Top Traditional Winter Festivals in Tokyo for 2026
Experience the magic of traditional winter festivals in Tokyo during your 2026 visit. These events offer a deep look into Japan's rich cultural heritage and ancient customs. You will find vibrant markets, spiritual rituals, and stunning seasonal displays across the city. Many of these Tokyo winter events 2026 are free for international tourists to enjoy.
Hagoita-ichi Fair at Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji Temple hosts the vibrant Hagoita-ichi Fair every December in the heart of Asakusa. This traditional market sells ornate wooden paddles called hagoita to thousands of eager visitors. These paddles originally served in a game similar to badminton during the Edo period. Now, they act as lucky charms for the new year to protect families.
The fair occurs from December 17 to December 19 annually on the temple grounds. You will find hundreds of colorful stalls lining the path to the main hall. Each paddle features intricate designs of kabuki actors or famous modern celebrities. Prices range from 2,000 yen for small items to several hundred dollars for masterpieces.
Visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Asakusa winter festival events during this cold season. Vendors often clap in unison when a large paddle sells to a happy customer. This rhythmic clapping is called tejime and brings good luck to the buyer. It is a wonderful sound that echoes throughout the historic temple area.
Getting to Senso-ji is very easy via the Asakusa Station on the subway. Use the Ginza or Asakusa lines for direct access from major city hubs. Entry to the temple grounds is free for all visitors throughout the day. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the many unique stalls and shops.
Dezome-shiki New Year Fire Review
The Tokyo Fire Department hosts the Dezome-shiki every January to promote fire safety. This event showcases impressive firefighting skills and historical techniques used in old Japan. It takes place at the Tokyo Big Sight located in the Odaiba district. Thousands of people gather to watch this spectacular and loud morning display.
The highlight involves firefighters performing daring acrobatics on top of tall bamboo ladders. These amazing stunts date back to the Edo period when firemen were local heroes. Firemen wore traditional outfits while balancing high above the hard ground without safety nets. It demonstrates their bravery and physical agility to the watching public today.
You can also see modern fire trucks and helicopters performing rescue drills. The event includes large-scale water spraying demonstrations near the cold Tokyo Bay. Check the official Go Tokyo website for the most current event updates. Most performances begin around 10:00 AM and last for two hours.
Tickets for seated areas often require advanced lottery applications through the fire department. However, standing areas are usually free for general spectators who arrive early. Arrive at least one hour before the start to secure a good view. The cold wind from the bay can be very biting in January.
Setsubun Bean-Throwing Festivals
Setsubun marks the beginning of spring in the old Japanese lunar calendar. Tokyo celebrates this on February 3 with loud and fun bean-throwing rituals. These rituals aim to drive away evil spirits and invite good luck for the year. People shout "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" while throwing roasted beans.
Many temples hold large public ceremonies with famous guests and local leaders. You can see celebrities and sumo wrestlers throwing roasted soybeans into the crowds. Visit the Senso-ji Temple bean throwing festival for a massive and exciting crowd. It is one of the most popular locations in the city for this event.
Another great spot is Zojoji Temple located right next to the iconic Tokyo Tower. Here, you can watch traditional dances and solemn priest processions before the throwing starts. The contrast between the old temple and the modern tower is truly beautiful. Learn where to celebrate Setsubun in Tokyo to find smaller local shrines.
Participation is free at most major shrines and temples throughout the Tokyo area. Be prepared for large crowds and some pushing to catch the lucky beans. Wearing warm layers is essential as you will stand outside for a long time. Many people also eat a special sushi roll called Eho-maki for lunch.
Bunkyo Plum Blossom Festival
The Bunkyo Plum Blossom Festival signals the welcome end of the cold winter. It takes place at Yushima Tenjin Shrine from early February through early March. Over 300 plum trees bloom in beautiful shades of white and soft pink. This shrine honors the deity of learning and scholarship in Japanese culture.
