Event List in Tokyo This Week / Weekend (September 16 to 22, 2024)

The best events, activities, and exhibitions held this week / weekend in Tokyo

Event List in Tokyo This Week2

In Japan, people tend to say autumn is the perfect season to connect with culture, such as literature, art, food, etc. Because of this, it is also a season when you’ll see many cultural events across Japan, especially in Tokyo.

Tokyo, being such a large city, has many events happening simultaneously. Because of this, it might be difficult to keep track of events that you’d be interested in. These range from art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and musical concerts to cultural festivals and seasonal food-related events. Some of these events are just a couple of days long.

That’s where this article will hopefully come in handy. I have created a list of events for this week in Tokyo. If you live in Tokyo and have some free time, or if you happen to be visiting Tokyo during this week, then I hope at least one of these events will interest you to check it out.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

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Autumn culture in Japan

Before going to the list, I’d like to explain the phrase Bunka no Aki (文化の秋), which means “autumn for culture.” As I mentioned in the introduction of this article, autumn is a season when Japanese people traditionally spend time getting in touch with culture.

In Japan, there are these phrases related to autumn: Supo-tsu no aki (スポーツの秋), Dokusho no aki (読書の秋), Shokuyoku no aki (食欲の秋), Shukaku no aki (収穫の秋), and Geijutsu no aki (芸術の秋). These mean “Autumn for sports”, “Autumn for reading”, “Autumn for hunger”, “Autumn for harvest”, and “Autumn for art” respectively. All of these words have a different origin story, but in the end, all these are phrases you’ll hear people say once the temperature outside starts to chill down.

“Autumn for Sports” comes from the fact that the Tokyo Olympics of 1964 were held in October. “Autumn for reading” became popular after Japanese writer Natsume Soseki (夏目漱石) referenced an old poem stating that autumn is the best season for reading because of the temperature. “Autumn of hunger” is said because there are so many delicious seasonal foods such as chestnuts, sweet potatoes, persimmon, and Pacific saury, among others.

Here are some articles about things to do during Autumn in Japan.

▶︎Autumn in Japan: 10 Best Things to Do in 2024

▶︎10 Best Places to Visit in Japan in Autumn 2024

▶︎11 Best Autumn Festivals in Japan 2024

Now that you know a little bit about autumn-related Japanese culture, here is the event list in Tokyo this week (September 16 to 22, 2024).

1. Naked MOMIJI Aquarium 2024

Naked Momijo Aquarium-min
Copyright©Maxell AQUAPARK SHINAGAWA

The Naked Momiji Aquarium event is an annual seasonal attraction held in Maxell Aqua Park in Shinagawa. Featuring magical visuals of autumn leaves with an amazing aquarium of marine life giving an underwater autumn forest vibes.

Event Period: September 13 to November 17, 2024

Location: Aqua Park Shinagawa

Official Website: https://www.aqua-park.jp/special/momijiaquarium2024/

<<Book Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa Ticket in Tokyo online here!!>>

For more information about this event, check the following article!

▶︎NAKED MOMIJI AQUARIUM at Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa 2024

2. Minion Theme Cafe in Japan

minion cafe-min
COPYRIGHT © PARCO CO.,LTD

A collaboration cafe event featuring the well-known character The Minions offering a themed menu and limited edition items related to their latest movie the Illumination Despicable ME4.

Event Period: August 3 to September 24, 2024

Location: TOKYO PARADE goods&cafe Shibuya PARCO 6F

Official Website: https://cafe.parco.jp/parade/detail/?id=9012

For more information about this event, check out the following article!

▶︎Minion Theme Cafe in Japan 2024

For more Character cafe events, check out the following article!

▶︎16 Best Character Cafes in Japan 2024

3. Ginza Kyoto Exhibition at Ginza Mitsukoshi

Ginza Mutsukoshi exterior view (night)

The Ginza Kyoto Exhibition at Ginza Mitsukoshi in Tokyo brings the essence of Kyoto to the city. Visitors can enjoy authentic Kyoto food, crafts, and culture without leaving Tokyo. The event showcases Kyoto’s rich traditions from both a local and global perspective, offering a rare chance to experience the true spirit of Kyoto. Whether you’re familiar with Kyoto or exploring it for the first time, this exhibition provides a unique opportunity to enjoy its beauty and craftsmanship.

