Things to Do in Tokyo: New Events & Hot Spots (Updated 2026)

Weekend flea markets in Tokyo are a unique way to experience everyday local life. Rather than a shopping destination, they feel like a community event—many vendors are regular Tokyo residents selling things they no longer need at home. You’ll find everything from vintage clothing, sundries, used books, kids’ items, accessories, and small antiques. Big venues can host 150–700 stalls, and you could spend an entire afternoon treasure hunting and still not see it all. Best of all, admission is free. Unlike a mall, there’s a personal touch—you might chat with a vendor about why they’re selling something, which makes for a fun, community-driven Tokyo experience in its own right. 📅 October schedule (reference) Oct 3 (Sat) Oi Racecourse Tokyo City Flea Market Time: 9:00 AM–2:30 PM Location: Oi Racecourse Parking Lot 1 Large-scale event with many stalls Oct 24 (Sat) Oi Racecourse Tokyo City Flea Market Time: 9:00 AM–2:30 PM Location: Oi Racecourse Parking Lot 1 Oct 25 (Sun) multiple venues Kinshi Park: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Oi Racecourse Tokyo City Flea Market: 9:00 AM–2:30 PM Oct 31 (Sat) Oi Racecourse Tokyo City Flea Market Time: 8:45 AM–12:00 PM (shorter hours due to Tokyo Mega Illumination) Go earlier in the morning—good finds go fast Oct 11 (Sun) Tokyo Metropolitan Hikarigaoka Park: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM Oct 11 (Sun) Fussa Base Side Street: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (held on the 2nd Sunday each month) Oct 18 (Sun) Ajinomoto Stadium: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Oct 18 (Sun) Tamagawa Station Front Flea Market: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (postponed to Oct 25 if it rains) Note: Dates for some venues, such as Yoyogi Park, are being adjusted in October. We strongly recommend checking the latest schedule on the official website before you go. 💡 Practical tips for browsing markets Bring cash Most stalls accept cash only, even in electronic payment–friendly Tokyo. Carry enough yen in small bills and coins to haggle or pay for small items easily. Go in the morning The golden rule of flea markets: the early bird wins. The best window is 9:00–10:30 AM—vendors have just set up and the hottest items haven’t been snapped up. If you’re a seasoned bargain hunter, the earlier you arrive, the better your chances. Most markets are canceled if it rains Nearly all Tokyo flea markets are held outdoors and will be canceled or postponed if it rains. Check the official website or LINE before setting out so you don’t make a trip for nothing. Give yourself time Plan 2–3 hours. With 150–700 stalls and a few minutes spent at each, your whole morning can fly by. You might not buy much, but the joy of rummaging is part of the fun. Wear comfortable shoes Markets are usually held in parks or open lots, where the ground can be uneven. Sneakers or flats will make browsing more comfortable. Chat with vendors Most vendors are friendly Tokyo locals and happy to talk. Ask why they’re selling an item or the story behind a vintage piece—these conversations are often more memorable than the finds themselves. 🛍️ What you might find Flea market offerings are wonderfully unpredictable—it all comes down to luck and your eye: Vintage and clothing: Secondhand clothes in Japan are often in great condition, including barely worn designer labels and retro styles. Japanese sundries: Pottery, textiles, kitchenware, and glassware, often in charming Japanese folk craft styles. Used books and manga: If you read Japanese, you can often score books and manga for about 1/3 of the usual price. Kids’ items: Baby and toddler clothes, toys, and books—many parents bring items their families no longer use. Accessories and add-ons: Handmade jewelry, antique watches, and vintage eyewear often turn up as delightful surprises. Small antiques: Porcelain, wooden crafts, old cameras, and more—perfect for nostalgia lovers. Electronics: Old cameras, vinyl turntables, and similar items often draw collectors. If you’re not sure where to go on the weekend, drop by a flea market. You can stroll through a nearby park or grab a coffee afterward. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy a slow-paced Tokyo weekend.

