Japan News Flash Vol. 17 | Ueno Free Street Performances, Mejiro Night Maples, Tokyo Skytree 2027 New Year's Sunrise Ticket Lottery, and New Sanrio Updates

Hi everyone, I’m Benny! For this issue of "Japan Early Alert" Vol.17, I want to take you through everything from free street performances in Ueno and ¥500 evening autumn leaves at Mejiro Garden, to ticket draws for the 2027 New Year’s Day sunrise at Tokyo Skytree, as well as the Minamiyamashiro matcha experience, Sanrio retro photo pouches, and the zombie night in Kyoto Kitayama. For those of you preparing for a DIY autumn/winter trip to Japan, my biggest reminder is: even free activities have participation requirements, evening maple viewing isn’t always open for walk-ins, and you should check payment methods before buying limited-edition items. I have organized the dates, ticket prices, reservation details, and official links for you below.

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Compiled on: October 21, 2026. Based on the attachments and official sources provided in this issue; all times are Japan Standard Time, and all amounts are in Japanese Yen. Activities, availability, and ticketing are subject to change; please check the latest official announcements before departure. Reservation availability has not been verified.

6 Quick Japan Travel News Highlights

• Ueno Onshi Park: Approximately 140 street performances from October 23–25; free, no reservation required.
• Mejiro Garden: Evening autumn leaves from November 21 to December 6, ¥500 for adults; projections start December 1, reservations required for certain time slots.
• Minamiyamashiro, Kyoto: Free matcha experience on November 28, limited to guests staying at the designated hotel that night.
• Tokyo Skytree: Special 2027 New Year's Day sunrise event; online lottery applications open November 5–26.
• Sanrio: Launching six retro photo pouches starting October 21, ¥704 (tax included) each; designated machines accept electronic payment only.
• Kyoto Kitayama: Zombie Night entry is ¥1,000; extra fees for the wrecked car haunted house; tickets sold on-site only accept cash.

1. Ueno Free Street Performances 2026: Oct 23–25, ~140 acts, no reservation needed

If you're in Tokyo this weekend and want to plan an outdoor program without buying tickets, I’d consider Ueno Onshi Park. From October 23 to 25, about 140 street performers will participate. You can freely watch music, acrobatics, magic, and traditional arts; it’s free and requires no reservation.

When do the Ueno performances start each day?

• Oct 23: 11:30–16:00.
• Oct 24: 11:00–16:00.
• Oct 25: 11:00–16:30.

I’ll check the program schedule first to pick the acts I want to see, rather than assuming "140 acts" means they all perform in the same spot at the same time. Weather might cause changes, so check again before heading out, and remember to leave time for a stroll through the park.

Official Information: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Event Announcement | Organizer News & Program Schedule | Official Art Festival Introduction

2. Mejiro Garden Evening Maple 2026: ¥500 for adults, projections start Dec 1

For evening autumn leaves in Tokyo, I keep an eye on Mejiro Garden. The 2026 illumination period is November 21 to December 6, nightly from 17:30–21:00 (last entry at 20:30). Adults are ¥500, elementary students ¥300, and preschoolers are free; children elementary age or younger must be accompanied by a guardian. This year features projection elements, but remember: projections only begin on December 1, not during the entire illumination period.

Which dates and times require reservations at Mejiro Garden?

• Nov 21–23, 28–29: Reservations required for 17:30–19:00; 19:30 onwards is for walk-ins.
• Dec 5–6: Reservations required for 17:30–18:00; 18:30 onwards is for walk-ins.
• Other weekdays: No reservation required.

Each entry slot is for 150 people; the 30-minute block is your entry window, not the time you must leave. I will choose my date first, then check for designated-time tickets; I won’t assume there’s availability until it's confirmed.

The venue accepts cash or PayPay; tripods are not allowed during the evening. Transportation: 5-minute walk from JR Mejiro Station or 15-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station. The attached image is an official illustration and does not represent this year’s actual autumn foliage status.

Official Information: Mejiro Garden Special Page | Designated-time Tickets | Illumination & Projection Announcement

3. Kyoto Minamiyamashiro Free Matcha Experience: Guests only on Nov 28

For matcha lovers, I want to introduce the experience held at Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Minamiyamashiro on November 28 from 15:00–18:00. Besides the matcha experience, you can taste "Tencha," the raw material used to make matcha—perfect for travelers who want to dive deeper into tea culture.

However, the "free" aspect comes with a condition: it is exclusively for guests staying at the hotel on the night of November 28, 2026. The activity is free, but room charges apply. Register at the front desk on the day; arrangements are made group-by-group (max 4 people per group). It is not open for walk-ins.

If you were already planning to stay in Minamiyamashiro, I would definitely add this to your consideration; however, room rates, vacancy, and English/Chinese service availability are not verified. Please check with the hotel before booking, and don't treat the free activity as a hotel discount.

Official Information: Hotel Matcha Experience Announcement

4. Skytree 2027 New Year Sunrise: Lottery starts Nov 5, ¥11,000 per ticket

To welcome 2027 with a Tokyo sunrise from high above, note the lottery dates early. The Tokyo Skytree January 1, 2027 special event runs from 05:30–07:30. The total capacity is 800 people, with 580 allocated to the online lottery. Not all tickets are available through this one round.

