This Week: At Home And Around Tokyo For Jan 31 – Feb 6

Oni wa soto!

Throw Beans For Setsubun

Digital Team Up

Online Event: Tell Pub Quiz

Tell, Japan’s international community helping to address the country’s growing mental health care needs, is holding its monthly Pub Quiz online. Get your team and team name ready, and be prepared to chat with your team members via a messaging app like LINE, FB messenger, Whatsapp etc.! Donate to Tell for suicide prevention and mental health care in Japan while you're at it.

Welcome Good Luck

Setsubun Festival At Zojoji Temple

Join celebrities, politicians and sumo wrestlers at the annual bean-throwing “Setsubun” festival at Zojoji Temple, one of the largest such events in Tokyo. Setsubun, meaning the day before the first day of spring, is one of the most unique Japanese traditions and is celebrated across the country when people throw away beans toward demons to scare them away and bring good luck. Thousands of people join the Zozoji event and the battle for bean catch is fierce, so come well-armed.

Catch Your Good Luck

Naritasan Setsubun Festival

Another major Setsubun event, the bean-throwing day at Naritasan Temple attracts around 40 thousand visitors every year. Many celebrities and athletes participate in the ceremony, which sets fire to intense competition over the bean packages.

Experience Yomiuriland

Theme Park At Home

Enjoy videos of rides and popular attractions from the point of view of the rider. You can also see the cute animals, and expereince some of the games from the themepark at home too with DIY crafts to make it more fun! You can also make or purchase VR sets to make the experiences feel even more real. A super fun and great way to spend time with the family safe at home. See “more info” link.

Power Of Visuals

Yebisu International Festival For Art & Alternative Visions 2022

Held annually since 2009, Yebisu International Festival aims to gather and encourage creativity through visual art exhibitions, movies, and dance performances. With “After The Spectacle” 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.

A New Year Spectacle

China Town's Chinese New Year 2022

Held for the 36th time, Yokohama Chinatown's Chinese New Year celebration is now a popular annual tourist destination. While the famous New Year countdown is now over, you can still tour around to see the spectacular lantern works. Happy New Year to everyone celebrating the Chinese style!

Hot Pot Date

Sakedokoro Nabegoya 2022

Surrounding a hot pot with a warm sake in your hands with your family and friends in the beautiful city of Yokohama is a great way to warm up this winter. You can make your own special nabe by selecting your preferred ingredients or choose a ready-made pot if you're less adventurous.