January Events: Best Five to Check Out This Year!

January events in Japan initiate the year with an energetic start and many exclusive celebrations that captivate locals and visitors. As the new season graces the landscape, Japan becomes a beautiful canvas filled with colors and cultural festivities.

This time underscores the importance of people’s excitement and festive atmosphere in Japanese society. Explore these best five annual events in Japan throughout January, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations.

Lake Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks (January 20-February 23)

Lake Kawaguchi hosts a fireworks show every winter, making the place look magical with the beautiful Mt. Fuji in the background. It’s the second-largest lake in the “Fuji Five Lakes” region, recognized as a World Heritage site. This is a famous event that has happened more than 100 times. It’s also one of the biggest and oldest fireworks celebrations in Yamanashi.

On windless nights, the calm lake looks like a mirror reflecting the breathtaking view of the mountain. It helps create a picturesque setting for the annual winter fireworks. In addition, there are many fun elements, such as tasty food stalls and shops with unique gifts, all of which create a happy atmosphere for this winter festival. 

The fireworks occur at three locations around the lake: Tatamiiwa, Oike Park, and Yagisaki Park. Oike Park is the main spot where you get the best view of the whole show, while Tatamiiwa offers a delightful place to see the shimmering bursts of fireworks reflecting on the surface of the lake. Yagisaki Park generously features a spacious open field to see the fireworks well without anything blocking your view.

Atami Plum Blossom Festival (Early January-Early March)

You’ll find the Atami Plum Garden called Atami Baien in Shizuoka Prefecture. It’s a beautiful place with over 450 plum trees of nearly 60 diverse varieties, including some that have endured for over a century. Furthermore, the garden is famous as one of Japan’s earliest blooming plum places.

Since the garden opened in 1886, the Atami Plum Blossom Festival draws thousands of visitors, including many from abroad, to admire Japanese ume blossoms yearly. No matter when you visit, whether it’s early, middle, or late in the blooming season, this destination always offers a constant display of beautiful flowers.

Yet, the festival is more than just looking at pretty plum flowers. It also has cultural programs and tea ceremonies, giving visitors a memorable and enjoyable time.

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Tokyo Auto Salon (Mid January)

Those who are passionate about speed or who are car enthusiasts shouldn’t miss this one of the best January events. The Tokyo Auto Salon occurs annually at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba. Since its first introduction in 1983, Tokyo Auto Salon has attracted many car fans worldwide.

Organized by the Nippon Auto Parts Aftermarket Committee (NAPAC), this January event is renowned globally for displaying modified and tuned cars. However, the event features custom cars, automotive manufacturers, and live entertainment like music performances and talk shows with famous drivers and celebrities.

Earth Garden Winter Festival (Late January 2024)

Earth Garden Winter Festival, held at Yoyogi Park, is an exciting event encouraging a green lifestyle and creative vibes. Learning about environmental issues in a fun and lively place is a great chance.

The festival’s main attraction is an outdoor market with kiosks offering diverse products that celebrate and promote ecological living. From eco-themed items to organic products, including food, these stalls help to advocate a sustainable lifestyle for our green environment.

Also, music performances significantly enhance the positive atmosphere at the park during the festival. Moreover, traditional lion dances and mochi-pounding events showcase the meaningful blend of tradition and sustainability.

Yokohama Chinatown Lion Dance (Late January 2024)

In Japan, the Lunar New Year is celebrated with various Asian festivities. The Lion Dance, a symbolic and cultural tradition, occurs in Yokohama Chinatown during the celebrations. This captivating dance typically involves two performers wearing a lion costume and moving in a way that mimics the motions of a lion. The dance is deeply rooted in a famous Kung Fu martial art style called Wushu.

The vibrant Lion Dance, accompanied by the beats of drums and the crackling of firecrackers, parades through the streets of this area to deliver plenty of good fortunes for the upcoming year to local businesses. This occasion contributes to the festive atmosphere and cultural richness of Yokohama Chinatown.

Japan comes alive with unique January events at the beginning of the year. These activities, from dazzling fireworks to cultural ceremonies, create a lively atmosphere and unite people. This region holds promise and is full of unique events to look forward to. Have you attended any January events in Japan? Share your thoughts below!