This Obon Week(End) At Home And Around Tokyo For August 13-16
#StayHome #SaveLives
If you've chosen to avoid the crowds and spend your Obon weekend at home or in Tokyo without travelling anywhere, let us be the ones to tell you that you've made the right decision — for there are plenty of fun events happening this weekend from the safety of your home and within the capital.
Virtual Shorts
Online Film Festival: Jessica Wu's White Dragon
The UltraSuperNew gallery in conjunction with Bae Tokyo are curating a Virtual Independent Short Film Festival series showcasing the visual works of women and non-binary creators. Their upcoming live stream event this Sunday will feature Toronto based director, Jessica Wu and her film "White Dragon". Wu's film will detail a mythology inspired by the White Dragon tile in mahjong. The event will consist of a virtual screening, followed up by a panel discussion with Jessica, discussing her work, its theme, and the process as a female creator in the industry.
- Date
- SUN, AUG. 16, 2020
- Time
- 10 A.M. - 11 A.M.
- Location
- ONLINE (SEE “MORE INFO” LINK) - Map
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: ARTISTS, FILM FANATICS
Colors and Designs
Exhibition: Kimono Fashioning Identities
The kimono is one of Japan’s most iconic symbols, its colors and designs exemplifying Japanese cultural sensibilities and aesthetics. Learn and consider the past, present, and future of the quintessential Japanese garment. The exhibition will be held in the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, however you must purchase your tickets in advance online to book in a time.
- Date
- NOW THROUGH SUN, AUG. 23, 2020
- Time
- 9:30 A.M.-6 P.M. (CLOSED MONDAY)
- Location
- TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM, 13-9 UENOKOEN, TAITO CITY, TOKYO - Map
- Fee
- ¥1,700 (GENERAL)
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: KIMONO FANS, ART LOVERS, FRIENDS
Summer Lights
Tokyo Tower Milky Way Illumination
Tokyo Tower's Milky Way Illuminations presents an incredible digital display that you can view from the Capital's iconic building. You’ll get to experience a walk through the milky way thanks to the blue and green lights that create the illusion of a starry sky and midsummer coolness.
- Date
- NOW THROUGH MON, AUG 31, 2020
- Time
- 9 A.M. - 11 P.M.
- Location
- TOKYO TOWER, 4-2-8 SHIBAKOEN, MINATO-KU, TOKYO - Map
- Fee
- ¥1,200 (GENERAL)
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: INSTAGRAMMERS, ANYONE WHO'S NEVER TO TOKYO TOWER
Daniel Arsham
Exhibition: Relics of Kanto Through Time
Shibuya Parco will be hosting a collaboration exhibition by American artist Daniel Arsham and Pokemon. Experience the world of "Fictional Archeology" by Arsham and enjoy your favourite Pokemon in their fossilised forms. A limited edition "Crystalized Pikachu" will be sold by lottery, alongside other Pokemon goods at their 2G store inside of the mall. You can also find a two-meter tall bronze Pikachu installed on the first floor plaza of Shibuya Parco as part of the exhibition.
- Date
- NOW THROUGH SUN, AUG. 16, 2020
- Time
- 11 A.M.-9 P.M.
- Location
- SHIBUYA PARCO, 15-1 UDAGAWACHO, SHIBUYA CITY, TOKYO - Map
- Fee
- ¥700 (PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE AT LIVEPOCKET-TICKET)
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: POKEMON FANS
Umbrella Corridor
Metsa Umbrella Sky Design Project
Metsa in Hanno, Saitama has a new exhibition area with Japan’s largest umbrella corridor. Approximately 2,000 colorful umbrellas will be stretched across the path extending over to the Moomin Valley Park. Metsa is a lakeside forest facility with Nordic influence that is made up of two areas: the Metsa Village, a shopping and restaurant complex with an outdoor area with canoeing and adventure ropes, and the Moomin Valley Park, the home of the famed adorable troll family.
- Date
- NOW THROUGH SUN, AUGUST 22, 2020
- Time
- 1 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
- Location
- METSA, 327-6 MIYAZAWA, HANNO-SHI, SAITAMA - Map
- Fee
- FREE! (ADMISSION FEE INTO MOOMIN VALLEY PARK EXTRA)
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: INSTAGRAMMERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, FAMILIES
The Tiny Life
Exhibition: The World of Miniature Photography
The perfect exhibition to help us see the world from a different perspective, this event brings together creative designers who have mastered the art of creating mini dioramas of all kinds of themes. The details and meticulous work put into creating these tiny figures is simply amazing and definitely worth seeing!
- Date
- NOW THROUGH SUN, AUG. 16, 2020
- Time
- 11 A.M.-7 P.M.
- Location
- TODAYS GALLERY STUDIO, 5-27-6 ASAKUSABASHI, TAITO-KU, TOKYO - Map
- Fee
- ¥600
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, INSTAGRAMMERS
Tasty Edo
Exhibition: Oishii Ukiyo-e: The Roots of Japanese Cuisine
Ukiyo-e first emerged in the late sixteenth century and is known for it's vivid representation of Japanese culture during the Edo period. Visitors to this exhibition will be able to journey the very essence of the Edo period through visuals, recipes, and cooking techniques that were used back during this time.
- Date
- NOW THROUGH SUN, SEP 13, 2020
- Time
- 10 A.M.-8 P.M. (LAST ADMISSION 7:30 P.M.)