Skytree New Year Sunrise lottery dates and ticket prices

• Application period: November 5, 2026, 12:00 to November 26, 23:59.
• Results: Announced on December 1.
• Max 5 tickets per application; ¥11,000 (tax included) each.
• Includes entry to the 350m and 450m observation decks, plus a ¥1,000 shopping voucher.

Regular tickets cannot be used for this special event. If you successfully secure a ticket, I recommend arriving between 05:30–06:00. The image is for reference only and does not guarantee the exact sunrise experience.

Payment and weather restrictions: read before applying

There are no refunds if the sunrise is not visible due to weather. You must register a credit card and reserve the credit limit; if you use a debit or prepaid card, refunds for unsuccessful applications may take up to two months. I’ll confirm the payment rules and my available balance before applying; don’t get distracted by the view and forget the financial planning.

Official Information: 2027 New Year Sunrise Special Page & Lottery Details | Skytree Official Announcement

5. Sanrio Retro Photo Pouch: ¥704 each, designated machines are cashless

Sanrio fans, check out these retro photo pouches! Starting October 21, 2026, they will be released in sequence at specified Molly Fantasy, PALO, and TOYS SPOT PALO locations. Six types in total, ¥704 (tax included) each, while supplies last. The pouches are approx. 5×5cm, fit mini photos and a few coins, and come with a ball chain.

The most important thing to note isn't just the designs, but that designated "Kapuebo" machines do not accept cash. Electronic money or QR payment doesn't necessarily mean it supports Hong Kong e-wallets or foreign credit cards; check the payment methods listed on the machine when you arrive.

Not available at all locations, and release dates/stores may change. I’ll confirm via the official store list before going, instead of assuming every store has all six types on October 21.

Official Information: Sanrio Pouch Release Announcement | Merchandise & Store List Portal

6. Kyoto Kitayama Zombie Night 2026: Entry ¥1,000, Haunted House extra ¥4,000

If you want to add some Halloween atmosphere to your Kyoto trip, Re.Nova Kitayama Zombie Night will be held on Oct 30, 31, and Nov 3, 7, 8, from 18:00–21:00, a 1-minute walk from Kitayama Station.

Entry is ¥1,000 (preschoolers free); the "Yami no Drive" (Dark Drive) wrecked car haunted house is an extra ¥4,000, and other experiences may cost more. So, don’t mistake the ¥1,000 for an all-inclusive ticket. The attached files haven't confirmed the pricing units or capacity for the ¥4,000 haunted house, so I’d double-check before heading out.

Kitayama Zombie Night ticketing and participation limits

All tickets sold on-site; cash only. Haunted house requires a waiver; people with heart conditions or those who are pregnant cannot participate; entry may be restricted if over 2,000 people attend. The image is for promotional purposes only.

The event’s official website was inaccessible during the compilation of this issue, so core arrangements are based on the operator's press release. I will re-verify the last entry time, weather rules, and haunted house fees before traveling. I don’t suggest budgeting for the full experience without confirming these details first.

Official Information: Operator Event Announcement | Event Official Website

Japan Autumn/Winter DIY Trip FAQ | Benny’s Quick Q&A

Do I need reservations for all Mejiro Garden evening maple slots?

No. Reservations are only required for early time slots on specific weekends and holidays; weekdays are walk-in. Start times for walk-in tickets vary, so check the special page first. Projections start from Dec 1.

Can I join the Minamiyamashiro matcha event if I’m not staying at the hotel?

Based on the announcement, it is exclusive to guests staying at Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Minamiyamashiro on the night of November 28. Room charges apply; register at the front desk that day, max 4 people per group.

Can I see the 2027 New Year’s sunrise with a regular Skytree ticket?

No. You must secure a specific ticket for the event. The online lottery application period is November 5, 2026 (12:00) to November 26, 2026 (23:59), at ¥11,000 (tax included) each.

Can I use cash to buy Sanrio photo pouches?

Designated "Kapuebo" machines are cashless; supported methods depend on the specific machine. It is not guaranteed that foreign e-wallets or credit cards will be accepted.

Does the ¥1,000 Kyoto Kitayama Zombie Night ticket include the haunted house?

No. The wrecked car haunted house is an extra ¥4,000, and other experiences cost extra. Pricing units and capacity for the haunted house still need confirmation from the organizers.

Benny’s Final Tip: Free or low-cost doesn't mean no restrictions

Here’s how I’d prioritize: check daily Ueno programs, pick dates and times for Mejiro, confirm your guest status for Minamiyamashiro, and mark the Skytree lottery deadline. Sanrio needs electronic payment, while Kitayama Zombie Night requires cash. Taking these steps makes your itinerary much more practical than just saving a screenshot.

Save "Benny's Japan Early Alert" Vol.17 and check for official updates before your trip. I’m Benny, and I’ll be back next time to share more Japan food, play, shopping, and seasonal events!