Grand Sumo Tournament
Witness a world of ancient rituals, extraordinary strength and big men in small loincloths at Ryōgoku Kokugikan—Tokyo’s only site-specific sumo stadium—this January.
Although sumo is an all-day affair, the high division matches take place in the afternoon from 4 pm when the top rikishi (wrestlers) enter the dohyo (ring) and the most exciting bouts begin.
To better understand all the shoving and grappling, we recommend hiring a radio that provides English commentary.
The tournament is held at Tokyo’s purpose-built sumo stadium Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Sumida from the 11th to the 25th of January
Setagaya Boroichi Market
Tokyo’s oldest continuously running street market, that has been in operation since 1578, is so revered that it’s been designated as an ‘Intangible Folk Cultural Property’ that’s a precious legacy for the Japanese people.
Centuries ago the majority of the market’s merchandise consisted of boro (fabric scraps) for reinforcing zori (straw sandals) and mending work clothes for the local farming community.
Now, you’ll find over 700 vendors selling vintage kimonos, secondhand toys, antiques and traditional snacks like freshly pounded mochi (freshly-made rice cakes) and warm amazake (a sweet, non-alcoholic rice drink).
Head to Boroichi Street in Setagaya on the 15th and 16th of January, between 9 am and 8 pm.
Hand Made in Japan Fes 2026
Get ready to unleash your creativity at this weekend event that showcases Japanese artistry, craft and hobby making skills.
You’ll have the opportunity to attend kintsugi (repairing broken ceramics with lacquer and gold) workshops and traditional papercraft classes, and purchase unique, handmade and well-priced goods from over 3,000 Japanese exhibitors.
It’s on at Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba on the 17th and 18th of January from 11 am to 7 pm.
Oedo Antique Market
Held on the first and third Sunday of the month, Odeo outdoor antique market is a wonderland for vintage enthusiasts and design-minded shoppers.
Boasting over 250 dealers, the market is an all-encompassing cornucopia of antique Japanese home furnishings, artworks, books, jewellery, toys, movie memorabilia and much, much more.
Spread out over trestle tables and blankets, you’ll find Shōwa era (1926–1989) kokeshi (handmade wooden dolls), kimono, obi (long decorative belts) as well as kawaii (cute) wind-up tin toys and retro fashion magazines.
Bear in mind that most vendors are cash only and that bargaining is a total no-no.
It takes place outside the Tokyo International Forum in Marunouchi on the 18th and the 25th of January from 8 am to 4 pm.
Fuyu Matsuri
The cold weather in January is the best time to sip on sake and enjoy nabe (hot pot dishes), so warm your body and soul at this three-day sake and food festival in Yoyogi Park.
There will be dishes from all over Japan focusing on nabe which range from vegetable soups to meaty stews cooked in an iron or clay pot. Be sure to try dote nabe from Hiroshima, which features oysters cooked with vegetables and red miso paste, and kanisuki (crab hot pot) from Hokkaido. The dish sees snow crab legs and vegetables simmered in a light soy sauce broth that is served with rice porridge.
Pair your food with sake by purchasing a two-hour ‘all-you-can-drink’ ticket so that you can sample some of the 200 brands of sake on offer.
The festival is held at Yoyogi Park Outdoor Stage in Yoyogi Park, Harajuku between the 23rd to the 25th of January, from 10 am to 7 pm daily.
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