July 15, 2026–May 31, 2027, the hit Korean exhibition Sanrio characters Exhibition Hotel Floria Tokyo (Hotel Floria Tokyo) makes its Japan debut at Tokyu Kabukicho Tower in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward. With a dream hotel imagined by Sanrio characters as its theme, the exhibition delivers an immersive hotel room tour. Check in just like at a real hotel, then step into themed guest rooms designed by Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, and more to soak in a fantasy world of light and color. You will also find a lineup of original merchandise, including plush toys, keychains, luggage tags, and more, perfect for every fan’s collection. Highlights span multiple themed zones: at the entrance, check in alongside the Sanrio characters; in the guest rooms, experience their uniquely dreamy designs; in the garden, join a party hosted by Little Twin Stars Kiki and Lala; in the ballroom, dance with the characters; and on the pink beach, bask in a romantic, tech-driven resort vibe. Every area bursts with surprises and photo-worthy moments—an unmissable spot for Sanrio fans. At Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, dive into the adorable world of Sanrio characters and embark on a one-of-a-kind dream journey!

Visiting Japan in fall, it’s hard to resist those sweet, fragrant sweet potatoes. This year’s やきいもフェス will be held concurrently in Tokyo and Osaka for 10 straight days, featuring not only classic roasted sweet potatoes but also inventive sweets and savories that highlight an extra-crispy crunch. ✨ Highlights and limited-time menu Two-city celebration: The Tokyo venue is at Nakano Shikinomori Park, and the Osaka venue is at Taiyo-no-Hiroba in Osaka Castle Park. Both offer a great fall outdoor atmosphere. 30 sweet-potato ways to indulge: On site you’ll find salted butter brûlée roasted sweet potatoes, chocolate sweet potatoes, pot-roasted sweet potato coffee jelly sundaes, sweet potato gratin, and sweet potato cream cheese sandwiches, and you can compare different sweet potato varieties side by side. Texture spotlight: This year especially focuses on a layered bite—"Zaku-zaku! Pari-pari!"—perfect for devoted sweet potato fans. 💡 Practical pre-trip tips Event dates: October 30–November 8, 2026. Free entry; food and drinks are à la carte. Payment tips: The event is cashless only (no cash accepted). Before you go, make sure you have a credit card, a Suica or other transit IC card, or another e-payment method.

Tokyo Skytree is hosting the "chiikawa☆Starfall Skytree® and the Secret Island" collaboration, offering an immersive chiikawa-themed experience for visitors. 📅 July 10 (Fri)–October 31 (Sat), 2026 🌌 Tembo Galleria displays At 450m above ground, the Tembo Galleria features charming installations that make you feel like you’ve stepped into the world of chiikawa. Photo spots let you pose with plushies of chiikawa, Usagi, and more, so you can capture unforgettable memories. ☕ Themed cafe and merchandise Enjoy a limited-time cafe menu inspired by chiikawa characters, packed with playful touches. Exclusive original Tokyo Skytree merchandise will also be available—must-have collectibles for fans. 🎥 Giant screen and light show The windows on the Tembo Deck transform into a massive screen, looping special chiikawa videos for a visually striking experience. Meanwhile, a character-inspired light show illuminates Tokyo Skytree at night, with the tower shimmering in a dreamlike glow. Come to Tokyo Skytree and experience the unique charm of chiikawa!

On November 28, 2026, the Christchurch–Tokyo round-trip route resumes, with Air New Zealand operating 3 flights per week. 🛫 Outbound: NZ051 Departure: 12:35 PM, Christchurch International Airport Arrival: 8:10 PM, Narita International Airport 🛫 Return: NZ052 Departure: 9:40 PM, Narita International Airport Arrival: 12:50 PM (+1), Christchurch International Airport (All times are local.)

On fall nights, Tokyo Tower has truly gone haunted! Window projections snap from a tranquil autumn scene to a full-on Halloween party. With music and sound effects, the 150m-high Main Deck becomes an immersive haunted venue. ✨ Highlights 1. Autumn views turn into a "haunted house": The projection doesn’t block the real night view outside. Instead, it blends imagery with Tokyo’s city lights. It opens with a calm fall tableau of red maple leaves, silver grass, and chirping insects. Then the music shifts, and witches, bats, jack-o'-lanterns, and ghosts appear, transforming the space into an immersive Halloween party. 2. SEKIRO tie-in projection: From Sep 11–Sep 23, a special collaboration screens featuring the animated SEKIRO: NO DEFEAT. Swordplay and battle scenes are projected on the windows with powerful sound, merging with Tokyo’s night skyline. The two programs play in rotation. 3. Night views from 150m up: Standing inside the Main Deck, you’ll feel as if Tokyo has been taken over by spirits—perfect for moody, cinematic shots. 💡 Practical tips before you go Event dates and location: Sep 11–Oct 31, 2026, evenings; Tokyo Tower Main Deck, 2nd floor, north side. Transportation: 🚇 Toei Oedo Line "Akabanebashi Station" approx. 5 mins on foot 🚇 Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line "Kamiyacho Station" approx. 7 mins on foot 🚃 Toei Mita Line "Onarimon Station" approx. 6 mins on foot 🚃 JR "Hamamatsucho Station" approx. 15 mins on foot

