Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
Utsuwa Sagashi, an autumn pottery festival in Toki, Gifu, a Mino ware production area, will take place on October 24 and 25, 2026, with five main venues connected by free loop buses.
Netmarble's vampire MMORPG VAMPIR received an update on October 21 adding the elite dungeon "Hall of Holy Grace," the regular season of the 5v5 battlefield "Arena," a new clan guardian, and Halloween events.
Vanillage, a specialist vanilla sweets brand, opens a permanent store on the first floor of Shibuya Scramble Square on October 28, 2026, with a Tokyo-exclusive tin and a limited-quantity opening commemorative set on sale.
Italian chocolate gelateria Venchi will release a Japan-only, limited-time gelato flavor, "Sweet Potato," on October 29, 2026, pairing the mellow sweetness of sweet potato with the aroma of black sesame and a touch of caramel.
Village Kyoto, a 79-room hotel in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, completed its phased renovation of the entire building in September 2026, updating its guest rooms, lobby, and large bath and adding experiences such as in-room tea-making and local sake.
From November 1 to December 27, 2026, restaurants and lounges run by VMG HOTELS & UNIQUE VENUES across Japan offer special Christmas plans in historic venues, with reservations now open.
From November 11 to December 25, 2026, the Lobby Lounge at The Westin Osaka is serving a Christmas Market-themed afternoon tea, "Here comes Christmas," priced at ¥7,900 on weekdays and ¥8,500 on weekends and holidays.
From Friday, December 18 to Friday, December 25, 2026, The Westin Yokohama offers holiday-only menus at Iron Bay, Pacific Table, and Code Bar, with reservations starting on October 20.
Plush toys of Jibanyan, Komasan, Hovernyan, and Usapyon from Yo-kai Watch will roll out in phases from October 30, 2026, exclusively at Namco amusement facilities and Namco Online Crane.
From December 1 to 25, 2026, Lounge "Somerhouse" at Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu in Minato Mirai serves a limited-quantity Christmas Afternoon Tea on a three-tier stand, topped off with a separately served Strawberry Shortcake Parfait.
From Sunday, November 1 to Thursday, December 31, 2026, Sairyu (彩龍) on the 3rd floor of Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers serves a limited-time Shanghai crab course for ¥20,000 and a la carte dishes such as xiaolongbao and claypot fried rice.
Christmas Market in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse runs for 36 days from November 20 to December 25, 2026, with about 60 food and shopping stalls, white Glühwein at about 20 of them, live-kitchen-style stalls for the first time, weekly hands-on activities, and an 11 m real-tree Christmas tree.