Insights from a Kagurazaka Store Owner

December in Japan is a season of clear winter skies, crisp air, cultural depth, and a quiet elegance that cannot be found at any other time of year. For travelers seeking authenticity, refined cultural immersion, and a deeper sense of place, December offers some of the most memorable things to do in Tokyo in December—especially when explored through the warm glow of tradition in Kagurazaka. This guide introduces the winter climate, seasonal customs, festive atmosphere, and th

About Koishikawa Korakuen and the “Shinzan Koyo o Tanoshimu” Autumn Event From November 22 to December 7, 2025, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden  will once again host its annual autumn event, “ Shinzan Koyo o Tanoshimu (Enjoy the Mountain’s Autumn Colors) .” Located in central Tokyo, this historical garden was originally built in the early Edo period as the daimyo garden of the Mito Domain, one of the three major Tokugawa families. Koishikawa Korakuen is designated both as a “ Spec

A Cultural and Culinary Celebration from Fukui Arrives in the Heart of Tokyo Get ready! The beloved Doon to Fukui in Kagurazaka: Echizen & Wakasa Festival 2025 is returning soon to one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. The two-day event will be held on Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23, 2025 , across Kagurazaka Street , Akagi Shrine , and Zenkoku-ji Temple (Bishamonten)  — rain or shine. If you’re planning your itinerary for Tokyo events in November 2025

Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival 2026: Where Tokyo’s Tradition and Cat Culture Come Alive Tokyo’s autumn is a season when culture, creativity, and community blend harmoniously, and few events capture this spirit as vividly as the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival . The date for the 2026 celebration has already been confirmed: Sunday, October 11, 2026 . Each year, the historic streets of Kagurazaka—lined with stone pavements and softly glowing lanterns—transform into a whimsical world

The Season Between Autumn Maturity and the Beginning of Winter According to Japan’s traditional calendar of 24 Sekki 72 Kō ( 24 solar terms and 72 microseasons ), Rittō —the “Beginning of Winter”—falls on November 7 in 2025 . In other words, November marks the start of winter in theory. However, due to recent climate changes, it is now generally considered part of autumn in Tokyo. This is the season of “Autumn for the Appetite,” “Autumn for Culture,” “Autumn for Reading,” an

The Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival: Japan’s Iconic Cat Halloween Festival On October 12, 2025, the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival 2025  was held in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward, drawing large crowds and concluding with great success. Known internationally as a Cat Halloween Festival , the event welcomed cat lovers from around the world to join a lively costume parade through the streets of Kagurazaka. It is one of the town’s most significant annual events, attracting participants of all

Why the Kagurazaka Bakeneko Festival is Unmissable The countdown is on! In just 10 days , on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the streets of...

If you're asking yourself, “ when is the best time to travel to Tokyo ?” you're not alone. While spring’s cherry blossoms get much of the attention, official data reveals a different story. According to the Japan Tourism Agency, October is the single most popular month for international visitors, with overnight stays hitting 121% of the monthly average for Japan and 118% for Tokyo. Source: Japan Tourism Agency’s lodging statistics Note: Indexed with the annual average set at

Searching for a truly authentic matsuri in Tokyo , away from the major tourist crowds? As a resident of Kagurazaka for 25 years, the...

Things to Do in Kagurazaka During Autumn Festival Season If you are planning your trip and wondering about the best things to do in...

Get ready for the Kagurazaka Machi Tobi Festa 2025 ! If you're looking for unforgettable Kagurazaka events in 2025 , this is the one you...

I've always loved the solemn atmosphere of the Obon season in Japan. When I was a child, I would often spend this period at my mother's rural hometown in Nagano Prefecture . In the countryside there, the traditional scenes of a Japanese summer are still very much alive. I vividly remember how my cousins and I would be playing and joking around one moment, but the instant it was time to visit our ancestors' graves, a quiet, respectful mood would settle over all of us. It was t

Let's not sugarcoat it: August in Tokyo is incredibly hot and intensely humid. Stepping outside can feel like walking into a giant, open-air sauna. But don't let that deter you! This guide is your ultimate survival manual, and it goes beyond the usual tips. As a local who sees visitors struggling with the heat every year, I'm sharing the truly effective strategies I personally use—including some unique Japanese items you've likely never heard of, like " air-conditioned clothi

If there's one month to experience Tokyo at its most vibrant, dynamic, and joyfully chaotic, it's August. Forget the serene image of tranquil temples for a moment; this is when the city's neighborhoods erupt in celebration. The air fills with the sounds of taiko drums, the streets become stages for energetic dancers, and the night sky explodes in a kaleidoscope of color. This is your definitive guide to embracing the festive spirit of Tokyo in August. We'll dive deep into the

Is August a Good Time to Visit Tokyo? An Expert's Guide to Thriving in Tokyo's August Heat Every August, I see it: foreign visitors, flushed and exhausted, sitting on the roadside, completely overwhelmed by Tokyo's intense summer heat. As a professional tour planner specializing in cultural experiences here in Tokyo, it's a sight I've always wanted to change. I truly believe that with the right advice from the start, a trip to Japan in August can be safe, healthy, and incred

The countdown is on! In just 3 months, on Sunday, October 12, 2025 , the annual Bakeneko Festival will be held in Kagurazaka, Tokyo !...

The Meaning Behind Matsuri in Japan: Why Summer Festivals Are More Than Just Fun When you think of July in Japan, one word comes to mind: matsuri , or summer festival. Did you know that many of Japan’s most iconic and energetic festivals take place in the peak of the summer heat—and that most of them are completely free to attend? But why are these festivals held in the first place? In this third installment of our " Japan and Tokyo Travel in July " series, we explore the cul

Understanding Tokyo, Japan’s Weather in July: What to Expect and How to Prepare Summer matsuri festivals. The opening of Mt. Fuji’s climbing season. July is one of the most popular months for international travelers visiting Japan, thanks to vibrant summer festivals and the opening of Mt. Fuji’s climbing season. But with soaring temperatures and high humidity, how can you make the most of your trip? This article uses up-to-date data from the Japan Meteorological Agency and Ja

“My usual matcha is now twice the price...” — Growing Concern Among Tea Ceremony Practitioners Matcha that once seemed readily available...

Gagaku The Beauty of Authentic Traditional Performing Arts in Tokyo's Kagurazaka The traditional performing arts festival Kagurazaka...