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Located in Minami-Yamate, a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, the Hotel Indigo Nagasaki Glover Street will occupy a historic structure and share the charms of Nagasaki with its guests through its design and services. The lifestyle boutique hotel embraces and has based its concept on Nagasaki's "Wa-Ka-Ran" (the mixture of Japanese, Chinese, Dutch) culture, recreating the distinctive aesthetics of the city and flaunting a culture unique to Nagasaki, which was once Japan’s sole international port. It is only a 7-minute walk from iconic landmarks such as Glover Garden and Oura Cathedral, a National Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site, letting you easily visit famous destinations around Nagasaki City for smooth sightseeing.
Hotel Indigo Nagasaki Glover Street

 

2. Find Beauty in the Unknown at the Space Art Tanegashima Light Festival, November 1 – December 8, Kagoshima
Tanegashima is an island that belongs to the prefecture of Kagoshima. It hosts the biggest rocket launch site in Japan, the Tanegashima Space Center, both the home to Japan's space program and also the main venue for the Space Art Tanegashima Light Festival. The slogan for this year's festival is "love the unknown," with 16 artist groups (including 5 from abroad) and 26 light artwork pieces displayed in a fantastic, star-filled space. Their imaginative and ethereal presentations will help you feel as though you are observing the mysteries of space up close as you travel through the universe. The festival is held at night, making the artworks stand out even more prominently against the darkness. It will be held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. Tanegashima can be reached from Kagoshima in about 40 minutes by plane, 3.5 hours by ferry, or 1 hour and 35 minutes by high-speed ferry, and during the day, you can check out public exhibits from the Tanegashima Space Center and the island's beautiful nature.
Space Art Tanegashima

 

3. Immerse Yourself in Creativity at the TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR, November 28 – December 1
The TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR is an annual book fair that is centered around art publications. Its growing popularity has led to it now hosting approximately 300 participants, including publishers, gallery presses, bookshops, and artists, attracting over 20,000 visitors. Participants gather with extensive collections of art and artist books, catalogs, zines, and more, with plenty of material to peruse and look at. Held at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, visitors will have the opportunity to talk to and buy directly from both publishers and authors, allowing them to show support for the creators and discover new and interesting works. Along with being one of the largest art publication fairs in Asia, the TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR hosts special exhibitions, panel discussions, and workshops, giving extensive insight into the fascinating world of art publications.
TOKYO ART BOOK FAIR 2024

 

4. Stunning Luminous Festival Floats at the Chichibu Night Festival, December 2 – 3, Saitama
With a history that is approximately 300 years old, the Chichibu Night Festival has earned recognition as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is one of Chichibu Shrine's most iconic festivals, featuring six gorgeous floats pulled around the streets of Chichibu, glowing with the light of paper lanterns and hosting Kabuki performers and more. The massive floats are further illuminated with sparkling fireworks in the background, and the booms of the fireworks are complemented by the rumbling sounds of taiko drums coming from the floats as well. Chichibu is a suburb on the outskirts of Tokyo easily accessed from the city and is a beautiful area that showcases Japanese culture and nature. The Chichibu Night Festival is a fantastic way to experience a lively Japanese festival even in the winter.
Chichibu Night Festival (Updated information will be available towards the end of October.)

5. International Entertainment and Pop Culture Galore at Tokyo Comic Con, December 6 – 8, Chiba
Comic Con is an iconic convention dedicated to pop culture such as comics, animation, games, and movies to the latest in technology. The Tokyo edition of the world-famous Comic Con will be held this year at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture from December 6 to 8. Although it is held in Japan, Tokyo Comic Con follows the style of its American counterpart, and will host exhibits that include merch sales, prop displays, and information on domestic and international entertainment. Many cosplayers and even celebrities also make appearances at Comic Con, allowing fans to meet people portraying and who actually played their favorite characters. You should also visit Artist's Alley for some mementos, as numerous talented artists from around the world will be showcasing their artworks and may even create original pieces on the spot! All fans of comics and related media will certainly have a ball at Tokyo Comic Con. Get your ticket! 
TOKYO COMIC CON

 

6. Admire the Natural and Spiritual Wonders of Autumn Foliage at Hasedera Temple, ongoing until  December 8, Nara
Known for its stunning collection of flora that decorates the grounds, Hasedera Temple in Nara offers picturesque scenery year-round with seasonal flowers and plants that accentuate the ancient buildings. In the autumn, the leaves of the trees change colors, framing the iconic five-story pagoda with vivid colors. Numerous events take place during the magical season of autumn, such as the Hasedera Momiji Matsuri (Maple Festival) and the Autumn Special Temple Treasure Exhibition, during which the treasure hall (which is usually closed to the public) is open for viewing and visitors can even directly touch the feet of the Buddhist Kannon statue. Both of these events will continue through December 8. Do not miss the opportunity to observe sacred Japanese religious objects up close while basking in the stunning, ephemeral beauty of the changing autumn leaves.
Hasedera Temple

 

