This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For Feb 9-11

A busy (and extraordinary) weekend is predicted ahead, especially if you're looking for art, inspiration and some fun with your family and friends. On the agenda are unique film and dance events, a Chinese New Year celebration, and, of course, a two-day love-inspired event just in time for Valentine's Day. Have a great week(end) ahead!

Love Is All Around

World Valentine's Festival

In Japan it's chocolate; in the U.S. and Europe, it’s a romantic dinner out or a surprise delivery of heart-shaped balloons and red roses. But how much do we know about how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in other parts of the world? Join this Yoyogi Park event to find out, as you fulfill all your senses' needs through good international food, crafts and special performances from across the world.

Date

SAT, FEB 9-SUN, FEB 10, 2019

Time

10 A.M.-6 P.M.

Location

YOYOGI PARK EVENT PLAZA, 2-1 YOYOGI KAMIZONOCHO, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO

Fee

FREE

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: COUPLES, FRIENDS

More Info

Spring Festival

Tokyo Tower Taiwan Festival 2019

Held to celebrate the Chinese New Year, for three days only, Tokyo Tower will be physically transformed into a mini Taiwan, inviting visitors to explore the region's best in food, culture and arts. Expect exciting performances, amazing food, drinks and numerous festive events!

Date

Sat, Feb 9-Mon, Feb 11, 2019

Time

5 p.m.-9 p.m. (Sat), 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Sun), 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Mon)

Location

Tokyo Tower Outdoor Event Space, 4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato, Tokyo

Fee

¥500

Info

Recommended for: Families, Couples, Friends, Foodies, Instagrammers, People who love Taiwan

More Info

© Photo by Mikhail KARIKIS, No Ordinary Protest, 2018 / Single-channel video / Collection of the artist

Power Of Visuals

Yebisu International Festival For Art & Alternative Visions 2019

Held annually since 2009, Yebisu International Festival aims to gather and encourage creativity through visual art exhibitions, movies, and dance performances. With “The Art Of Transportation” as this year’s theme, the event welcomes artists and expressionists from around the world who will be showcasing their works of art in various forms, including exhibitions, film screenings, live shows, workshops and more.

Date

Fri, Feb 8 – Sun, Feb 24, 2019

Time

10 A.M.-8 P.M. (LAST DAY UNTIL 6 P.M.)

Location

TOKYO PHOTOGRAPHIC ART MUSEUM, EBISU GARDEN PLACE, 1-13-3 MITA, MEGURO, TOKYO, AND OTHERS

Fee

FREE ADMISSION, SOME PAID PROGRAMS

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: ART FANS, COUPLES AND SOLO OUTINGS

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Season of Plums

Setagaya Plum Blossom Festival

From Japanese instrumental performances, rice cake pounding and a haiku workshop to a tea ceremony, plum-infused foods and sweets — this festival offers a wide variety of events that you can enjoy by yourself, with your family or friends. It’s a great option to get you energized for spring by admiring the 650 red-and-white plum trees blossoming in Hanegi Park.

Date

Sat, Feb 9-Sun, March 3, 2019

Time

10 A.M. TO 4 P.M.

Location

HANEGI PARK, 4-38-52 DAITA, SETAGAYA-KU, TOKYO

Fee

FREE

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, INSTAGRAMMERS, COUPLES

More Info

© Photo by Yösyöttö / Man and a Baby, Marja Pyykkö / 2017 / (Finnish） / 86min / With English subtitles

Not A Typical Cinema Night

Tokyo Northern Lights Festival 2019

For something a little different, Tokyo Northern Lights Festival is one event worth adding to your international culture calendar. Held at Shibuya’s Eurospace, this is an annual celebration of Nordic cinema, people, and culture. Featuring a carefully curated program of both cult classics like Erkki Karu's 1923 "Nummisuutarit / The Village Shoemakers" and the new and relatively unknown, it’s not your typical movie night out.

