From the 10th October to the 31st December 2026, the streets of Tokyo will be enlivened with a new city-wide arts and culture festival, Arte Tokyo, turning the city’s streets, waterfronts, parks and public spaces into vibrant venues for art and creativity. The first festival will take art out of the galleries and museums and introduce art, theatre, music, performances, illuminations and entertainment in various parts of the city. It will inspire visitors to experience Tokyo through culture, whilst exploring the neighbourhoods and public spaces. The festival will focus on three points in Tokyo: Waterfront, Hibiya and Marunouchi, Yoyogi and Shibuya; and link to cultural events throughout the city.

Tokyo Bay waterfront will be transformed into a stage for contemporary circus, live music and acrobatic performances in the festival, opening on October 10 and 11 in Odaiba on Tokyo Bay with Arte Tokyo Circus. Hibiya and Marunouchi will also present another side of central Tokyo from mid-November, when contemporary art can be seen all over the streets and public spaces, including the vicinity of Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, Hibiya Park, the Tokyo International Forum and the Tokyo Station. Yoyogi and Shibuya will be the hot spots of December, as art and cultural activities will be seen throughout Yoyogi Park and other public areas.

Arte Tokyo will also give visitors a novel opportunity to enjoy Hama-rikyu Gardens at night. A special nighttime art project will be held from November 25 to December 24, coinciding with the first festival and the 80th anniversary of Hama-rikyu Gardens. The project will integrate the historic landscape, presenting another cultural highlight on Tokyo’s festival calendar, with artistic experiences.