Event Period:
Part 1: September 18 – September 23
Part 2: September 25 – September 30

Location: Ginza Mitsukoshi, New Building, 7th Floor, Event Hall

Official Website: https://cp.mistore.jp/global/en/ginza/topic/ginza_kyotoexhibition_202409.html

For more information about this event, check the following article!

Ginza Kyoto Exhibition at Ginza Mitsukoshi: A Celebration of Kyoto’s Rich Culture

4. PUROHALLOWEEN

Purohalloween 2024-min (1)
© 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN 著作 株式会社サンリオ

Purohalloween is an annual Halloween celebration in Sanrio Puroland it features cute Sanrio characters in Halloween costumes, parades, performances, and fun activities to enjoy the season.

Event Period: September 9 to November 5, 2024

Location: Sanrio Puroland

Official Website: https://www.puroland.jp/event-campaign/2024_halloween/

For more information about this event, check out the following article!

▶︎Sanrio Puroland Halloween 2024

5. KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO x ONE PIECE: Sweets Buffet

Keio Hotel Tokyo x One piece Collab-min
© 尾田栄一郎/集英社・フジテレビ・東映アニメーション © Keio Plaza Hotel Co.,Ltd.

A special collaboration with the popular anime and manga series “One Piece” and the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo. Featuring a girl’s party sweet buffet, with themed decorations and themed sweets buffet inspired by the character or scenes from the series. Where the guest can enjoy a unique dining experience surrounded by the themed decor of the One Piece.

Event Period: June 1 to September 30, 2024

Location: 2nd floor/All day dining <Jurin>

Official Website: https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/event/onepiece-fair/sweets.html

For more information about the Beer Garden event in Tokyo, check out the following article!

▶︎KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO x ONE PIECE: Girl’s Party Sweets Buffet

6. Disney Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blaster “Complete the Mission!”

Disney Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blaster-min
©Disney.

A new attraction for the family to enjoy featuring a space-themed adventure where Buzz from Toy Story character is the main highlight. A fun attraction with vibrant colors, neon lighting, and Disney storytelling to enjoy.

Event Period: Until October 31, 2024

Location: Tokyo Disneyland

Official Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/treasure/buzzfinal/

<<Book Tokyo Disney Resort tickets online here!!>>

For more travel tips about Tokyo Disney Resort, Check out the following articles.

▶︎Tokyo Disneyland Guide: Best Things to Do

▶︎Tokyo DisneySea Guide: Best Things to Do

7. Pokemon and Blue Sky Sky Tree

Pokemon and Blue Sky Sky Tree 2-min
©Nintendo・Creatures・GAME FREAK・TV Tokyo・ShoPro・JR Kikaku ©Pokémon ©TOKYO-SKYTREE

A lively event that gives a unique experience for all ages is held at Tokyo Skytree featuring the enchanting world of Pokemon where the place is full of Pokemon-themed decorations such as famous characters like Pikachu and Eevee. Various activities to enjoy like exhibits, special merchandise of Pokemon Characters, Themed-foods (Cafe), and Photo booth.

Event Period: June 25 to September 24, 2024

Location: Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck, Tembo Galleria

Official Website: https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/event/special/pokemon/

For more information about this event, check out the following article!

▶︎Tokyo Skytree x Pokemon Collaboration Event in 2024 Summer

8. Gintama x Yomiuri Land ~ The 20th anniversary!

Gintama x Yomiuri Land-min (1)
©空知英秋/集英社・テレビ東京・電通・BNP・アニプレックス

In celebrating the 20th anniversary of the popular anime and manga series Gintama a special collaboration in Yomiuriland is being held featuring themed attractions, foods, and exclusive merchandise inspired by the characters and series.

Event Period: August 30 to October 14, 2024

Location: Yomiuriland

Official Website: https://realize-event.net/gintama_yomiuriland/

<<Book Yomiuri Land tickets online here!!>>

For future event held in Yomiuriland, check out the following article!