7. Explore Japan's Spiritual Heart with Connections to the Ocean at Ise-Shima National Park, Mie
Winter is a wonderful time to visit Ise-Shima National Park in Mie Prefecture, with the cool, crisp air offering clear views of the park's stunning nature. Yokoyama View Point overlooks the flora and the view spreads out to the ocean, which becomes even more hypnotizing when reflecting the vivid colors of the setting sun. On particularly clear days, you may even be able to see Mt. Fuji. At night, stars overtake the night sky, twinkling away in the darkness. Ise is renowned for its seafood, and winter is the peak season for the area's famous Ise-ebi (lobster), prized for its firm meat, delectable sweetness, and rich umami flavor. Ise Jingu, a grand shrine and one of the most revered in Japan, is also located within the park and is a hub for the nation's spirituality. Founded approximately 2,000 years ago, the shrine draws millions of visitors every year and is carefully rebuilt every 20 years to ensure the conservation of the traditional craftsmanship and faithfulness to its origins.
Ise-Shima National Park

 

8. Experience the Essence of Japanese Culture and Hospitality with a Traditional Tea Experience, Ishikawa
Japanese tea ceremony places great emphasis on hospitality. With this experience, you will be able to create unforgettable memories by experiencing authentic elements of a true tea ceremony held in a historic tearoom, allowing you to immerse yourself in and learn about this centuries-old Japanese custom. Mugen-an, a Tangible Cultural Property of Ishikawa Prefecture formerly owned by a samurai family, features exemplary traditional architecture that will make you feel as though you have been transported to ancient Japan. The experience will begin with a traditional tea "kaiseki" cuisine which includes small servings of several dishes made with seasonal ingredients. After a break, you will then whisk your own bowl of tea with traditional utensils within the distinguished walls of Mugen-an. The experience's location at the significant building and aspects of tea ceremony, such as the tea kaiseki cuisine, offer unique insight into this fascinating custom that you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
Relaxing Japanese Tea Kaiseki Plan

 

9. Travel Back to Retro Japan at Twenty Four Eyes Movie Studio, Kagawa
Located on the eastern side of Kagawa Prefecture's outer island Shodo, Twenty Four Eyes Movie Studio retains the look of a retro Japanese town. Used as a filming location for numerous movies and TV shows, the set appears as though it has been preserved from the early Showa period (1926 – 1989), making you feel as though you have slipped back in time as you walk through the vintage, retro buildings. It is most famous as the set in the film Twenty-Four Eyes (1954) by director Kinoshita Keisuke, which depicts the interactions between a teacher and her 12 students. The set is open to the public, and you can wander and explore the school building, residences, and streets. Do not forget to check out the 54-meter-long  ”Cinema Art Wall," which is decorated with images of classic Japanese actors. In addition to souvenir shops and a noodle restaurant, you can enjoy a nostalgic Japanese school lunch at the Cafe Cinema Club, enhancing the quaint atmosphere. With art installations, movie-related exhibits, film screenings, and more, there is plenty to do and see at Twenty Four Eyes Movie Studio!
Twenty Four Eyes movie Studio

 

10. Become a Soy Sauce Master During the Brewery Tour, Nara
Soy sauce is indispensable in Japanese cuisine and is quite a complex condiment. During this tour, you will be able to test your soy sauce knowledge and learn about soy sauce production until you leave with a newfound appreciation for it. Not only will you tour a soy sauce brewery with over 100 years of history and see the production process up close, but you will also taste different types of soy sauce and explore how they enhance a variety of flavor profiles. For a sweet snack, you will grill your own "mochi" rice cakes and dip them in a special sauce made with soy sauce from the brewery, and even indulge in a special soy sauce-themed dinner. There is no better way to experience the wonders of soy sauce, and you are sure to leave with a happy belly and numerous ideas about how to use it!
Soy Sauce brewery tour

 

11. <EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai> Remarkable Landscapes and the Spirit of Resilience in Japan’s Deep North
Explore the diverse and captivating region of Tohoku, where natural beauty and cultural heritage offer insights into sustainable living and preserving traditions, embodying the spirit of one of Osaka Expo 2025's themes, "Saving Lives." Visit Nebuta House Wa Rasse to experience the vibrant Nebuta Festival, a symbol of community strength and celebration.
Tour the historic Hachinohe Brewery to taste traditional sake that reflects centuries of craftsmanship. Hike the Michinoku Coastal Trail for stunning ocean views, which include exploring Sanriku Fukko National Park's dramatic cliffs, rich biodiversity, and lessons in disaster resilience. Savor Tohoku's rich and fresh seafood with the unique "Bottled Rice Bowl" at Jodogahama Rest House. Unwind at Chikusenso Ryokan near Mt. Zao, where hot springs and local cuisine provide a retreat that embodies Japanese hospitality. 

 

Journeying through Tohoku reflects how safeguarding natural and cultural legacies ensures the well-being and vitality of future generations, resonating with the Expo's mission to save lives by fostering a more sustainable, connected world.

 

To make your trip more worthwhile, enjoy a serene boat ride in Geibikei Gorge among towering limestone cliffs. From late October to early November, witness the breathtaking autumn foliage, or warm up in a “stove boat” from November 21 or a cozy “kotatsu boat” from December onwards, blending scenic beauty with comfort.

 

For more details, visit the JNTO Expo 2025 website.
URL: https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/article/tohoku/

 

Notes: 
・ The above details are correct as of the time of publication, and are subject to change. 
・Item 8 is based on information from JNTO Partners.

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