10 Best Events in Japan in January 2023
List of Seasonal Events in Japan in January

January is one of busiest months in Japan, which accepts lots of tourists from overseas. On New Year’s holidays, they visit the country for experiencing traditional Japanese culture, enjoying winter sports with snow, tasting seasonal dishes and so on.
Many people greets the new year with their families and friends in their hometowns while some people enjoy exciting countdown parties from New Year’s Eve. Visiting a shrine or temple, which is known as Hatsumode, is a Japanese custom to make wishes for the coming year. Most stores and restaurants are closed on New Year’s holidays especially on January 1, but some of them start offering special sales just after that. On the second Monday in January, which is known as Seijin no Hi, those who have reached or will turn 20 this year celebrate their coming of age.
There are a variety of events held in Japan in January, which you should join since you come all the way to Japan in this season. Check out the list of 10 notable events in in Japan in January!
1. Hatsumode (New Year’s visit to a shrine or temple)
Genre: Shrine/Temple
Dates: Many people visit shrines and temples on the first three days of the New Year
2. Getting Fukubukuro Lucky Bags
Genre: Shopping
Location: Department stores and other brand shops
Dates: From the beginning of January
3. New Year’s at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea (Chiba)

Genre: Theme Park
Dates: January 1 to 16, 2023
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/dxnLuwoxaFiA2aRz9
Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/dream/event/newyear2023.html
4. Andy Warhol Kyoto (Kyoto)
Genre: Exhibition
Dates: September 17, 2022 to February 12, 2023
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/cjepgNuEbRV77wp97
Website: https://www.andywarholkyoto.jp/
5. Huis Ten Bosch Silver Town -Winter Europe- (Nagasaki)
Genre: Illumination/Festival
Dates: December 26, 2022 to February 24, 2023
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/7MDmcS35qxzmfKMj8
Website: https://www.huistenbosch.co.jp/
6. The 37th Shirakawago Light-up Event (Gifu)
*NOTE: Visitors are required to make a reservation in advance via the official website.
Genre: Illumination
Dates: January 15, 22, 29, 2023/February 5, 12, 19, 2023
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/ZAyZdF6kTJJiM79E6
Website: https://shirakawa-go.gr.jp/lightup/
7. Ghibli Park and Ghibli Exhibition (Kumamoto)

Genre: Exhibition
Dates: January 20 to March 26, 2023
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/8rybUxaiXKZnthDW7
Website: https://ghiblipark-exhibition.jp/
8. Atami Baien Ume Matsuri/Atami Plum Blossom Festival) (Shizuoka)
Genre: Festival
Dates: January 7 to March 5, 2023
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/zPmogqfgUjNVYrh17
Website: http://www.ataminews.gr.jp/ume/
9. Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination (Tochigi)
Genre: Illumination
Dates: October 15, 2022 to February 14, 2023
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/JZAb9d2yw3zY2ki77
Website: https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/
10. Nabana no Sato Illumination (Mie)
Genre: Illumination
Dates: October 22, 2022 to May 31, 2023
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/JQZGrJYPqm92
Website: https://www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp/nabana/illumination/index.html
In addition to those seasonal events, there are more things to do in Japan in January. Check more details in these articles below.
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