This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For May 19-20
Festivals, Culture, And Fun In The City
From two fundraising and community building events to a celebration of the friendship of two nations and the roots of one of Tokyo's most historically important shrines, this week is all about going back to basics, appreciating what we have in life and trying to find ways to pay it forward — even if this means buying a cold beer for your hard-working colleague at the Beer Fest! Here are our picks of the top events happening this week(end) in and around Tokyo.
Cultural Celebrations
Vietnam Festival 2018
In celebration of the 45th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations with Vietnam, Japan hosts another year of the famous Vietnam Festival in Yoyogi Park, bringing up the excitement to a whole new level. This year, the festival also celebrates its 10th anniversary and there will be a number of celebratory events to mark the occasion! Enjoy tons of great Vietnamese food, traditional arts, live music from popular artists and a lot of souvenirs to take back home. Some 150,000 people are predicted to attend the festival, so be prepared for a big crowd!
- Date
- Sat, May 19-Sun, May 20, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Location
- YOYOGI PARK EVENTS SQUARE, 2-3 JINNAN, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Vietnamese residents in Japan, Fans of Vietnam, Foodies, Friends, Couples, Families
© Photo by JNTOA Must-See Festival
Asakusa Sanja Matsuri
The wildest one out of the three major shrine festivals in Tokyo, Sanja Matsuri celebrates the founding fathers of the famous Asakusa Senso-ji Temple. The traditional music and dance performances at the well-known parade (on Friday) attracts millions of tourists and locals alike every year. Get a glimpse of the matsuri madness yourself this weekend!
- Date
- Fri, May 18-Sun, May 20, 2018
- Time
- All day long. The parade is on Friday from 1 p.m.
- Location
- ASAKUSA SHRINE, 2-3-1 ASAKUSA, TAITO-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Fans of Japanese culture, Matsuri lovers, Social Media Influencers, Families, Friends, Couples
Farm-To-Table
Earth Day Market
If you're going to the Vietnam Festival in Yoyogi Park, make sure to stop by at this event on your way back home. The Earth Day Market, held multiple times a year at various locations, brings healthy and nutritious goodies for your body and home straight from Japan's farms. Enjoy an array of fresh organic vegetables and fruits, cooked food, clothes, ornaments and so much more.
- Date
- Sun, May 20, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Location
- YOYOGI PARK KEYAKINAMIKI, 2-2 JINNAN, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Families, Eco-friendly shoppers, Friends
So They Know They Can Dance
Burn the Floor: Joy Of Dancing
Anyone who's seen Burn The Floor knows that this show will make your heart pound, wanting to jump out of your seat and join the stage the minute it opens. It’s one of the most powerful, sexy and terrifically choreographed dance performances ever to be made. Now it's once again coming to Tokyo with its latest edition, "Joy Of Dancing." Watch this talented ensemble breathe new life into traditional Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba and much more. To book your tickets call 03-3477-9999 or see the official website.
- Date
- Thu, May 17-Mon, May 21, 2018
- Time
- Various. See website for details.
- Location
- Tokyo Theatre Orb, 11F Shibuya Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥7,500-¥12,000
- Info
- Recommended for: Dance lovers, Pro dancers, Couples, Friends
A Gourmet's Fantasy
Manpaku 2018
This massive food festival is just another excuse to stop by at Showa Memorial Park for a fun spring day at the park with the whole family. Go hungry though because there will be plenty to grab. Divided into 10 different areas specializing in various foods — from sushi to steaks to ramen and so much more — this is a true foodies' fantasy land.
- Date
- Thu, May 17-Mon, June 4, 2018
- Time
- 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Location
- Showa Memorial Park (Midori no Bunka Zone), 3173 Midorimachi, Tachikawa-shi Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥500 (Weekdays), ¥800 (Weekends)
- Info
- Recommended for: Foodies, Friends, Families, Couples
© Photo by @ice_land_201821st Century Hansel And Gretel
Tokyo Ice Cream Land: Pop-Up Store
If you're an Instagrammer looking to boost your followers, stop by at this crazy new addition to the city: an ice cream parlor that has everything inspired by ice cream — without the real thing. This pop-up store is basically a massive photo booth that is so beautifully decorated and oh-so-Instagrammable that you won't be able to resist taking more photos than you can actually upload. The perfect place to go if you're into that kind of things — and have an Instagram account, of course.
- Date
- Now through Sun, May 27, 2018
- Time
- 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Location
- Colette Mare Minatomirai 1F, 1-1-7 Sakuragicho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
- Fee
- ¥1,000 (Free for children under 10)
- Info
- Recommended for: Instagrammers, Friends, Kids
Giving Back To The Community
Nishimachi Community Service Flea Market 2018
Nishimachi's annual Community Service Committee (CSC) Flea Market is back! The school hosts the event every year as a way to support those in need, and to contribute to an eco-friendly society while strengthening the Nishimachi community. All proceeds will benefit the Kirivorn School in Cambodia, Tohoku, and the WWF. There will be tons of entertainment, great food, and a talent show performed by students. Don't forget to bring your own bag and store a couple of goodies for back home!
- Date
- Sat, May 19, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Location
- Nishimachi International School, 2-14-7 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Families, Children
© Photo by Tell JapanMusic For Life
Band Night for Tell Japan
Two cities, one purpose. Join Tell Japan in this exclusive band night event held simultaneously in Tokyo and Kobe as a fundraising event for mental health and suicide prevention. Enjoy the night full of great music (there will be six bands) and fun for a good cause. A free event, but donations are more than welcome.
- Date
- Sat, May 19, 2018
- Time
- 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
- Location
- What the Dickens, 4F Roob 6 Bldg, 1-13-3 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free entrance
- Info
- Recommended for: Friends, Music fans
The Other Side Of Advertising
Exhibition: Good Ideas for Good II
Though we're constantly saturated with advertising, truth is some ads go beyond selling menial products—some ads help to positively impact culture and society. And this is exactly what "Good Ideas for Good II" celebrates: advertisements that aim to solve societal problems and help humanity. From advertisements about breaking down discrimination and inequality, to encouraging the pursuit of one's dreams and happiness, this exhibition is all about GOOD advertising.
- Date
- Now through SAT, JULY 14, 2018
- Time
- 11 A.M.-6 P.M. (TUE-SAT)
- Location
- THE AD MUSEUM TOKYO, CARETTA SHIODOME, HIGASHI-SHIMBASHI 1-8-2, MINATO-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: People working in advertising, Families, Friends, Solo dates
After Work Fun
Hibeer Garden
With the recent rise in temperature we can feel the summer fast approaching which makes us really look forward to a cold brew after work. Known as "Japan's largest beer garden," this event is an early start of the beer season and kicks off at our favorite Hibiya Park this weekend. Featuring 70 different kinds of imported beer, delicious food, and live music performances, this outdoor event is bound to serve you right at the end of a long week.
- Date
- Fri, May 17-Sun, May 27, 2018
- Time
- 4 p.m.-10:30 p.m. From 11 a.m. on weekends.
- Location
- HIBIYA PARK, 1-6 HIBIYA KOEN, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free entrance
- Info
- Recommended for: Groups of friends, Work friends, Beer lovers, Tired salarymen and women
Attending any of these events? Send us your best photos through Facebook or Instagram for a chance to be published on the site. #SavvyTokyo
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