Credit: Chuo-ku Tourism Association
Kotatsu Boat in Nagatoro
January 1 – February 28
You’re floating down the Arakawa River, legs tucked beneath a heated kotatsu blanket glowing from charcoal embers, while winter air nips at your nose. The wooden boat glides between steep, rippling stone terraces. It’s equal parts peaceful and surreal. Arrive early, board spontaneously and let the contrast of cold air and kotatsu warmth slow your heartbeat to match the river’s gentle current.
When: 10am – 2pm
Where: Nagatoro Line Kudari
Address: 489-2 Nagatoro, Chichibu, Saitama
Price: Adults ¥1,100; Children (3 years and above) ¥700
Website: chichibu-railway.co.jp/nagatoro
Nagatoro Line Kudari on Google Maps
Tondoyaki
January 8
Credit: Edomura no Tokuzo
A fiery spiritual cleanse in Kuramae, Tondoyaki brings together local residents, roaring bonfires and New Year’s energy. Just a five-minute walk from Kuramae Station, Torigoe Shrine comes alive with the crackle of burning decorations as the community gathers to bid farewell to the visiting deities. The smoke from the Tondo‑yaki fire is believed to ward off illness, offering a warm layer of protection for the year ahead.
When: From 1pm onwards
Where: Torikoe Shrine
Address: 2-4-1 Torigoe, Taito-ku
Price: Free
Website: city.taito.lg.jp/event/kanko/tondo-yaki
Jingara Mochi Ritual
January 10
Credit: Nagareyama Tourism Association
Participants march through a celebratory “Flower Path” before launching into a rugby‑style battle over a giant mochi rice cake. The goal is to crack the mochi through sheer force, with the resulting fissures predicting the quality of the year’s harvest. Enthusiastic chants of “Wasse!” bring a lively atmosphere.
When: 6pm – 9:30pm
Where: Miwa Moro Shrine
Address: 5-619 Miwanoyama, Nagareyama, Chiba
Price: Free
Website: nagareyamakankou.com
Miwa Moro Shrine on Google Maps
Midwinter Water Bathing Ceremony at Teppozu Inari
January 11
Credit: Chuo-ku Tourism Association
A freezing spiritual reset at the 71st Midwinter Purification brings together brave locals and icy water in a tradition of raw New Year determination. Held at Teppozu Inari Shrine, participants plunge into cold baths to purify both body and mind. It’s a visceral prayer for family health and gratitude that has defined the neighborhood’s January for generations.
When: From 11am
Where: Teppozu Inari Shrine
Address: 1-6-7 Minato, Chuo-ku
Price: Free
Website: chuo-kanko.or.jp
Teppozu Inari Shrine on Google Maps
Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament 2026
January 11 – 25
At the January Basho (the Grand Sumo Tournament), you will get a chance to witness Japan’s most celebrated athletes collide in bouts that are as much about sport as they are tradition. Experience the raw power and technique of these incredible sumo wrestlers as they vie for the Emperor’s Cup.
The atmosphere at Ryogoku Kokugikan is electric, with fans from all over the world coming together to celebrate this ancient sport. From the ceremonial rituals to the thrilling matches, every moment is steeped in history and culture. Don’t miss your opportunity to see this unique and fascinating event live.
Where: Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena
Address: 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku
Price: Tickets vary from ¥3,500 – ¥20,000.
Website: sumo.pia.jp/en
Ryogoku Kokugikan on Google Maps
Setagaya Boroichi
January 15–16
Discover quaint items at the Setagaya Boroichi Boasting a 400-year history, Setagaya Boroichi was established by the lord of Oawara as a tax-free marketplace in the Edo period. Then, the main item sold was boro, or rags. Now, the market is a versatile Chimera: meticulously designed utensils, eye-catching kimonos, original handicrafts, eccentric toys and many others. For foodies, the market is a must-go. Daikan mochi, a white rice cake covered with sweet red bean paste, is only available in this market. Discover the new-year buzz at Setagaya Boroichi.
When: 9am – 8pm
Where: Setagaya / Kamimachi Stations (Setagaya Line)
Address: Boroichi Street, 1 Setagaya, Setagaya-ku
Price: Free entrance
Website: city.setagaya.lg.jp
Boroichi Dori on Google Maps
Konnyaku Enma Festival at Genkaku-ji
January 16
Flyer from the official Genkaku-ji Facebook page
This fiery spiritual mash‑up in Bunkyo Ward, the Enma Festival, is just a three‑minute walk from Korakuen Station. Genkaku-ji Temple buzzes with the chanting of yamabushi and a dramatic fire‑walking ceremony. The temple also unveils its famous “Konnyaku Enma” statue to mark the days when the underworld traditionally took a holiday.
When: From 12pm
Where: Genkaku-ji
Address: 2-23-14 Koishikawa, Bunkyo-ku
Price: Free
Website: facebook.com/genkakuji
Genkaku-ji on Google Maps
Daikoku Festival at Kanda Myoujin
January 17 – 19
Kanda Myojin Shrine – Seiji Enokido
Celebrate the New Year with this traditional festival at Kanda Myojin Shrine, which honors Daikoku, the god of wealth and prosperity. Some of the highlights include a purification ritual, the Shijoryu Hochodo Performance—filleting a large carp using a kitchen knife—and the Daikokuten Dance.
Jan 18 at 10am: Witness a purification ritual as coming-of-age participants immerse themselves in ice water.
Jan 19 at 12pm: Watch hocho-shiki, a Heian-era tradition where masters ceremonially slice a large carp.
When: 9am –10am
Where: Kanda Myoujin Shrine
Address: 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku
Price: Free
Website: kandamyoujin.or.jp
Myoujin Shrine on Google Maps
Reigakusha Gagaku Concert Celebrating the New Year
January 22
A hush falls. A flute sighs. The world of ancient court music—the world of gagaku—unfurls with measured grace at Yotsuya Civic Hall. Reigakusha performs not just tradition but resurrection: lost pieces brought to life with meticulously restored Shosoin instruments. This is winter’s most refined ritual, a ticketed entry into Japan’s oldest sonic universe, soaked in reverence and stillness.
When: From 6:30pm
Where: Yotsuya Civic Hall
Address: 87 Naitomachi, Shinjuku-ku
Price: ¥2,000 – ¥4,000
Website: reigakusha.com
Yotsuya Civic Hall on Google Maps
Shimokitazawa Tengu Festival
January 31 – February 2
Shimokitazawa’s narrow streets come alive with giant tengu masks and the sound of conch shells. The Dew-Cleansing Ceremony kicks everything off: water glistening in winter light, red-faced tengu towering above the crowd, protectors marching between indie cafés and vintage shops.
On February 1, a grand parade sweeps through town. Lucky beans fly from balconies and wooden floats. Kids win prizes at festival games. It’s folklore meets back-alley cool: only in Shimokita.
When: 8am – 7:30pm
Where: Shimokitazawa Ichibangai Shopping Street
Address: 2-37-17 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku
Price: Free
Website: shimokita1ban.com
Shimokitazawa Ichibangai Shopping Street on Google Maps
