Welcome the season at these quirky celebrations in and around Tokyo
Although summer and autumn are when most of Tokyo’s major festivals take place, there’s still more than enough matsuri action going on between December and March. While Setsubun on February 3 is the most important festival during this time, you’ll find a nice lineup of other, quirkier celebrations both in and around the capital.
The tradition of Hinamatsuri or Girls’ Day dates back to Heian era (794-1185) Kyoto. It sees elaborate dolls representing the imperial family and court nobles displayed on multi-tiered platforms in homes, at shrines and other public places across Japan. Some of the most spectacular set-ups in Tokyo can be found at the Meguro Gajoen wedding complex and the Mitsui Museum in Nihonbashi. The festival takes place on March 3 every year.
Discover the beauty of the wintertime city – it's your guide to the top Tokyo light-ups
Lace up your skates and glide around the capital's frosty selection of indoor and outdoor ice rinks
What to see from now until March: conceptual and surrealist art, mythical scroll paintings, Chinese calligraphy and much, much more
There’s nothing like an open fire on a cold night, and these restaurants and bars feature fireplaces for you to cosy up by with a good meal
Discover Time Out original video
