 2024 is a great opportunity to get to know the vibrant cultures flourishing in Shimokitazawa. The artistic vibe of the local shops is even more intense during this event when they collaborate to promote the charm of their district!

Location: Shimokita Senrogai Open Space

When: 13th to 29th September 2024 from 15:00PM to 21:00PM

Admission and Tickets:

* Standard Ticket: 2,000 yen

Includes admission to the special venues (Higashi-Kitazawa Station rooftop, Setagaya-Daita Station underground), Moon-Viewing Stamp Rally featuring digital art (exclusive NFTs of the rabbit characters Rabiyann and Mokoron), exclusive tote bag, discounted special menu at participating stores, and more!

* Light Ticket: 1,000 yen

Includes admission to the special venues, Moon-Viewing Stamp Rally featuring digital art (exclusive NFTs of the rabbit characters Rabiyann and Mokoron), and more!

Official website: https://moonartnightfes.com/

Tokyo Lights 2024

Experience the fusion of cutting-edge technology and entertainment with immersive light displays. Highlights include the International Projection Mapping Competition, featuring top visual creators from around the globe, an Opening Ceremony by NIJISANJI, enchanting installations that synchronize light and music, and a mesmerizing drone and performer dance show featuring approximately 300 drones.

Admission and Tickets:

TOKYO LIGHTS 2024 is free admission (pre-registration required, about 10,000 people each day) and is open to everyone.

The projection mapping viewing area has paid seating and a free-standing area.

Those under the age of 18 can use a seat in the viewing area free of charge for the first 200 people.

Date: 14th to 16th September 2024 from 6:00PM to 9:00PM

Location: Meiji Jingu Gaien Shotoku Memorial Picture Gallery

Meiji Jingu Gaien Comprehensive Ball Stadium Softball Stadium

Bubblemination at Jindai Botanical Garden

Backyard Co., Ltd., a production company, will cooperate with the Jindai Botanical Garden and will hold a two-day event called "Bubblemination," a collaboration experience between nature-friendly soap bubbles and illumination-like light.

"Bubblemination" is an initiative by OUTDOOR THEATER JAPAN that transforms the night sky into a theatrical spectacle. This interactive event features eco-friendly soap bubbles that ascend into the night, creating a luminous space.

It's a sustainable effort utilizing soap liquid free from synthetic surfactants, colors, fragrances, antioxidants, and preservatives. This immersive experience broadens the imagination, akin to gazing at a star-filled sky.

First launched back in July at the Jindai Botanical Garden, and it was well received by many guests both locals and international.

It is like the Milky Way that colors the night sky, and like the surface of the water looking up from under the sea, it offers various ways of feeling and emotions depending on the person who sees it.

Through this experience, the team hopes to contribute to the following themes:

Utilization of Urban Parks and Unique Venues

Create an opportunity for more people to learn about the charm of local cultural properties such as urban parks, museums, and art galleries that are familiar to us through special experiences through events.

Facilitating the Nighttime Economy

Create a variety of tourism experiences unique to Japan using the nighttime zone and promote inbound and domestic demand.

Igniting the imagination for the future

It is an immersive experience in harmony with nature, providing time, and opportunity to fantasize about the future, and nurture creativity.

Location: Jindai Botanical Gardens

Date: 14th – 15th September 2024 | 5:30PM – 8:30PM

Entry Fee: Adults – 500 yen | Junior HS and children are FREE

NAKED Garden One Kyoto

NAKED, Inc., the leading creative company for technology and innovative art has announced the launch of the Autumn Garden of "NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO 2024 supported by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group," an art project that creates tradition and culture and co-creates with people will be held from Saturday, 14th September 2024 to Sunday, 8th December 2024 in at least nine (9) different attractions in Kyoto, Japan. The project aims to contribute to and promote measures against over-tourism in Kyoto, by creating nighttime content that allows visitors to experience a new culture that fuses traditional Japanese culture and art.

For more details and its various locations, check our details posts here.

Ultra Japan 2024

Ultra Japan is the biggest EDM festival in the country and you don’t even need to catch the train to a paddock in the middle of nowhere to enjoy it. The festival is part of the Ultra Music Festival global circuit including stops in Bali, Mexico, Miami, and Brazil.

Location: Odaiba Fairground Park

Date: 14th to 15th September 2024 | 11:00AM to 9:00PM

Entry Fee: Tickets start at 25,000 yen to 45,000 yen. Visit their official website for ticket prices.

Japanese Lights and 100-Step Staircase Exhibition

Enter a world of illumination and explore a unique take on Japan’s culture and artistry at the Japanese Lights and 100-Step Staircase (Wa no Akari × Hyakudan Kaidan) exhibition.

