This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For May 26-27
Festivals, Culture, And Fun In The City
With several unique cultural events and a few exclusive treasure hunt markets, there will be a lot to see, feel and buy this weekend. Get your bags and cultural antennas ready and enjoy this week(end) of creativity, tradition, and respect for all resources we have — regardless of whether they are centuries-old or fresh new!
In Bloom
Toshimaen Hydrangea Festival
One of the most popular spots to see hydrangea in the capital, the beautiful blue and purple flowers look even better from this famous amusement park's steam train and merry-go-round. There will be various flower-inspired workshops and information sessions if you wish to join before enjoying the romantic flower light up view at night.
- Date
- Sat, May 26-Mon, June 25, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Location
- TOSHIMAEN AMUSEMENT PARK, 3-25-1 KOYAMA, NERIMA-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- ¥1,000 (Adults), ¥500 (Children)
- Info
- Recommended for: Families, Couples, Friends, Instagrammers
Sacred Parade
Hanazono Shrine Grand Festival
Spring invites a variety of shrine parades and events, and the Hanazono Shrine Grand Festival is one you shouldn't miss. Located in the heart of Shinjuku (right next to Golden Gai), this festival brings the best of traditional Japan in a local, cozy vibe. The highlight of the event is on Sunday when the mikoshi (portable shrine) will be paraded around the streets. Of course, there are also food vendors around the site, just in case you need some extra energy.
- Date
- Fri, May 25-Mon, May 28, 2018
- Time
- Fri from 6 p.m., Sat from 11 a.m., Sun from 9:40 a.m., Mon from 6 p.m.
- Location
- HANAZONO SHRINE, 5-17-3 SHINJUKU, SHINJUKU-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Fans of Japanese culture, Families, Friends, Inbound tourists, Social media influencers
Cultural Sights
Laos Festival 2018
Another in the series of popular international festivals in Yoyogi Park, this weekend the venue will be welcoming Laos to shed light on the country's beauty and culture. Come have a sip of BeerLao, kebabs and other traditional bits and bites, while also enjoying live stage events, dancing, singing and a lot more. Grab a few souvenirs to take back home — you probably won't find them that easily on regular days in the capital!
- Date
- Sat, May 26-Sun, May 27, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Location
- YOYOGI PARK EVENTS SQUARE, 2-3 JINNAN, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Laos residents in Japan, Fans of Laos, Foodies, Families, Couples, Friends
Port Festivities
Tokyo Minato Matsuri
Held annually to commemorate the opening of Tokyo Port in 1941, this family-friendly event features a variety of fun activities, food booths, stage performances and opportunities to board boats. The highlight is the firefighting pageant on Sunday, in which the Tokyo Fire Department demonstrates waterborne prowess, culminating in a wild display of fire boats shooting water while helicopters hover overhead. This is a truly exciting event for both children and adults!
- Date
- Sat, May 26-Sun, May 27, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Location
- HARUMI PASSENGER TERMINAL, 5-7-1 HARUMI, CHUO-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Families, Social media influencers
Celebration Of Creativity
Tokyo International Art Fair
Tokyo will be welcoming talented artists from all around the world this weekend at the fourth annual Tokyo International Art Fair, Japan's first commercial art fair. More than 150 exhibitors from over 40 countries will be filling the venue with an incredible display of art, with more pieces than ever before gathered under one roof for visitors to admire and to buy. A great opportunity to enjoy art in various forms and styles, from photographs, illustrations and paintings to crafts and sculptures. Live painting and a Global Art Awards Ceremony (Sat, 4 p.m.) will also take place. All artworks are available for purchase, so go ahead and grab a few new paintings!
- Date
- Fri, May 25-Sat, May 26, 2018
- Time
- Fri: 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Sat: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Location
- Bellesalle Roppongi, 7−18−18, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥1,500 (VIP Tickets: Including Champagne Reception, Private View and first opportunity to buy art), Free entry on Saturday
- Info
- Recommended for: Art lovers, Friends, Families
Made From The Heart
Yokohama Handmade Marche
Get yourself ready for freshly handmade products by local craftsmen. Choose from a variety of different crafts including accessories, interior goods and even food to take home with you. You can also make your own crafts as a gift to yourself or your special someone.
- Date
- Sat, May 26-Sun, May 27, 2018
- Time
- 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Location
- PACIFICO YOKOHAMA BCD HALL, 1-1-1 MINATO MIRAI, NISHI-KU, YOKOHAMA, KANAGAWA PREFECTURE
- Fee
- ¥1,000
- Info
- Recommended for: DIY fans, Families, Friends
Surf To The Music
Greenroom Festival
In an effort to save the ocean and beaches, this celebration of surfer culture will bring in waves of exciting music, film, relaxation and art to Yokohama once again. Sneak in a quick yoga session before grabbing some food at the food court and you start enjoying the live performances. Children can also dance it out at the Kid's Disco booth at the site. Greenroom's dazzling line up includes international and local musicians of all genres to bring you the ultimate relaxed festival experience. Tickets are still available for Sunday, so hurry up if you're into that kind of party stuff!
- Date
- Sat, May 26-Sun, May 27, 2018 (Tickets left only for Sunday)
- Time
- From 12 p.m.
- Location
- YOKOHAMA RED BRICK WAREHOUSE, 1-1 SHINKO, NAKA-KU, YOKOHAMA, KANAGAWA
- Fee
- ¥11,730 (One day ticket)
- Info
- Recommended for: Music fans, People who don't mind the crowds, Party lovers, Friends, Couples, Families
Treasure Hunt
Tokyo Nomi No Ichi Flea Market
Looking for something unique for you and your home? Dig through antique treasures to find the perfect addition to your house and everyday life or join home decor and camera workshops to learn something new. Either way, you will be walking home with treasures.
- Date
- Sat, May 26-Sun, May 27, 2018
- Time
- 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sat), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun)
- Location
- TOKYO OVAL KEIOKAKU, 4-31-1, TAMAGAWA, CHOFU-SHI, TOKYO
- Fee
- ¥500
- Info
- Recommended for: Flea market lovers, DIY fans, Families, Friends
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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