This Week’s Top Picks in Japan: January 12 to 18, 2026
As we move into mid-January, the quiet of the New Year holidays has fully transitioned into the energy of a new season. This week is anchored by Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) on Monday, January 12th — a vibrant public holiday where you’ll see young adults in stunning traditional kimonos celebrating their transition to adulthood at local shrines.
From meditative tea ceremonies in Tokyo to the creative energy of Kyoto’s stationery markets, this week offers a perfect snapshot of Japan’s blend of modern life and seasonal tradition.
📍 Tokyo Events This Week
Sencha Tea Ceremony in English at Shinagawa Yunomi Cafe in Musashi Koyama
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | 10:30 AM — 12:30 PM JST
¥10,000
Experience the elegance and joy of Sencha-do, the Japanese art of green tea, in a relaxed and modern setting. Watch proper tea preparation and graceful movements. Learn and practice tea-making etiquette under guidance. Enjoy freshly brewed sencha paired with traditional Japanese sweets.
🍵 Tea Ceremony | Learn sencha →
STANDUP COMEDY IN TOKYO: ATSUSHI OGATA — Back from Edinburgh Fringe — in Daikanyama
Friday, January 16, 2026 | 7:00 PM — 8:00 PM JST
¥1,500
Award-winning film director and comedian performs standup from Edinburgh Fringe 2025 for first time in Tokyo. Cross-cultural observations and absurd life stories inspired from life of living around the world as perpetual “outsider.” Harvard and MIT alum and occasional guest speaker at Temple University Japan.
😂 Comedy | Laugh tonight →
SAKE NIGHT PARTY (FRI) in Roppongi
Friday, January 16, 2026 | 7:00 PM — 11:45 PM JST
Girls (LIMITED online discount 50% off) ¥1,500
Girls (online discount) ¥2,500
Boys (online discount) ¥3,500
First ever sake night party with a few different sakes to try. Visit 3–4 bars in one night, walk from bar to bar in one big group guided by staff. Last stop is a dance club. Receive 1 free welcome shot at each bar. All drinks have special discount for pub crawl participants (up to 50% off).
🍶 Sake Crawl | Taste and party →
See all Tokyo events this week →
🏮 Osaka Events This Week
Matcha Latte Workshop for Beginners in English
Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 11:00 AM — 12:00 PM JST
¥2,500
Learn about the cultural background of matcha and try making a matcha latte yourself. Sample other popular Japanese teas besides matcha. Uses single-farm matcha from Wazuka, Kyoto with clear, approachable bitterness that pairs especially well with milk. Maximum 6 participants.
🍵 Matcha Workshop | Make lattes →
See all Osaka events this week →
⛩️ Kyoto Events This Week
Kyoto Handwriting Tools Market 2026
Sunday, January 11, 2026 | 12:00 PM — 7:00 PM JST
Free
Stationery-focused event bringing together stationery shops, manufacturers, and craftspeople from across the country. Explore fountain pens, inks, paper goods, and other tools for handwriting, including limited items and early releases. Meet the makers in person. Dedicated to enjoyment and cultural value of writing by hand.
✒️ Stationery Market | Get info →
Seasonable Alchemy Bar January ～Five Elements Journey
Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 1:00 PM — 2:30 PM JST
Free
Using five elements that shape natural world — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water — explore the “inner nature” you were born with. Personal Five Elements Chart based on birthdate created using Banshogaku. Meditative sketching session to draw landscape of your inner nature. Create your own Protection Roll-On Aroma customized to your Five Elements type.
🧘 Wellness Workshop | Discover elements →
See all Kyoto events this week →
🗾 Other Local Events This Week
Acoustic Trails: Tsurumi River Midstream C3 in Kanagawa
Monday, January 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM — 2:00 PM JST
Free
Introduction to acoustic ecology and common practices like field recording of environmental sound, sound walks, and sound mapping. Take sound walk on C3 segment of Tsurumi River’s midstream section. Direct attentive listening to sonic environment and record soundmarks along itinerary. Must bring smartphone fully charged.
🎧 Sound Walk | Listen deeply →
[SOFT CLUBBING] DJ Rhythms × Double Dutch × Dance & Gymnastics in Kanagawa
Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 11:00 AM JST
¥1,000
Double dutch using two ropes on wooden deck of PeopleWise Cafe. Experience the club outdoors with DJ rhythms. Rhythmic gymnastics and backflip challenge with instructor from Nippon Sport Science University. Various jumps on air mat to strengthen core and improve body control. Vietnamese pho and beef stew available for purchase.
🎵 Outdoor Party | Jump and dance →
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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