The exhibition takes place at the Hotel Gajoen in Meguro (Gajoen No. 3 building), which features the hyakudan kaidan, or 100-step staircase. The staircase (which actually has 99 steps) was constructed in 1935 and has been designated a Tangible Cultural Property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

As you climb the stairs weaving through the hotel, you’ll see everything from glassware to woven fabric. This year’s theme is “Enchanting Fairy Tales” — meaning the crafts will take you through some of Japan’s most loved stories. Will you be taken in by the wood carvings of “The Bamboo Cutter”? Or the silk kimono of “The Heavenly Maiden’s Feather Robe”?

Location: Hotel Gajoen in Meguro

Date: Today until 23rd September 2024 | 11:00AM – 06:00PM

Entry Fees: General entry is 1,600 yen, with students paying 1,000 yen, and children 800 yen. Book your tickets here.

Keyaki Beer Festival 2024

The Keyaki Hiroba Beer Festival is one of the most popular and most successful bi-annual events at Saitama Shintoshin each year. It is on for five days in spring and five in Autumn.

Around 90 different brewers from throughout Japan and a few from overseas will be in attendance serving over 400 different beers. Breweries in attendance include Coedo, Devilcraft, Y.Market Brewing, and Kyoto Brewing Company. Notable absentees are Baird Beer and Minoh Beer.

Location: Saitama Super Arena

Entry Fees:

Entry to the venue is free and the standing table and picnic area will cost nothing to use. However, if you want to use table seats or the camping table area, you’ll need to get a ticket here.

Date: 12th - 16th September 2024 | 11:AM – 9:30PM

Tokyo Game Show 2024

TOKYO GAME SHOW is a platform that highlights the most recent trends in the global gaming market. With almost half of the exhibitors from abroad, the showcased game titles range from those for home game consoles to smartphones, PCs, and VR. The exhibits cater to a wide variety of interests, including game software titles, business solutions, gaming hardware, gear for gamers, and the display and sale of gaming-related goods. The event attracts an increasing number of visitors from all over the world as well as from Japan, and influencers from Japan and abroad are spreading the word about the excitement of the venue. The TOKYO GAME SHOW is gaining popularity and recognition globally more than ever.

Location: Makuhari Messe

When: 26th to 29th September 2024 | 10:AM to 04:30PM

Admissions and Tickets:

Day Admission Tickets (JR High School to Adult) – 3000 yen (tax included)

Official website: https://tgs.nikkeibp.co.jp/tgs/2024/en/

Roppongi Art Night 2024

Roppongi Art Night (modeled after the famous “Nuit Blanche” festivals worldwide) has become one of the biggest art events. Not only are the attendance numbers growing, but the scale of the event and installations, sub-events, and performances has also exploded. The 2024 edition’s main focus will be on six notable artists from Japan and abroad, emphasizing Taiwanese art. But there will also be other performances and artworks spanning 40 programs and 30 artists.

Large colorful bubbles will take over Roppongi Hills Arena and 2D and 3D neon lights shine in Tokyo Midtown. And don’t forget the giant banana peel in Lapiros Roppongi.

Location: Roppongi Hills Arena

Date: 27th – 29th September 2024

Entry Fees: FREE

Official Website: https://www.roppongiartnight.com/2024/en/

Fukuro Festival

The Fukuro Festival began in 1968 as a promotional event for four local shopping districts on the west side of Ikebukuro Station. Since then, it has grown to be one of the largest events in the area with two parts. The first is a mikoshi (portable shrine) festival and the second is a Yosakoi dance parade.

The two-part festival takes place over the entire neighborhood of Ikebukuro. The first section is known as the Owl Festival, while the second half is known as the Tokyo Yosakoi Festival and they usually take place around a month apart. The festival includes an opening ceremony as well as mikoshi (portable shoulder-borne shrines) parades, taiko drum shows, lion dances, hayashi festival music, yosakoi dancing, and an Okinawan Eisa Dance show.

When: 12th to 13th October 2024

Location: Ikebukuro Station Tokyo

Entry Fee: FREE

Jewellumination at Yomiuri Land

This spectacular show was the brainchild of Motoko Ishii, a well-known illumination designer in Japan. The word Jewellumination stands for Jewel and Illumination, brought to life by seven jewelry colors Diamond, Ruby, Amber, Topaz, Emerald, Sapphire, and Amethyst.

Everywhere in this amusement park has been lit up by four million LED lights. There are 5 sections with different colors and themes: "Amusement Park", "Aqua", "Lovely Stream", "Cute", and "Forest" areas. There is also a dance show which is synchronized to the light and music.

If you purchase an unlimited ride pass you can also see these illuminations as well as the amazing Tokyo night view from the top of a roller coaster or Ferris wheel.

When: 24 October 2024 – 06 April 2025

Location: Yomiuri Land

Admission and Tickets:

Adult (18-64yr old) – 1,800-yen

JR High School and other high school students – 1,500 yen

Preschoolers and Elementary school students – 1,000 yen

For other ticket prices such as one-day passes and annual passes, you can check it here.