On November 16, 2026, the Riyadh–Tokyo, Japan round-trip route launches, operated by Saudia with 3 flights per week. 🛫 Outbound: SV824 Departure: 10:35 PM, Riyadh, King Khalid International Airport Arrival: 3:00 PM (+1), Tokyo, Narita International Airport 🛫 Return: SV825 Departure: 9:30 PM, Tokyo, Narita International Airport Arrival: 5:25 AM (+1), Riyadh, King Khalid International Airport (All times are local.)

The Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibition takes place annually from November 1 to 15 in the Japanese Traditional Garden of Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo. This event is deeply rooted in imperial tradition and is known for its elegant display of chrysanthemums. Temporary wooden pavilions, known as uwaya, are set up along the gardens walking paths, showcasing a wide variety of chrysanthemum blossoms arranged in unique and artistic styles. Visitors can stroll along the designated paths to appreciate the carefully cultivated chrysanthemum beds, each offering a different visual experience. The exhibition highlights the beauty and diversity of this iconic flower, making it a special seasonal event for flower enthusiasts and those interested in Japanese culture. Additionally, the Information Center features the Chrysanthemum Panel Exhibition, which provides informative displays about the history and highlights of the event. Guests can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of chrysanthemums in Japanese tradition while enjoying the tranquil garden setting. This exhibition offers a relaxing and visually stunning experience, perfect for those seeking a peaceful autumn outing.

All the original filming locations for "Your Name" are in Japan—Suga Shrine in Tokyo, Lake Suwa in Nagano, and Hida-Furukawa in Gifu. Completing a pilgrimage to Japan is the ultimate goal for fans. But if you have already been to Japan, these 3 locations in China offer the same soothing vibe, widely endorsed by travelers and creators as the "China version of Itomori." 1️⃣ Ningbo Dongqian Lake (Xiaobaibu Peak + Bohuodi) | The classic "China version of Itomori" Why it is called "Itomori": From the summit of Xiaobaibu Peak, you can look out over all of Dongqian Lake, Ningbo Hanling Old Street, and rolling mountains—the "high vantage over a town + lake" composition mirrors the shot where Taki gazes down at Mitsuha’s town from the mountains. Easy hiking route: Xiaobaibu Peak loop, total length approx. 5 km, easy difficulty, 1.5–2 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass birch woods, mountain hamlets, and distant lake views. At dusk: As the sun sets, the lake sparkles and the entire town is bathed in a golden glow—this is when that "fully soothing" feeling from the movie hits. Ningbo Hanling Old Street: The historic street at the foot of the mountain preserves Republic-era architecture. Paired with the overlook from above, you get a "town panorama" feel. Best time to visit: 5:00–6:30 PM (reach the summit about 1 hour before sunset). Transportation: Ningbo downtown → Dongqian Lake (approx. 30 minutes by car) 2️⃣ Pingyang, Wenzhou | "The Chinese lookalike stairs from Taki and Mitsuha" Why it is called "lookalike stairs": There’s a long run of stone steps with railings and timeworn yellowed houses—directly echoing the scene where Taki and Mitsuha talk in front of a run-down home. Signature long staircase: Stone steps climb from the base of the neighborhood to the top. Weathered handrails, warm muted tones, and old houses create a distinctly Japanese ruin-chic aesthetic. A literary small-town vibe: Old houses, narrow alleys, and sunlight filtering through gaps—every corner is a treasure trove for photographers and creatives. Easy stroll + photos: No mountain hiking needed. Just wander between the stairways and old houses within the neighborhood, with ample time for photos. Best shooting time: 6–8 AM (softest light, fewest visitors) or 4–6 PM. Transportation: Wenzhou downtown → Pingyang (approx. 1.5 hours) 3️⃣ Longquan Mountain, Chengdu | A skyline view over the city and lakes From certain ridgelines, you can see both the urban skyline and lakes, offering a perspective similar to the film’s "high-altitude town overlook." It doesn’t replicate the rustic feel of Suga Shrine; instead, it highlights the "collision of modern city and nature." City-and-lake in one frame: From Longquan Mountain, you can take in the Chengdu Plain, lakes, and the distant skyline—the "nature vs. man-made" contrast evokes the film’s sense of "two worlds overlapping." Easy ridge hikes: Longquan Mountain Scenic Area features multiple gentle ridge trails with wide-open views, taking 2–3 hours to complete. A modern kind of calm: Unlike traditional old towns, the "soothing" feeling here comes from "openness" rather than "nostalgia." Best time to visit: 4:00–6:30 PM (reach the top before sunset to watch the plain glow). Transportation: Chengdu downtown → Longquan Mountain (approx. 1 hour) From Suga Shrine in Japan to these 3 "lookalike" spots in China, you’re not chasing a perfect copy—you’re reinterpreting the film’s sense of "time-crossing and healing" through different landscapes.

