November 2021 events in Tokyo

Yokohama's spacious Sankeien is home to several priceless structures, including a three-storey pagoda from Kyoto, historical teahouses and a feudal lord’s residence. Several of these treasures will be opened to the public over a few autumn weeks, coinciding with the golden red and yellow autumn foliage. Should make for a nice opportunity to experience the season the traditional way.

To celebrate its first anniversary, Kadokawa Musashino Museum is hosting a 360-degree immersive digital art exhibition from the Paris-based Danny Rose Studio. Ukiyo-e may be an ancient Japanese art, but these woodblock prints and paintings that flourished during the Edo period (1603-1867) had a significant impact on early Impressionists when first introduced in Europe – particularly France – during the 19th century...

Currently on show at Tokyo City View in Roppongi, the largest exhibition in Sanrio's history explores the 60-year history of more than 400 characters. It also examines the roots of Sanrio as a symbol of Japan's kawaii culture through more than 800 exhibits.

The showcase starts with 'Unforgettable Tower’, a 6-meter-tall symbolic art piece by Sebastian Masuda. Through original drawings and rough sketches, you’ll learn about the birth of Sanrio’s iconic characters including Hello Kitty, My Melody and Pompompurin...

Demon Slayer is taking over Tokyo Skytree this autumn. At the Tembo Deck, about 350m in the air, screens on the windows will be playing six-minute clips from the anime series throughout the day, so you can watch while marvelling at the cityscape.

Head up to the Tembo Galleria where you’ll be greeted by a light-up monument of the characters, and illustrations from the anime wrapped around the 110m-long spiral corridor – there are even scenes from the blockbuster movie ‘Demon Slayer: Mugen Train’...

The Fujiko F. Fujio Museum is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special exhibition running until June 30 2022. The works on display change every three months, with a different focus each time. The current exhibits (until January 23) include the iconic manga artist’s original drawings from Doraemon, Ninja Hattori-kun, Perman and more. There’s also a themed exhibition room that changes regularly. You might spot some of Fujio’s rare science fiction and adventure manga series like 21-Emon and Mojacko, or the Doraemon Long Story series, which features more in-depth narratives...

Visit the museum café on the third floor for some exclusive menu items that were voted on by fans. Try the fluffy egg doria (¥1,500) with a Doraemon motif, a Pokonyan burger (¥1,350) or a delicious Chimpu miso ramen (¥1,100). Make sure to check out the gift shop to get some exclusive goods, too. 

Tickets must be booked in advance through Lawson Ticket.

Before the Edo-Tokyo Museum closes temporarily for renovation in April 2022, make sure to drop by this special exhibition focussed on Tokyo’s long history, dating back over 30,000 years.

There are ancient tools on display, all made of stone, wood and soil between the Paleolithic period and the Kofun period (300-538 AD). You’ll learn about the development of Edo (the city now known as Tokyo) and see how it became a modern-day capital...

You wouldn’t think that a kissaten-inspired cocktail bar would come to offer some of the best sushi in town, but The Bellwood in Shibuya has always been full of surprises. Served in The Bellwood Lab – the bar’s private backroom reserved for experimental pop-ups – Bellsushi features eight pieces of nigiri served with two cocktails for a reasonable ¥6,050 (tax included). 

The experience is an unconventional one, but that’s not just because omakase sushi dinners at cocktail bars are unheard of in Tokyo...

Every year, hordes of Tokyoites make the exodus out of town to classic autumn leaf watching spots like Kamakura, Nikko and Hakone. However, for those with no time to travel, there are plenty of gardens, parks and museums right here in the city to get your koyo fill from mid-to-late November. Here are our top picks of nightly light-ups, historic retreats and lesser-known viewing locations, all in or close to Tokyo. And for particularly energetic foliage-watchers, we recommend these scenic bike routes and these highlight hikes.

Five rewarding cycling destinations for all fitness levels