- Location
- 52F ROPPONGI HILLS, 6-10-1 ROPPONGI, MINATO-KU, TOKYO - Map
- Fee
- ¥1,800 (GENERAL)
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: KIDS, FAMILIES, FOOD LOVERS
Worth The Climb
Takao Beer Mount
Just a short walk from the end of Mt. Takao Cable Car Station, the Mt. Takao Beer Mount will open again this year at an observation facility with an altitude of 488 meters. There will be an all-you-can-drink of beers, wines and cocktails available for up to 90 minutes and an all-you-can-eat buffet too! To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, all guests are asked to wear masks, disinfect their hands and follow social distancing protocols. All workers will be equipped with masks and face shields.
- Date
- NOW THROUGH THU, OCT 15, 2020
- Time
- 1 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
- Location
- BEER MOUNT, 2205 TAKAOMACHI, HACHIOJI, TOKYO - Map
- Fee
- MEN: ¥3,400 WOMEN: ¥3,200
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: FRIENDS AND FAMILIES
Connecting To The Future
Tokyo Skytree Virtual Fireworks
Tokyo Sky Tree is honoring the cancelled Sumida River Fireworks, which was supposed to take place on July 11th this year, with a special virtual screening instead. Until the end of August, the round theater on the Tembo deck of the tower will be lit up to portray the flashes of colorful fireworks. For those who want to stay home, you can also watch the past fireworks from the point of view of the Sky Tree on Youtube.
- Date
- NOW THROUGH MON, AUG. 31, 2020
- Time
- FROM 7:45 P.M./ 8:15 P.M./ 8:45 P.M.
- Location
- TOKYO SKY TREE, 1-1-2 OSHIAGE, SUMIDA CITY, TOKYO - Map
- Fee
- GENERAL SET PRICE: ¥3,100 (WEEKDAY) ¥3,400 (WEEKEND)
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: COUPLES, FRIENDS, FAMILIES
Your Summer Vacay
Plan A Safe Staycation
As borders continue to be shut for the majority of the world due to the coronavirus, staycations are predicted to rise in popularity in the coming months. In response to this, a number of Tokyo’s best and most luxurious hotels have set up exciting staycation deals that offer a number of services, alongside their gorgeous rooms and dining plans, with safe and clean infection prevention set in place. See “more info” link.
- Date
- WHENEVER YOU WANT
- Time
- ANY TIME
- Location
- HOME
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: EVERYONE, FAMILIES WITH KIDS
Kids’ Imaginations Run Wild
Cool Down At A Mud Park
Children love playing at so-called ‘mud parks’ where they have the rare freedom to create unique, ever-changing play spaces all of their own. Summer is a great time of year to let your kids loose at an adventure playground—and the free entry just can’t be beat! See “more info” link.
- Date
- WHENEVER YOU WANT
- Time
- ANY TIME
- Location
- VARIOUS
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES WITH KIDS
Learn Japanese Culture
Try An Online Workshop
Try out traditional Japanese art and cultural experiences run by field professionals, #StayAtHome style. Whether you want to take a tour of a sake brewery whilst sipping their sake, attempt some Japanese dancing, or join a Japanese cooking class, with these online classes you’ll conveniently be only a click away from learning something new. See “more info” link.
- Date
- WHENEVER YOU WANT
- Time
- ANY TIME
- Location
- HOME
- Fee
- VARIED
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: THOSE INTERESTED IN JAPANESE CULTURE
Cocktail Anyone?
Become A Home Bartender And Sip Summer Cocktails
Who needs a drink? We all do. Check out Savvy Sips and become the best home-bartender ever. Unwind while sipping a delicious and terribly simple to make Japanese inspired Paloma cocktail. What better way to take the edge off during this stressful time. See “more info” link.
- Date
- WHENEVER YOU WANT
- Time
- ANY TIME
- Location
- HOME
- Fee
- VARIED
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: ADULTS WHO NEED A REFRESHING BREAK
Add To Your Reading List
Check Out Japanese Books to Enjoy This Summer
Visions of summer holidays often include a beach, a book, and a cocktail, but even if your summer vacation is still a long way ahead, there’s always room for a great Japanese read or two. Here are six of our very favorite Japanese summer reads. See “more info” link.
- Date
- WHENEVER YOU WANT
- Time
- ANY TIME
- Location
- HOME
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: BOOKWORMS
Keep Immune
Learn About Japanese Superfoods That Boost Your Immune System
Many traditional Japanese foods are filled with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and even beneficial bacteria (for optimal gut health). Forget the pills and potions—try these Japanese superfoods to naturally keep your body healthy and your immune system strong! See “more info” link.
- Date
- WHENEVER YOU WANT
- Time
- ANY TIME
- Location
- HOME
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: EVERYONE
Be The Chef
Attempt A Savvy Tokyo Recipe
Why not take this opportunity to work on your cooking skills? Cooking can be extremely therapeutic and a great form of self-care. Check out the long list of delicious recipes on our site. From traditional Japanese dishes to international treats with an oriental twist, there’s something for everyone! Find something you’d like to try and give it a go! See “more info” link.
- Date
- WHENEVER YOU WANT
- Time
- ANY TIME
- Location
- YOUR KITCHEN
- Fee
- INGREDIENTS
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: EVERYONE, HOME CHEFS, THOSE LOOKING TO TRY NEW THINGS
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