This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For August 25-26

If there's one single weekend in the year that brings together all major Japanese dance events in Tokyo, it's definitely this one. Get ready for a busy weekend, because there's a lot to experience and explore: from Koenji's Awa Odori and Harajuku's Yosakoi to Asakusa's Samba Festival, Hibiya's Bon Odori and a few local festivals, this is, by all means, the hottest way to end August! Enjoy!

The Grand Carnival

Asakusa Samba Carnival

The largest Samba festival in Japan gathers thousands of spectators in Asakusa to watch a powerful parade of competing teams (18 this year!) dancing to the rhythm of Latin soul. Held for the 37th time this year, the Asakusa Samba Carnival is a classic summer show you shouldn't miss.

Date

Sat, Aug. 25, 2018

Time

1 P.M.-6 P.M.

Location

From UMAMICHI-DORI STREET to KAMINARIMON-DORI STREET NEAR ASAKUSA STATION

Fee

Free!

Info

Recommended for: Samba fans, Social media Influencers, Dancers, Couples, Families, Friends

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© Photo by Reina Ogawa

Street Sways

Koenji Awaodori Festival

Another major dance event on the list this weekend, the annual Koenji Awa Odori is one of the largest of its kind in the capital. Come and see the nearly 170 teams dance the night away under traditional tunes and drums, forming a one-of-a-kind spectacular show! Be warned that the popularity of this event brings thousands of visitors, and it can get hot and crowded.

Date

Sat, Aug. 25-Sun, Aug. 26, 2018

Time

5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Location

ALONG THE SHOPPING STREETS NORTH AND SOUTH OF JR KOENJI STATION

Fee

Free

Info

Recommended for: Japanese culture fans, Matsuri lovers, Social media influencers, Families

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So They Know They Can Dance

Harajuku Super Yosakoi Festival

Yosakoi, a traditional dance originating from Kochi prefecture, is an up-tempo powerful and empowering dance that will get you up and willing to join yourself. One of the most famous festivals in Tokyo, the Harajuku Omotesando Super Yosakoi, gathers 108 teams this year — one of the largest ever! Also a competition, each team invests much efforts into their costumes, hairstyles and, of course, performance originality, making this event a spectacular and motivating sight.

Date

Sat, Aug 25-Sun, Aug 26, 2018

Time

10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Sat), 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Sun)

Location

HARAJUKU OMOTESANDO Avenue, MEIJI JINGU SHRINE, YOYOGI PARK, KEYAKI AVENUE IN FRONT OF NHK

Fee

Free!

Info

Recommended for: Families, Friends, Social Media Influencers, Fans Of Japanese Culture

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Photo Exhibition

Gendai gokan and Haruo Tomiyama: A photographer who transcended language

A rare exhibition displaying nearly 30 works by Haruo Tomiyama, a prominent photographer who was at the frontline of Japanese journalism in the 1960s. His works popularized the Gendai gokan series in the Asahi Journal magazine, which started in 1964 with Tomiyama's photograph on the theme “overcrowding.” A rare collection of photographs that had captured the many sights of Japan back in the Showa days.

Date

Now through Wed, Oct. 31, 2018

Time

10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Location

Fujifilm Square, 9-7-3 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Fee

Free

Info

Recommended for: Photographers, People interested in Japanese post-war history

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Get In The Circle

Hibiya Park Great Bon Odori

Held for the 16th consecutive time this year, people will gather in Hibiya Park to dance the traditional bon odori in groups, forming quite a show for spectators. One of the largest in the city, this annual event gathers over 40,000 visitors and counting. A great way to bid goodbye to August.

Date

Fri, Aug 24-Sat, Aug 25, 2018

Time

6 p.m-9 p.m.

Location

HIBIYA PARK FOUNTAIN AREA, HIBIYA KOEN, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO

Fee

Free!

Info

Recommended for: Bon odori fans, Families, Friends, Couples, Instagrammers

In The Heat Of The Night

Azabu Juban Noryo Matsuri

Literally meaning "cool the night," the Noryo Festival is a typical Japanese summer event held by local areas to cool down on hot summer nights. The Azabu Juban shopping district will heat up this weekend with food stalls, game corners for the kids and families, and many other events. The Bon Dance in the evening is also a must-see experience.

Date

Sat, Aug 25-Sun, Aug 26, 2018

Time

3 P.M. - 9 P.M.

Location

AZABU JUBAN SHOPPING DISTRICT (PATIO-DORI STREET, ZOSHIKI-DORI STREET, ETC.) ACCESS: AZABU JUBAN STATION

Fee

Free!

Info

Recommended for: Families, Friends, Couples

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Lifeless But Not Abandoned

The Witch: Haunted House

It's late at night and it's quiet as a lifeless ground. You walk into the night museum, frightened — yet curious — when one painting on the wall catches your attention. A few minutes later you gradually find yourself sinking into a round of supernatural events you can't possibly understand — nor escape from. Produced by famed horror queen Anna Yozumi, this haunted house will chill you to the bone.

Date

Fri, Aug 24-Sun, Aug 26, 2018

Time

6 p.m.-10:15 p.m.

Location

Yokohama Daisekai Trick Art Museum, 97 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Pref.

Fee

¥3,500 (¥2,900 if booked in advance online)

Info

Recommended for: Couples, Friends, People over 15

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Traces of Japan's Roots

Jomon: 10,000 Years of Prehistoric Art in Japan

Approximately 13,000 years ago the Jomon period is said to have begun. Those who lived during this prehistoric time survived by hunting, gathering and fishing, yet they still created a plethora of beautiful and intriguing tools and objects. This exhibition explores this early group of people and the art they created throughout the diverse regions of the Japanese archipelago from the beginning to the end of the Jomon period.

Date

Now through SUN, SEPT 2, 2018

Time

9:30 A.M.-5 P.M. (WED-THU), 9:30 A.M.-9 P.M. (FRI-SAT), 9:30 A.M.-6 P.M. (SUNDAYS), CLOSED MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS

Location

TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM, 13-9 UENO PARK, TAITO-KU, TOKYO

Fee

ADULTS: ¥1,600, UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: ¥1,200, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: ¥900, KIDS: FREE

Info

Recommended for: History buffs, Japanese history students, Solo dates

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Tipsy Alleys

Golden Gai Summer Matsuri

Behind the city noise and flashy neon lights there's another side of Shinjuku — the Golden Gai alley of over 250 bars and diners bearing a touch of nostalgic Showa Japan. While this area still remains relatively secluded, this Sunday it will open from late afternoon onwards inviting anyone to drink, eat, sing and party along. Most bars will offer drinks and food for just ¥500, so hop around and find your favorite!

Date

Sun, Aug 26, 2018

Time

3 p.m.-10 p.m.

Location

Golden Gai, 1-1-6 KABUKICHO, SHINJUKU-KU, TOKYO

Fee

¥500/drink

Info

Recommended for: People who can legally drink

Drink And Eat Me While You Can

Alice Summer Party Dessert Buffet

End the weekend with a relaxing afternoon tea buffet inspired by the wonders and colors of Alice and her fantasy world's peculiar creatures. With over 20 items on the menu and a long list of teas and other hot drinks, be careful not to fall down the rabbit hole yourself!

Date

Sun, Aug 26, 2018

Time

① 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ② 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. ③ 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Location

The Strings Omotesando Gramercy House, 3-6-8 Kita aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥4,500 (Adults) ¥2,250 (Children)

Info

Recommended for: Families, Girls Dates, People who love sweets

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Attending any of these events? Send us photos through Facebook or Instagram for a chance to be published on the site. #SavvyTokyo