Students often visit during the festival to pray for success in their exams. You can see thousands of wooden prayer plaques called ema hanging near the trees. The delicate scent of the blossoms fills the crisp winter air every morning. It provides a peaceful escape from the busy and loud city streets nearby.
Weekend visitors can enjoy traditional outdoor tea ceremonies and small musical performances. Musicians play the koto and other classical Japanese instruments on a small stage. Browse our guide to Tokyo plum blossom festivals for more travel tips. The festival atmosphere is very calm and respectful for all visitors.
The shrine is a very short walk from the Yushima Station on the Chiyoda Line. Admission to the shrine grounds is free for everyone during the daylight hours. Small food stalls sell seasonal snacks and warm, sweet plum tea to guests. Try the amazake, which is a delicious, non-alcoholic rice drink served hot.
Takaosan Yakuoin Fire-Walking Festival
The Hiwatari-sai or fire-walking festival occurs on the second Sunday of March. It takes place at the base of Mount Takao in western Tokyo. This ancient ritual involves monks walking barefoot over glowing red embers of wood. They pray for world peace and personal safety from disasters and illness.
The ceremony begins with a large bonfire made of green cedar branches. Monks perform purification rites with sharp swords and wooden bows before the fire. The heat from the fire is intense even from a long distance. It is a powerful display of spiritual discipline and mental focus for observers.
Public visitors can also participate in the fire-walking ritual after the monks finish. Once the embers cool slightly, you may walk across the blackened path. Follow the traditional fire-walking festivals near Tokyo guide for your safety. It is a unique way to experience Japanese mountain asceticism firsthand.
Mount Takao is about 50 minutes from Shinjuku Station by express train. Use the Keio Line for the fastest and cheapest route to the mountain. The festival starts around 1:00 PM at the large prayer hall area. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off for the walk.
Oji Kitsune-no-Gyoretsu Fox Parade
The Fox Parade happens on New Year's Eve in the Oji neighborhood. Participants dress as foxes and carry glowing lanterns through the dark streets. This tradition honors a legend about foxes meeting at an old tree nearby. They supposedly gathered there to visit the famous Oji Inari Shrine together.
The parade begins near Shozoku Inari Shrine exactly at midnight on January 1. It ends at the Oji Inari Shrine after a long and slow walk. Many people wear fox masks or have beautiful fox face paint for the event. The glowing lanterns create a mystical atmosphere in the cold winter night.
This event is a great alternative to standard countdown parties in Shibuya. It offers a deep look into local folklore and strong community spirit. You can find more Tokyo New Year's Eve 2026 events on our site. The Oji parade is truly one of a kind in Japan.
Oji Station is easily accessible via the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line from Tokyo Station. The event is free to watch from the sidewalk for all people. Be sure to arrive before midnight to see the start of the parade. The weather will be very cold during these late-night outdoor hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best traditional winter festival in Tokyo?
The Hagoita-ichi Fair at Senso-ji Temple is widely considered the best traditional winter festival. It offers a perfect mix of history, shopping, and cultural atmosphere in December. You can see beautiful crafts and enjoy the historic vibes of the Asakusa district easily.
Are winter festivals in Tokyo free to attend?
Yes, most traditional winter festivals in Tokyo are free for the public to watch. You may need to pay for food, charms, or specific seated areas at some events. Always carry some cash as small festival stalls rarely accept credit cards or mobile apps.
What should I wear to a winter festival in Tokyo?
You should wear thick layers, a warm coat, and comfortable walking shoes for these events. Tokyo winters are cold and many festivals take place entirely outdoors for several hours. Consider using heat packs called kairo which are sold at most local convenience stores.
Tokyo offers many incredible traditional winter festivals for every type of traveler. From the fiery stunts of Dezome-shiki to the peaceful plum blossoms, there is much to see. Plan your 2026 trip early to experience these unique cultural moments in Japan. Visit our travel guide for more tips on visiting Tokyo this winter.