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Things to do in Japan

Find current events, restaurants, family activities, and quick getaway ideas in Japan. WonderKit curates these picks daily so the page stays useful for both local search and trip planning.

10 hand-picked things to do in Japan right now · 5 with confirmed dates

Last updated: Sat, Jul 18, 2026

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A perfect 3 days in Japan

A sample plan built from this week's Japan picks — the same day-by-day itinerary WonderKit drafts for your group in about a minute.

Day 1

MorningteamLab Borderless Summer Exhibition

The digital art museum has updated its seasonal installations to feature cooling, bioluminescent motifs perfect for escaping the heat.

$$
AfternoonKanda Kiku-kawana

Traditional grilled eel served on a bed of fluffy rice—the quintessential Japanese meal for gaining stamina during the peak summer humidity.

$$$
EveningGion Matsuri Yamaboko Junko

Experience the culmination of Japan's most famous festival, featuring massive, ornate wooden floats parading through Kyoto's historic streets.

$

Day 2

MorningTV Asahi Summer Station

An annual pop-up hub featuring outdoor beer gardens, interactive exhibits, and themed food stalls to beat the humidity.

$
AfternoonHimitsudo Shaved Ice

Hand-cranked, fluffy shaved ice topped with fresh, seasonal fruit syrups; a must-visit for cooling down in the Yanaka district.

$
EveningEarth Garden Summer Market

An eco-conscious weekend market offering organic food, handcrafted goods, and live music under the canopy of Yoyogi Park's trees.

$

Day 3

MorningCAFE CALIENTE: Baddies Y Band

Cafe | Club | Cocktails | Latina DJs | VendorsNot to be missed! Drink specials all afternoon. 18+ | Doors at Noon

$$
AfternoonBeauty And The Beast (Touring) - Recommended ages 6 and Up. All guests require ticket, regardless of age

Live at Orpheum Theatre-San Francisco.

$$
EveningHakone Hot Springs & Art

A 90-minute train ride takes you to the cooler mountain air of Hakone. Spend the weekend gallery hopping at the Open-Air Museum and soaking in refreshing onsen.

$$$

🎐 Happening Today

Cool off and catch the vibe this Saturday

TV Asahi Summer Station

Sat, Jul 18, 2026 · 11:00 AM · Roppongi Hills Arena · $ · Best for Everyone

An annual pop-up hub featuring outdoor beer gardens, interactive exhibits, and themed food stalls to beat the humidity.

Learn more

festivaloutdoorsummer

CAFE CALIENTE: Baddies Y Band

Sat, Jul 18, 2026 · 12:00 PM · Crybaby · $$ · Best for Everyone

Cafe | Club | Cocktails | Latina DJs | VendorsNot to be missed! Drink specials all afternoon. 18+ | Doors at Noon

Learn more

musicother

Beauty And The Beast (Touring) - Recommended ages 6 and Up. All guests require ticket, regardless of age

Sat, Jul 18, 2026 · 1:00 PM · Orpheum Theatre-San Francisco · $$ · Best for Everyone

Live at Orpheum Theatre-San Francisco.

Learn more

theatre

Plan a trip to Japan

Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Japan trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.

🎆 This Weekend in Japan

Embrace the summer spirit

Gion Matsuri Yamaboko Junko

Fri, Jul 17, 2026 · 9:00 AM · Shijo-dori, Kyoto · $ · Best for Families

Experience the culmination of Japan's most famous festival, featuring massive, ornate wooden floats parading through Kyoto's historic streets.

Learn more

culturetraditionalfestival

Earth Garden Summer Market

Sun, Jul 19, 2026 · 10:00 AM · Yoyogi Park · $ · Best for Friends

An eco-conscious weekend market offering organic food, handcrafted goods, and live music under the canopy of Yoyogi Park's trees.

Learn more

marketmusicoutdoors

🍜 Eat & Drink

Seasonal flavors for the heat

Kanda Kiku-kawana

Chiyoda, Tokyo · $$$ · Best for Foodies

Traditional grilled eel served on a bed of fluffy rice—the quintessential Japanese meal for gaining stamina during the peak summer humidity.

Learn more

unagitraditionallocal

Himitsudo Shaved Ice

Taito, Tokyo · $ · Best for Everyone

Hand-cranked, fluffy shaved ice topped with fresh, seasonal fruit syrups; a must-visit for cooling down in the Yanaka district.

Learn more

dessertsummerrefreshing

✨ New & Notable

What’s fresh this season

teamLab Borderless Summer Exhibition

Azabudai Hills, Tokyo · $$ · Best for Families

The digital art museum has updated its seasonal installations to feature cooling, bioluminescent motifs perfect for escaping the heat.

Learn more

arttechnologyindoor

⛰️ Quick Escape

Cool off in the highlands

Hakone Hot Springs & Art

Hakone, Kanagawa · $$$ · Best for Couples

A 90-minute train ride takes you to the cooler mountain air of Hakone. Spend the weekend gallery hopping at the Open-Air Museum and soaking in refreshing onsen.

Learn more

natureonsenart

Karuizawa Highland Breeze

Karuizawa, Nagano · $$$ · Best for Friends

Head north by Shinkansen for a weekend in this upscale mountain resort town, known for its pleasant temperatures, forest trails, and local artisanal shopping.

Learn more

mountainsshoppingrelaxing

Frequently asked

What are the best things to do in Japan?

Current local highlights in Japan include TV Asahi Summer Station, CAFE CALIENTE: Baddies Y Band, and Beauty And The Beast (Touring) - Recommended ages 6 and Up. All guests require ticket, regardless of age. WonderKit refreshes this guide daily so the picks reflect real local happenings.

What's happening in Japan this week?

The sections above show this week's events, weekend plans, and new-and-notable openings in Japan, updated daily.

Where do locals eat in Japan?

The "Eat & Drink" section above lists restaurants and food spots locals are recommending in Japan right now.

Plan a trip to Japan

Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Japan trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.

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