Welcome to the latest installment of Voyapon’s new (ish) series where we share some of the best under-the-radar events happening throughout Japan. Every month we give our readers the best events from Hokkaido to Okinawa and everywhere else in between. Find our list, below, of some amazing activities happening in January 2025.
Tokyo
The Japanese capital always welcomes in the new year with an amazing series of events and openings that you shouldn’t miss.
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills Winter Menus (from early January to late February)
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills has been one of the capital’s leading luxury hotels since its opening 10 years ago. This winter it’s offering a selection of seasonal menus for visitors and guests.
At The Tavern – Grill & Lounge, enjoy an afternoon tea featuring Amaou strawberries, and a limited-time Valentine’s Afternoon Tea available for just nine days. In the evening, enjoy the seasonal “High Up – Highball Happy Hour” where guests can relish the city’s evening skyline with a highball in hand.
The Rooftop Bar introduces three original “Hot Japanese Gin Cocktails”, perfect for the cold winter months.
At the Pastry Shop, indulge in an array of “Strawberry Sweets” featuring Amaou strawberries, the rich and smooth “Fleur de Chocolat” chocolate cake, and two elegant “Valentine’s Sweets 2025” bonbon chocolate gift boxes in pink and red.
At BeBu, guests can enjoy a Winter Special menu featuring a flavorful lamb burger.
For those seeking relaxation, the AO Spa & Club presents the “Cacao Embrace” spa treatment, a luxurious, limited-time offering perfect for pampering yourself or gifting to a loved one this Valentine’s Day.
Find further information here:
| When | From January 2025 |
| Where | Andaz Hotel Tokyo Toranomon Hills |
| Admission Fee | Varies |
| Official Website | https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/tyoaz-andaz-tokyo-toranomon-hills/events-and-attractions |
Vegan Izakaya Nowhere (Recently Opened)
Located a few minutes from Tokyo Skytree, Vegan Izakaya Nowhere is the brainchild of Yuki Koyama-Daniels who previously ran super-popular Nakano bar hallogallo prior to its closure in 2020. Completely vegan izakaya are extremely rare in Tokyo, and Nowhere is leading the pack with its tight menu of izakaya staples including gyoza, tempura, karaage and salads. Add to this, a great selection of drinks and you have an ideal night out if you happen to be near Asakusa or Tokyo Skytree.
Find further information here:
| When | Recently opened |
| Where | 1-8-2 Mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0033 |
| Admission Fee | Table charge of 400 yen per person |
| Official Website | https://veganizakayanowhere.com/ |
Ekiben Festival (Jan 26)
For fans of the iconic ekiben (train station bento) this festival should be genuinely mouthwatering. Nakanobu Shopping Arcade’s “Ekiben Festival” has been held for about 50 years. Thirty-four types of delicious ekiben and soraben (airport bento) from all over Japan will be on sale at the same time and for one day only. Held in Shinagawa-ku, this is a great opportunity to see different and unique ekiben from around Japan and how each region utilizes ingredients local to its area.
Find further information here:
| When | January 26 |
| Where | Nakanobu Shopping Street, Shinagawa |
| Admission Fee | Depending on the ekiben |
| Official Website | Ekiben Festival |
Gifu
From Tokyo we continue to Gifu Prefecture, which begins the new year with breathtaking festivals and illuminations.
Santera Mairi Festival (Jan 15)
The Santera Mairi Festival, held annually on January 15th in Hida Furukawa, combines tradition and romance. Originally a matchmaking event, it is now a pilgrimage to three temples: Enkoji, Honkoji, and Shinshuji, where visitors pray for fortune in relationships. As evening falls, hundreds of locally-made Warosoku candles illuminate the town and Seto River, creating a warm glow against the winter night. Visitors can also enjoy Hida beef delicacies, stroll through market stalls, or dress in kimono to fully embrace the festival’s nostalgic charm.
