This Weekend: Tokyo Area Events for April 2–3

It’s the first weekend of April and despite the hustle and bustle associated with the beginning of the new academic and fiscal year (or preparations for it), it’s still time to enjoy spring and the fully blooming sakura. There will be plenty of spring-related events this weekend, including a few festivals, concerts and opps for an exquisite spring taste at the top of Tokyo! Enjoy!

Popspring 2016

This event is the female-oriented part of Creativeman’s dual, youth-centric Punkspring and Popspring fests, launching just in time for the beginning of spring. The all-day pop event is Japan’s largest by far and features a number of internationally acclaimed rising stars, including Jason Derulo, Pentatonix, Foxes (the stage name of England’s Louisa Rose Allen), who got a huge boost when Pharell heard a cover she created of “Happy,” and Canadian star Carly Rae Jepsen, whose “I Really Like You” became a smash hit in Japan as well.

When: Sat, Apr. 2, 2016, from 12 p.m.

Where: Halls 9–11, Makuhari Messe, 2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba

How much: ¥12,100 per person

Tickets: Reserve online here.

Interpets 2016

If you have a pet or are considering having one in the future, you’ll enjoy this event. Interpets is a massive annual trade show focused on teaching us how we can improve the lives of our pets. Interpets is the premier event for pet industry in Japan. Last year, over 20,000 visitors attended the event, which also featured 233 international exhibitors. This year, organizers promise it’ll be even better!

When: Fri, Apr. 1–Sun, Apr. 3, 2016, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Where: Tokyo Big Sight, 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo

How much: Free!

Roppongi Hills Spring Festival

One of the most famous outdoor urban hanami experiences in Tokyo, the Roppongi Hills Spring Festival features food stalls, traditional Japanese music performances, workshops and even special character appearances. The Roppongi Hills Arena will be decked out for the weekend in red cloth-covered benches and Japanese umbrellas, creating a fun picnic atmosphere. Various restaurants in the complex will also participate by offering special themed menu items, and a private rooftop garden will be opened to the public for two days only. It’s the perfect event to enjoy with families and friends. At night, the sakura trees in Mohri Garden will also be lit up.

When: Fri, Apr. 1–Sun, Apr. 3, 2016, 12–6 p.m. (Fri 5–8 p.m.)

Where: Roppongi Hills Arena and Mohri Garden, 6-11-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

How much: Free!

Andaz Tokyo Rooftop Bar Hanami Garden

If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy Tokyo’s cherry blossom season, don’t miss out this event—after all, where else can you have an overview of most sakura viewing spots at the same time?! Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills invites guests to enjoy the spring season at its Hanami Garden at the hotel’s 52nd floor Rooftop Bar. The semi-open terrace will transform into a hanami garden, where guests can enjoy everything from brunch (¥6,000) or afternoon tea (¥3,200) to a picnic-style dinner (¥15,000). Although the event runs through April 10, this weekend will be the last chance to taste the hotel’s delicious cherry blossom brunch and afternoon tea. Reservations are recommended.

When: Sat, Apr. 2–Sun, Apr. 3, 2016, brunch 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; afternoon tea 3–5 p.m.

Where: Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, 1-23-4, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo

How much: Bruch ¥6,000, afternoon tea set ¥3,200, picnic-style dinner ¥15,000 per person

Bob Dylan Concert

These concerts don’t exactly fall on the weekend, but if we felt the need to announce this early in case the tickets sell out. Bob Dylan, the 74-year-old troubadour, will perform for ten nights at the Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Shibuya and Tokyo Dome City Hall (April 23) as part of a three-week tour of Japan. According to the latest news, the iconic American songwriter is at work recording a disc of standards at storied Capitol Studios in Hollywood. Dylan is apparently working on a follow-up to his 36th studio LP Shadows In The Night, released last year.

When: Apr. 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 2016, 7 p.m.

Where: Bunkamura Orhcard Hall, 2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

How much: ¥13,000–¥25,000

Tickets: Reserve online here or call Bunkamura Call Center at 03-3477-9912

Nakameguro Sakura Festival

The Nakameguro area, known as one of the most popular hanami spots in Tokyo, will be packed with people this weekend thanks to two festivals running simultaneously: the 30th Nakameguro Sakura Festival (April 3) and the 12th Meguro East Area Sakura Festival (April 2–3). Enjoy the spectacular view of 800 sakura trees in full bloom along with delicious food and traditional Japanese performances, such as koto, yosakoi dance, awaodori and many more.

When: Nakameguro Sakura Festival: Sat, Apr. 2, 2016, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Meguro East Area Sakura Festival: Sat, Apr. 2–Sun, Apr. 3, 2016, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Where: Along the Meguro River and at Dendohiroba Park, 1-25 Meguro-ku, Tokyo

How much: Free!

Botticelli and His Time

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is organizing a large-scale traveling exhibition that shows the legacy of Botticelli and his paintings of beautiful Madonnas and goddesses of myth through more than 20 of his works on display. The exhibition ends this weekend, so this is your last chance to see it!

When: Now through Sun, Apr. 3, 2016, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Where: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, 8-36 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo

How much: ¥1,600 for adults; ¥1,300 for university students; ¥800 for high school students; ¥1,000 for seniors aged 65 and up

Small is More Kids’ Pop-Up

Children’s boutique Abi Loves will be holding its fourth one-day pop-up shop this weekend in Daikanyama. Bring your kids and shop for some great spring clothes and accessories that can’t be found elsewhere in Japan. There will also be workshops throughout the day where you can make pom-pom necklaces, a tote bag, a tulle hair band, and more. Snacks such as cupcakes, cookies and open sandwiches will be available.

When: Sun, Apr. 3, 2016, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Where: Daikanyama Sodacco, 9-10 Daikanyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

How much: Free!

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