Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
Illustrator HARUNE's solo exhibition "MASHUP" runs from November 6 to December 1, 2026 at Garari Showcase (ガラリshowcase) next to Hokusai-kan (北斎館) in Obuse, Nagano, featuring 10 new analog works including homages to Hokusai's Dragon and Phoenix.
Virtual singer Hatsune Miku will make her first appearance at rockin'on presents COUNTDOWN JAPAN 26/27 supported by au, taking the stage at Makuhari Messe on December 29, 2026.
From December 5, 2026 to March 22, 2027, the Toshima City Tokiwaso Manga Museum is holding a special exhibition on manga artist Hideko Mizuno, featuring the original manuscript of the lost work that led to her debut and materials from more than 70 years of her career.
From December 1, 2026 to February 23, 2027, HOSHINOYA Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture offers the "Healing Winter Retreat," a stay built around three free-flowing hot springs, a sub-zero morning stretch, kotatsu seating with winter-only dishes, a bar on the ice under the stars, and a letter to one's future self.
HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO in front of Nijo Castle serves a limited-time afternoon tea of Kyoto-grown strawberries and chocolate at THE GARDEN BAR from December 26, 2026 to February 28, 2027, for ¥7,800 per person.
On November 1, 2026, the custard sweets specialty shop I LOVE CUSTARD will release I LOVE CUSTARD COOKIE COCOA, a black cocoa cookie sandwiching custard-like chocolate, at its Hakata Deitos and Fukuoka Airport shops.
The ninth phase of the year-long IDOLiSH7 Harmony Lounge collaboration cafe, themed around a pop and cute ice cream wagon, runs from November 2 to December 9, 2026, at Animatecafe Ikebukuro 2nd Store and Osaka Nipponbashi.
Free live performances at Yoyogi Park on December 5 and 6, 2026 will feature luvis, Salasa, Super Climbing Club, the Po, Rol3ert and Tenten Takataka. Kitaya Park joins INSPIRE TOKYO 2026 WINTER as a new satellite venue with two contemporary art pieces.
Starting November 11, 2026, Isuzu Chaya Hanshin Umeda Main Store will sell mitarashi dango grilled at the shop and coated in a gently sweet soy sauce glaze, packed in a box after each order.
The Japanese Garden Café at Sanyoso in Izu-Nagaoka Onsen has been extended to run from November 1 to December 20, 2026, serving anmitsu or almond jelly with basil sauce inside a Registered Tangible Cultural Property overlooking the autumn garden.
A pop-up store themed on Junji Ito's horror manga Uzumaki and Gyo will run at TSUTAYA Tosa-Doro in Kochi from November 11 to December 13, 2026, selling original apparel and goods, including items featuring a newly drawn key visual.
From November 11 to 16, 2026, Shokusai Terrace on the 1st floor of Hanshin Umeda Main Store hosts Junkissa Hanshin vol. 6, gathering classic coffee shops from Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nagano with puddings, curry, sandwiches, and cream sodas, plus original retro goods and talk shows.