This Week: Tokyo Area Events for Jan. 15 – 21

Welcome to another week. If you're looking for cultural events to attend in Tokyo, we've got you covered. From the Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku to the Asian Cultural Festival in Yoyogi, the choice is yours. If you're looking to stay warm, why not have lunch or dinner at the Ueno Oden and Sake Festival? Hope you have a cozy week ahead.

Eco Lifestyle

Earth Garden Winter 2024

Join ecologists and free minded Tokyo hippies for a yet another celebration of Earth Garden, one of the best known eco-conscious events in the capital. There'll be plenty of stalls, food booths, talk sessions and workshops, as well as stage performances and good music. Bring your own cups and plates, or buy some at the venue for discounts.

Date

Sat, Jan 20 - Sun, Jan 21, 2024

Time

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location

Yoyogi Park Event Space, 2-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo - Map

Fee

Free!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES WITH KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

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Culture in Action

Grand Sumo Tournament

Watching sumo on screen can never replicate the feeling of watching it live: it’s an experience of an ancient living culture. The first of the year’s six tournaments, the Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament takes place throughout the month of January. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day—though for the latter you'll need to get their early to grab one of the arena seats. More information can be found on their website.

Date

NOW THROUGH SUN, JAN 28, 2024

Time

ALL DAY

Location

RYOGOKU KOKUGIKAN, 1-3-28 YOKOAMI SUMIDA-KU TOKYO - Map

Fee

FROM ¥3,500 FOR ARENA SEATS

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, TOURISTS, SPORTS FANS

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Dolphin Dance

Bright Crystal Night Performance

Spend a heartwarming time at Maxell Aqua Park’s night-only performance, where dolphins beautifully dance in a venue surrounded by stars and ornaments drawn up by projection mapping. There are five types of seasonal, limited menu items at the Coral Cafe Bar, where you can enjoy a drink while looking out at the aquarium. A starry night sky will color the exhibition area where illuminations and jellyfish unique to this season light up and dance along with the music.

Date

NOW THROUGH TUE, FEB. 28, 2024

Time

5:30 P.M. and 7:00 P.M.

Location

Maxell Aqua Park, 4−10−30 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo - Map

Fee

¥2,300 (GENERAL)

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES WITH KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

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Stay Warm

Oden and Sake Festival 2024

Indulge in all sorts of regional sake and pair it with oden (Japanese one-pot dish) to keep warm this winter. Over the course of four days, expect musical acts to keep you entertained as you chow down on the best of what Japanese winter cuisine has to offer!

Date

Weekdays: 12 P.M. - 7 P.M. Weekend 10 A.M. - 7 P.M.

Time

Thu Jan. 18 - Sun. 21, 2024

Location

Takenodai Square (Fountain Square), Ueno Park - Map

Fee

Free to enter!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND COUPLES

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Shining, Shimmering, Splendid

Blue Earth Garden

Bright illuminations in Saitama will add some extra holiday spirit to your Christmas gift shopping. What makes this market unique — other than the high-quality European-style goods and food — is the candle-making experience and teddy bear museum. A fun day out for all the family.

Date

NOW THROUGH SUN, FEB. 2, 2024

Time

5 P.M.-12 A.M. (ILLUMINATION LIGHT UP)

Location

KEYAKI SQUARE 2F, SAITAMA SUPER ARENA, 10 SHINTOSHIN, CHUO, SAITAMA - Map

Fee

FREE!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND COUPLES

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Slide Your Way

Ice Skating at Tokyo Midtown

The outdoor ice skating rink at Tokyo Midtown is one of the largest in the city, with a capacity of 210 people. It’s perfect for beginners and advanced skaters alike, and children are welcome, making this a great family outing right in the center of the city. For a fun, romantic date option head to the rink after 5 p.m., when the lights on the surrounding trees are switched on.

Date

NOW THROUGH SUN, FEB 25, 2024

Time

11 A.M.-9 P.M.

Location

TOKYO MIDTOWN (GRASS SQUARE), 9-7-1 AKASAKA, MINATO, TOKYO - Map

Fee

WEEKDAY: ¥1,800 (ADULT), ¥1,100 (CHILD) WEEKEND: ¥2,500 (ADULT), ¥2,000 (CHILD)

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES WITH KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

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A Melting Pot

Asian Culture Festival 2024

Spend your weekend in Yoyogi Park at the 8th rendition of the Asian Culture Festival. Celebrate different cultures from South East Asia through watching different traditional dance performances, local cuisine and so much more.

Date

Sat Jan. 20 - Sun Jan. 21, 2024

Time

10 A.M. - 6 P.M.

Location

Yoyogi Event Plaza, 2-3 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo - Map

Fee

Entrance is free!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES WITH KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

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© Photo by iStock: taka4332

A Winter Day Spent Outdoors

Go See Five Japanese Winter Flowers

As the falling leaves give way to snow flurries and the bright autumn colors fade into the grays and blues of winter, cold season flowers in Japan enliven even the darkest and chilliest days. Read on for five winter flowers and how to grow them in your very own garden.

Time

VARIES

Location

VARIES

Fee

VARIES

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: NATURE LOVERS, COUPLES, FAMILIES, FRIEND GROUPS

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What are your plans for the weekend? If you’re organizing a fun or interesting online event, or you know someone who is, contact us to get it listed!

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