Are you ready for the most exciting time of the year? December in Japan is special. The air is crisp and cold, but the city is full of warm lights and happy people. If you are planning a trip, you need to know about the Best Tokyo events December 2025.
2025 has been a big year for Japan. It is coming to a close soon. But before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, there is so much to do! You can see beautiful fireworks in the winter sky. You can meet famous movie stars. You can even see ancient temples light up with cool lasers.
This guide is perfect for you. We will look at 8 amazing events you cannot miss. Whether you love anime, history, or just pretty lights, Tokyo has something for you. Let’s jump in and explore the fun!
Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks
Usually, we think of fireworks as a summer thing in Japan. But the Best Tokyo events December 2025 list starts with a winter surprise! In December, the air is very clear. This makes the colorful explosions look even brighter.
Every Saturday in December, you can head to Odaiba Seaside Park. The fireworks launch right over the water. It is a very romantic spot. You will see the famous Rainbow Bridge in the background. It looks like a scene from a movie!
Why You Should Go: The show is short, only about five minutes. But it is very intense and beautiful. Since it is quick, you have plenty of time to go shopping or eat dinner at the Decks Shopping Mall nearby. It is a perfect date night or family outing.
- Dates: Saturdays (December 6–27, 2025)
- Location: Odaiba Seaside Park, Odaiba
- Cost: Free!
Tokyo Comic Con 2025
Do you love superheroes? How about movies? If you said yes, then Tokyo Comic Con is the place to be. This is a huge party for fans of Western comics and Hollywood movies. It is one of the most exciting entries on our list of the Best Tokyo events December 2025.
This year, the guest list is incredible. You might see stars like Elijah Wood or Johnny Depp! People dress up in amazing costumes, called cosplay. You can take photos with your favorite characters. There are also lots of toys and posters to buy.
What to Expect: It is loud, fun, and full of energy. Unlike some other events that focus only on Japanese anime, this one celebrates stories from all over the world. It is held at Makuhari Messe, which is a giant convention center.
- Dates: December 5–7, 2025
- Location: Makuhari Messe, Chiba
- Cost: ¥500+ (Tickets vary)
Asakusa Culture and Lights
Asakusa is famous for the big red Sensoji Temple. It is very old and traditional. But this December, something new is happening. The temple is mixing history with modern technology.
For the first time ever, they are using “projection mapping.” This means they shine special lights and videos onto the temple gates and the Five-Storied Pagoda. The buildings will look like they are moving or changing colors. It brings the history of the temple to life in a magical way.
Why It Is Special: It is rare to see such a mix of old and new. The event is free, which is great for travelers. You can walk through the temple grounds at night and see glowing art. It is a very peaceful yet exciting experience.
- Dates: December 3–7, 2025
- Location: Sensoji Temple, Asakusa
- Cost: Free
Chichibu Night Festival
If you want to see a real Japanese festival, you should take a short train ride to Chichibu. It is in Saitama, just outside of Tokyo. This festival is one of the top three float festivals in Japan. It is very famous and has a long history.
Enormous floats, which look like moving houses covered in lanterns, are pulled through the streets. There is traditional music with drums and flutes. The best part? They shoot fireworks into the winter sky while the floats are moving. It is loud and bright!
Travel Tip: The main event is on December 3rd. It gets very crowded because everyone wants to see the “Grand Festival.” Make sure to plan your train trip early.
- Dates: December 2–3, 2025
- Location: Chichibu, Saitama
- Cost: Free to watch
Hagoita-ichi Fairs
Do you want to have good luck in 2026? Then you must visit the Hagoita-ichi Fair at Sensoji Temple. This is a very traditional market. It is one of the most classic Best Tokyo events December 2025 offers.
“Hagoita” are wooden paddles. Long ago, they were used to play a game like badminton. People believe that these paddles can hit away bad luck. At this market, you can buy beautiful paddles decorated with paintings of kabuki actors or famous celebrities. They are not for playing anymore; they are for decoration and good luck.
Shopping Fun: The stalls are very colorful. The sellers are friendly and energetic. It is a great place to buy a unique souvenir that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.
- Dates: December 17–19, 2025
- Location: Sensoji Temple, Asakusa
- Cost: Free entry
Jump Festa 2025
Are you a fan of One Piece, Naruto, or Dragon Ball? If you are, you have to go to Jump Festa. This is a giant event organized by the company that makes Shonen Jump manga. It is paradise for anime lovers.
You can see new drawings, play new video games before they come out, and buy cool merchandise. There are also stage shows where voice actors talk to fans. The energy here is amazing because everyone loves the same shows.
Don’t miss our detailed Jump Festa 2025 Tokyo Guide for tips on visiting the event.
Best Part: Entry is free! That is right, it costs zero yen to get in. Because it is free, it can get very busy. You should arrive early if you want to see everything.
- Dates: December 20–21, 2025
- Location: Makuhari Messe, Chiba
- Cost: Free
Winter Comiket
This is the big one. Comiket is short for “Comic Market.” It happens twice a year, and the winter version is huge. It is the biggest gathering for fans who make their own comics, called “doujinshi.”
People from all over Japan come here to sell their art. You will also see thousands of cosplayers. These are fans dressed up as characters from anime and games. The costumes are very detailed. Some people spend months making them!
A Note for Families: While Comiket is fun, it can be very crowded. Also, some of the comics sold here are for adults only. If you are bringing small children, you might want to be careful which areas you visit. [EXTERNAL LINK: Official Comiket Guide]
- Dates: December 30–31, 2025
- Location: Tokyo Big Sight, Odaiba
- Cost: Entry fee varies (¥440 – ¥5,000)
Christmas Markets in Tokyo
Even though Christmas is not a traditional Japanese holiday, Tokyo loves to celebrate it! Throughout the month, you can find lovely Christmas markets all over the city. They are modeled after the markets in Germany.
You can drink hot chocolate or mulled wine to stay warm. You can eat delicious sausages and churros. The decorations are sparkly and magical. It feels like a winter wonderland.
Top Picks:
- Tokyo Christmas Market: Usually held in Meiji Jingu Gaien or Hibiya Park.
- Roppongi Hills Market: Great for seeing lights and shopping.
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: A bit of a trip, but very famous and beautiful.
- Dates: Until December 25, 2025
- Location: All around Tokyo
- Cost: Free (food costs extra)
FAQ Section
Q: Is it very cold in Tokyo in December? A: Yes, it can get chilly! You will need a warm coat, a scarf, and maybe some gloves. The average temperature is around 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F). But when you are walking around at the Best Tokyo events December 2025, you will stay warm from the excitement!
Q: Do I need tickets for these events? A: Many events like the fireworks and temple fairs are free. However, big events like Comic Con require tickets. It is smart to buy them online before you go so you do not have to wait in line.
Q: Are shops open on Christmas Day? A: Yes! In Japan, December 25th is not a public holiday. Shops, restaurants, and trains run as normal. It is a great day to go out and have fun.
Q: What should I wear to winter festivals? A: Wear layers. It might be cold outside, but trains and shops are heated and warm. If you wear layers, you can take a jacket off when you go inside. [INTERNAL LINK: Japan Packing List]
Conclusion
December is truly a magical time to visit Japan. The city is full of lights, laughter, and amazing culture. You can start your month meeting superheroes at Comic Con and end it watching fireworks in Odaiba.
Whether you are buying a lucky paddle at a temple or eating hot food at a Christmas market, you are making memories that will last forever. Don’t forget to charge your camera, because you will want to take hundreds of photos. We hope you have a wonderful trip exploring the Best Tokyo events December 2025!
