This Week’s Top Picks in Japan: December 15 to 21, 2025
Events we’re excited about this week. Grab your spot.
This week’s guide includes Tokyo art performances, Christmas parties in Shibuya, comedy shows, cultural workshops in Setagaya, Osaka candlelight concerts, and regional events across Japan. Great for travelers searching for authentic things to do in Japan in December.
📍 Tokyo Events This Week
Yuki Kobayashi “The Wing Chun Project” (OPEN SITE 10) in Hongo
Tue, Dec 16, 2025 — Sun, Dec 21, 2025 | 5:30 PM — 3:30 PM
Free (reservation required)
Artist Yuki Kobayashi explores Wing Chun martial arts through interdisciplinary performance, examining the form’s history in the context of East Asian wars and colonial rule. The project examines what studying fighting and self-defense means for contemporary performance artists who use the body as a medium. Three workshop sessions precede three performances, with a post-show talk on Saturday.
🥋 Performance Art | Reserve Free Tickets →
Bad Senpai Live Comedy in Shinjuku
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 7:30 PM — 9:30 PM JST
Advance: ¥1,500
Part comedy showcase, part advice show where comedians give the worst possible answers to your Japan questions. Green Jacket Comedy’s rotating cast tells jokes, then fields crowd questions. Hosted at Unplan Shinjuku with an afterparty in the lounge.
😂 Comedy | Get terrible advice →
Ugly Sweater Party 2025 in Shibuya
Friday, December 19, 2025 | 7:00 PM — 11:00 PM JST
¥2,500 advance | ¥3,000 door (+ 1 drink)
Dress code: ugly sweater mandatory (no entry without one). Compete for ¥50,000 in the ugliest sweater contest. DJs in terrible knitwear. Ugly sweater cake. The SNS contest runs through December 18 with a ¥30,000 prize.
🎄 Party | Embrace the ugly →
The Millennials Retro Christmas Party in Shibuya
Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 7:00 PM — 10:00 PM JST
¥1,000 advance | ¥1,500 door
Three DJs spin 70s, 80s, 90s hits at The Millennials Shibuya’s 4F lounge. Christmas lottery with prizes. Retro outfits encouraged but optional. Free entry for hotel guests and andwork members.
🕺 Retro Party | Dance through decades →
TEDxICU 2025 “Orbit” in Mitaka
Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 12:30 PM — 7:00 PM JST
General: ¥1,500 | ICU students: ¥500
Five speakers tackle “How should we live in an uncertain world?” From AI security CEOs to UN veterans, topics span cognitive flexibility, robot boundaries, and global governance transformation. Includes orchestra and a cappella performances, plus dialogue sessions.
🎤 Ideas | Get inspired →
Japanese Culture Nerikiri Workshop — Green Pumpkin in Setagaya
Sunday, December 21, 2025 11:00 AM — 4:00 PM JST
1 Nerikiri + Matcha: 2,200 yen (Reservation required)
Create traditional wagashi for the winter solstice using white bean paste and rice flour. Shape a green pumpkin nerikiri following seasonal tradition. Each session is limited to 8 participants. Instructor certified by the Japan Salonese Association.
🍡 Wagashi | Make edible art →
Tea Across Cultures: Taste Japan, Share the World in Shimokitazawa
Sunday, December 21, 2025 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM JST
¥2,000 (includes tea and treats)
Taste regional Japanese teas while sharing your country’s winter drinks and traditions. Learn each tea’s history and flavor profile. Open to Japanese and international participants for cozy cultural exchange
🍵 Tea Tasting | Sip Tea & Share stories →
See all Tokyo events this week →
🏮 Osaka Events This Week
Candlelight Concert: Christmas Sparkle in Toyonaka
Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 1:00 PM — 2:00 PM JST
¥3,500 general
Violinist Mikako Shimatani performs holiday classics surrounded by flickering candles at Rose Culture Hall. The program includes Ryuichi Sakamoto, Bach, Pachelbel, and Disney. Photo time is allowed at the end. No children under 6.
🎻 Classical Music | Book your seat →
See all Osaka events this week →
🗾 Events Across Japan (Hokkaido to Okinawa)
LET’S GET CRAFTY! 〜Mini Mizuhiki New Year’s Wreath～ in Yamaguchi
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 1:30 PM — 3:00 PM JST
¥600 (materials included)
Learn traditional mizuhiki cord art and create a framed New Year decoration (8.9cm x 12.7cm). Choose your design and master the craft that has decorated Japanese celebrations for centuries, limited to 6 participants ages 18+, at the Iwakuni Cultural Exchange Center.
🎋 Traditional Craft | Book your spot →
Awaji Island COSPLAY ~AWACOS~ Powered by World Cosplay Summit in Hyōgo
Saturday, December 20, 2025 10:00 AM — 5:00 PM JST
¥3,500-¥4,000 (includes park admission)
World Cosplay Summit brings cosplayers to Nijigen no Mori anime park. Shoot in natural settings with anime-themed backdrops. Changing rooms are available with timed entry slots. Photographers need tickets too.
📸 Cosplay | Transform yourself →
Find your next Japan experience →
Visiting Japan soon? On Peatix, you’ll find authentic workshops, seasonal festivals, and community events that offer real cultural connection — not just surface entertainment. It’s the perfect way to experience Japan as locals do.
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