This fall in Tokyo, Sanrio Puroland is a must-visit. The 2026 Halloween special "PUROMONSTERSCRAMBLE" makes its big debut, featuring a historic first-ever crossover with the ultra-popular trend IP LABUBU. Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, and Badtz-Maru are all donning fuzzy monster outfits, with transformations across immersive shows, a revamped boat ride, and limited-time food and drinks. ✨ Highlights and signature experiences 360° immersive monster party: LABUBU will make a special guest appearance. Sanrio stars in furry monster outfits take the stage together for interactive fun. The show runs about 20 minutes. Pre-show DJ time: Before the main show, Sanrio characters take turns delivering an approx. 10-minute DJ set. Each session features 1 character, instantly getting the crowd moving. Limited-time horror boat ride: The usually cute and popular boat ride transforms into a "Cursed Clown" theme on Halloween weekends and holidays. Guests must carry a light source to cut through the dark waterways, hunt for clues, and uncover 3 cursed clowns. Halloween photo spot (3F photo spot): A dedicated immersive backdrop where you can snap photos with Sanrio stars in their fuzzy monster looks. Limited-edition merch and themed dining: Enjoy Halloween-only monster curry, signature drinks, and exclusive LABUBU co-branded desserts. Fuzzy monster plush toys, limited headbands, and bag charms are also on sale. 💡 Pro tips and need-to-knows Event dates: Sep 11–Nov 3, 2026. Boat ride horror-mode dates: The "Cursed Clown" boat operates only on Sep 11, and on weekends and Japanese national holidays from Sep 12 to Nov 3 after 4:00 PM. On weekdays, the regular version operates. Getting there: Take the Keio Line to Keio Tama Center Station or the Odakyu Line to Odakyu Tama Center Station. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the station.

SHIBUYA SKY is an open-air rooftop observatory atop Shibuya Scramble Square in Tokyo, perched about 229m above sea level and delivering a breathtaking 360° panorama of the city. Here you can gaze down at the famous Shibuya Crossing—often called the world’s busiest intersection—and look out toward Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. On clear days, you can even spot Mount Fuji. Ride the Sky Elevator from the 14th floor straight to the observation level, with kinetic ceiling lights along the way. On the 46th floor, the indoor Sky Gallery features digital installations and interactive art. Up on the rooftop, Sky Stage includes the glass walkway Sky Edge and the Cloud Hammock loungers—prime spots for capturing cinematic sunsets, neon-lit crowds, or the night skyline. After dark, the Crossing Light show illuminates the sky every 30 mins, setting a romantic mood. Day or night, SHIBUYA SKY puts you at the heart of the city, inviting you to feel Tokyo’s rhythm and the play of light and shadow from a fresh perspective.

teamLab Planets TOKYO is an immersive art museum located in Toyosu, Tokyo. Visitors can reach the museum in approximately 15 minutes by taxi from Tokyo Station or via a 15-minute drive from Haneda Airport. This unique museum invites guests to fully engage with art by walking through water and experiencing interactive installations. The artworks are dynamic, changing in response to the presence and movements of visitors, creating a personalized experience for each individual. At teamLab Planets, guests can expect to perceive and become one with the art, offering a blend of visual and sensory experiences that are both captivating and thought-provoking. This innovative approach to art encourages exploration and interaction, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Consider planning your visit to teamLab Planets TOKYO to experience this extraordinary fusion of art and technology!