Find further information here:
| When | January 15 |
| Where | Hida Furukawa Station |
| Admission Fee | Free 4,000 yen if you want to rent a kimono 2,000 yen for only dressing |
| Official Website | https://hida.travel/destination/santera-mairi/38 |
Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up (Jan 13 – Feb 2)
Shirakawa-go, located in some of Japan’s most remote mountain ranges, was once isolated by rugged peaks and heavy snowfall. This seclusion fostered distinctive cultural traditions and distinct ways of life. Today, as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Shirakawa-go offers visitors a glimpse into its enduring heritage, where historic architecture and timeless customs harmonize with the natural beauty of the region. This winter visitors with reserved tickets have the opportunity to see this town illuminated in what promises to be a truly special experience.
Fidn further information here:
| When | January 13 – February 2 |
| Where | Shirakawa-go, Gifu |
| Admission Fee | Reservation necessary for the night viewing |
| Official Website | https://shirakawa-go.gr.jp/events/272/ |
Aichi
If you want to combine a typical Japanese event with culinary delights, you should attend the Mochitsuki Festival in Aichi Prefecture in January.
Mochitsuki in Okazaki (Jan 11-13)
The Shinshun Mochitsuki Matsuri 2025 at Wood Design Park Okazaki will be held from January 11–13. Guests can enjoy traditional rice-pounding, tasting freshly made mochi with various toppings. Activities include kids’ play areas, New Year games, and snacks for sale. Lodging guests participate for free with bonus vouchers. Reservations are required.
Find further information here:
| When | January 11 – 13 |
| Where | Wood Design Park Okazaki 8-4 Azahimen, Kajinocho, Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture 444-3443 |
| Admission Fee | 500 yen per person (includes all-you-can-drink soft drinks / 200g of mochi per person) 1,000 yen parking fee per car *Reservations must be made in advance. |
| Official Website | https://wood-designpark.jp/okazaki/event/7318.html |
Osaka
In Osaka, the New Year is welcomed with one of the region’s most renowned festivals.
Sumiyoshi Taisha White Horse Ceremony (Jan 7)
The Sumiyoshi Taisha White Horse Ceremony is a sacred tradition where a white horse, Hakuyuki-go, gallops around the grounds of Simiyoshi Shrine. Believed to exorcise evil spirits if seen at the year’s start, this ritual includes Hakuyuki-go visiting each main shrine. Visitors can also receive a red seal and a special amulet, koma-mamori, exclusive to this auspicious day.
Find further information here:
| When | January 7 |
| Where | Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://www.sumiyoshitaisha.net/events/annualevents/01.html |
Osaka Naked Festival (Jan 14)
The Shitennoji Doya Doya Festival, also called Osaka’s Naked Festival, marks the end of 14 days of New Year worship. Loincloth-clad high school students, linked to the temple, compete energetically while being drenched in freezing water. Shouting doya doya. symbolizing thundering footsteps, they chase banknotes. Arrive early for a good temple view; festivities start at 2:30pm.
Find further information here:
| When | January 14 |
| Where | Shitenno-ji Temple, Osaka |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://www.shitennoji.or.jp/ |
Niigata
Are you ready for one of the strangest festivals in all of Japan? Then you should travel to Niigata in January.
Strange Festival: Muko-nage Sumi-nuri (Jan 15)
Fancy throwing your son-in-law down a snowy slope? Then this festival is just the ticket. Held annually on January 15 at Matsunoyama Onsen, this event celebrates the “Little New Year” with some unique traditions. Newlywed grooms are tossed down a snowy slope from Yakushido’s five-meter-high grounds, symbolizing blessings for marriage. Suminuri, another ritual, involves participants painting faces with ash-mixed snow, praying for health and prosperity. The event thrives thanks to the hot springs.
Find further information here:
| When | January 15 |
| Where | Matsunoyama Yumoto, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture 942-1432 |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://niigata-kankou.or.jp/event/2083 |
Echigo Snow World (Jan 4 – Feb 24th)
For all you winter sports enthusiasts a trip to Niigata’s Echigo Snow World is an absolute must. You can enjoy a variety of sports and recreational activities on the vast snowy fields and with kids facilities part of the complex, it’s an ideal family day out.
Find further information here:
| When | January 4 – February 24 |
| Where | Echigo Hillside Park Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture 940-2147 |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://niigata-kankou.or.jp/event/2083 |
Make sure to visit one of these lesser-known festivals, events and stores during your trip to Japan in January to make your trip in 2025 a very special experience.