▶︎Yomiuriland Jewellumination 2024-2025

9. SpongeBob Cafe in Tokyo 2024

© 2024 Viacom. SpongeBob SquarePants created by Stephen Hillenburg.

SpongeBob Cafe in Tokyo is held to celebrate its 25th anniversary, featuring various goods and themed foods on their menus available for a limited time only.

Event Period: June 13 to November 4, 2024

Location: RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK South 2F

Official Website: https://benelic.com/cafe_secret_recipe/

For more information about this event, check the following article!

▶SpongeBob Cafe in Tokyo 2024

10. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Cafe in Japan 2024

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Cafe-min
© 2021 「劇場版 呪術廻戦 0」製作委員会 ©芥見下々/集英社

The Jujutsu Kaisen Cafe will hold an event in four venues in three cities in Japan Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Special themed menus inspired by the characters and exclusive merchandise will also be available.

Event Period/ Location:

  • BOX cafe&space Q plaza Harajuku
    August 29 to October 27, 2024
  • BOX cafe&space Harajuku ALTA
    August 29 to October 27, 2024

Official Website: https://0.jujutsukaisen-cafe.jp/

For more information about this event, Check out the following article!

▶︎Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Cafe in Japan 2024


Weekend Events

1. Sumo Grand Tournament

Sumo grand tournament September-min (1)
Copyright © Nihon Sumo Kyokai

An annual event of the Sumo tournament in Tokyo in September is held in Ryogaku Kokugikan, the perfect event for those who want to know more about traditional sports in Japan, such as sumo. Various activities and tour packages are available to enjoy more of the event.

Event Period: September 8 to 22, 2024

Location: Ryogoku Kokugikan

Official Website: https://www.sumo.or.jp/En/

For more information about Sumo, check out the following articles!

Sumo Wrestling: Things to Know
How to Watch Sumo in Japan

2. Uenode Panda Mid-Autumn Festival 2024

Uenode Panda 2024-min
©ウエノデ・パンダ春節祭

An annual event held in Ueno Park the main highlight is Panda, various activities, lively performances dance and music with food stalls, shops selling good about Panda. It is more like a Chinese cultural celebration along with some foods popular in China.

Event Period: September 21 to 23, 2024

Location: Ueno Fountain Park

Official Website: https://panda-expo.com/

3. Overload Exhibition (Tokyo Venue)

Overload Exhibition-min
©丸⼭くがね・KADOKAWA刊/劇場版「オーバーロード」聖王国編製作委員会

The Overload Exhibition is an immersive event featuring the latest technology in gaming and digital entertainment like AR and VR. The visitor can enjoy and experience the activities, workshops, and digital artworks. The latest gadgets and exclusive items are also available to purchase.

Event Period: September 14 to 29, 2024

Location: Tokyo Solamachi® Space 634

Official Website: https://overlord-expo.com/

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I hope you enjoyed this article about events in Tokyo this week. As I previously mentioned, it can be difficult to keep track of every festival, exhibition, and other event happening in Tokyo, so hopefully, this article serves as a reference for you to find things to do in Tokyo.

For more information about things to do in Tokyo in 2024, check out the following articles!

▶Best Things to Do in Tokyo 2024

▶10 Best Events in Tokyo in September 2024

▶10 Best Events in Japan in September 2024

▶Best Anime-Related Events in Japan (September 2024)

▶Best Character Cafes in Japan 2024

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If you want more information about things to do in Tokyo, be sure to check out our other related articles at the links below!

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Written by

Greetings to all mommies I am a supermom from Philippines. Previously, I worked and lived in Dubai for seven years, until 2015 the year I  moved in Japan. Currently, I am happily settled here with my Japanese husband and our 7 months old baby. I could only describe my almost 6 years of living here as a roller coaster ride more so, after I gave birth to my son. Japan had changed me in ways unimaginable. It has influence my lifestyle, my perceptions and beliefs. I was able to witness firsthand the pros and cons of living in the country. From their  language, culture and ethnicity, the people, place and in work. Those years were enough to give me quite personal and memorable experiences which I would be more than delighted to share with you.