Date

Sat, Feb 9-Fri, Feb 15, 2019

Time

VARIES DEPENDING ON SCREENING

Location

EUROSPACE, 1-5 MARUYAMACHO, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO

Fee

¥1,500

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: CULTURAL DATES; FANS OF INDIE MOVIES AND ART

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Kitchen Ambitions

Tableware Festival

Stop by at this festival dedicated to tableware which offers everything from English-style to Japanese fine china. Celebrating its 26th year, the festival welcomes British brands such as Aynsley, Japanese Kasamayaki porcelain, Venetian glassware and regional style china. Also at the venue will be presentations by celebrities on how they decorate their dining spaces with unique table settings. You can also purchase your favorite tableware.

Date

Now through Mon, Feb 11, 2019

Time

10 A.M.-7 P.M. (Until 6 p.m. on last day)

Location

TOKYO DOME, 1-3-61 KORAKU, BUNKYO-KU, TOKYO

Fee

¥2,100

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: PEOPLE IN NEED OF INTERIOR INSPIRATION

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It's Scary Good!

Godzilla Strawberry Buffet

Not sure how those two exactly mix together, but this inventive dessert buffet celebrates Godzilla's 65th birthday and the strawberry's peak season with some unique and ultra delicious creations. Sweet, sour and heavily roaring, these treats are not to be missed. Prices include lunch buffet too.

Date

NOW THROUGH MAY 31, 2019

Time

11:30 A.M.-1 P.M. AND 13:30 A.M.-3 P.M.

Location

THE STRINGS BY INTERCONTINENTAL TOKYO, 2-16-1 KONAN, MINATO-KU, TOKYO

Fee

¥5,000 (WEEKDAYS), ¥6,000 (WEEKENDS), CHILDREN: ¥2,500

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS, FAMILIES, FRIENDS, COUPLES, KIDS

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© Photo by ON VIEW:Japan. Photo: Hatori Naoshi

Dance On!

Yokohama Dance Collection 2019

Held for the 24th time, Yokohama Dance Collection’s is a dance-inspired event which introduces premieres by cross-disciplinary artists active on the global stage and newly created and re-created works by leading Japanese dance choreographers. Some of the must-see programs include the award-winning Chey Jurado's “Agua” and Japan's "Keep it simple —Mitate," a performance and choreography based on mime.

Date

Now through Sun, Feb 17, 2019

Time

VARIES DEPENDING ON THE PROGRAM

Location

YOKOHAMA RED BRICK WAREHOUSE NO.1, 1-1 SHIN MINATO, NAKA-KU, YOKOHAMA

Fee

VARIES DEPENDING ON THE PROGRAM

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: DANCE LOVERS

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She's Back!

Concert: Janet Jackson Japan Tour

Stronger and bolder at 52, Janet is back to Japan for two exclusive concerts in Tokyo, during which she will be performing her latest singles, including the mega-hit "Made For now" with Daddy Yankee, and some old goldies.

Date

Sun, Feb 10-Mon, Feb 11, 2019

Time

From 6 p.m. (Sun), From 5 p.m. (Mon)

Location

Nippon Budokan, 2-3 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥12,000-¥15,000

Info

Recommended for: Janet Jackson fans

More Info

Family Fun Learn & Play

Gymboree Preschool & After School Open School Day

Gymboree Play & Music is holding a series of "open house" events for parents who wish to know more about the school or who are just looking for a fun and educational way to spend the weekend. The Open House will include a tour of the school facilities, details about its new preschool program and a variety of fun activities for kids. Call Motoazabu (03-5449-2311) or Jiyugaoka (03-3723-0651) campuses in advance to reserve your spot.

Date

Motoazabu School: Sat, Feb 9, Mon, Feb 18, Sat, March 3, 2019. (Jiyugaoka School): Fri, Feb 15, Sun, Feb 24 and Sat, March 9, 2019

Time

Various (See website for more details)

Location

Gymboree Motoazabu School and Jiyugaoka School

Fee

Free

Info

Recommended for: Kids, Families

More Info

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