This Weekend: Tokyo Area Events for April 9–10
The hanami fever is gradually winding down, but there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the spring season! This weekend, Odaiba will be hosting a tulip festival, Hibiya will be launching a local food fair, and Yokohama will be gathering visitors for a yet another flea market, held close to the ocean. This weekend is also the last chance to enjoy the the stunning Sagami Lake illuminations, while Womb and Burn the Floor invite you to dance the night away with some of the world’s most renowned dancers and DJs. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
Japan Local Food Festival in Hibiya
One of the largest food fairs in Japan, Kuozei (which roughly translates as “Let’s eat!”) is a paradise for all Japanese cuisine fans. With over 60 booths representing local nibbles from Hokkaido to Okinawa and all regions in between, this is the ultimate venue for anyone who’s into tasting unique Japanese food and drinks. There’ll be plenty of ramen, crab, steak, sweets and much more at reasonable prices! The festival attracted over 430,000 participants last year, so be prepared to spend some time waiting in line, though you surely won’t regret it.
When: Now through Sun, Apr. 10, 2016, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (Until 6 p.m. on the 10th)
Where: Hibiya Park Fountain area, 1 Hibiyakoen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
How much: Free! (Food and drinks are available for purchase.)
Burn the Floor: New Horizon
Anyone who’s ever seen Burn The Floor knows that this show will make your heart pound, wanting to jump out of your seat and join the stage the minute it opens. It’s one of the most powerful, sexy and terrifically choreographed dance performances ever to be made. Now it’s coming to Tokyo (and Osaka later on) with its newest edition, New Horizon. Watch this talented ensemble breathe new life into traditional Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba and much more.
When: Sat, Apr. 9–Wed, Apr. 13, 2016, various times (refer to the website for more info)
Where: Tokyo Theatre Orb, 11F Shibuya Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku,Tokyo
How much: ¥7,500–¥12,000
Tickets: Call 03-3477-9999 or online (Japanese only)
Sagamiko Ilumillion
Many consider the illumination season to be far gone at this time of the year, but there is one that is still on through this weekend. The largest of its kind in the Kanto region, the Illumillion display at Sagami Lake Resort Pleasure Forest in Kanagawa Prefecture is lit up by 5.5 million LED lights and is definitely worth a visit if you haven’t been there yet. A great venue for the whole family (including pets), this is an amusement park where kids can enjoy a full day of entertainment while waiting for the illumination to start. The whole area literally looks like an endless carpet of lights of all colors and shapes, presented in various themes.
When: Now through Sun, Apr. 10, 2016, 9 a.m.–9:30 p.m. (illumination starts at 5 p.m.)
Where: 1634 Wakayanagi, Midori-ku, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture (take the JR Chuo Line to Sagamiko station, then board a bus from stop No. 1 in front of the station for approximately 8 minutes. Get off at Pleasure Forest Mae bus stop.)
How much: ¥800 for adults entering the park after 5 p.m.; ¥1,700 if visiting earlier
Womb 16th Anniversary Party
Celebrate the 16th anniversary of one of Tokyo’s best known nightclubs. Womb will be marking its big day with a crazy bumper party featuring many of the club’s top resident DJs. The theme of the night is “play borderless” and the dress code calls for something turquoise. Dance the night away!
When: Sat, Apr. 9, 2016, from 11 p.m.
Where: Womb, 2-16 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
How much: ¥3,500 (show this for a ¥500 discount)
Tulip Festival in Odaiba
Now that the sakura season is almost over, it’s about time we turn our attention to other beautiful spring flowers. The annual Green and Flower Festival is currently being held in Odaiba until the end of the month, offering a splendid sight of 100,000 multicolored tulips of over 400 kinds. On Saturday, the festival will hold its main event, including free distribution of tulips, a flower workshop, and much more.
When: Sat, Apr. 9, 2016, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Symbol Promenade Park, 1 & 2-chome, Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
How much: Free!
Flea Market in Yokohama
The Minato Mirai flea market will be held at the Rinko Park near Pacifico Yokohama this Saturday. Look for your own unique treasure at this site, located right next to the ocean. The stunning view of Yokohama Bay Bridge will certainly add to the shopping experience.
When: Sat, Apr. 9, 2016, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Rinko Park, 1-1-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
How much: Free!
World Wine Festival
We all love posh international events, but when wine is involved, it’s a whole new level of pleasure—especially when we’re talking about free tasting. Roppongi Hills will be hosting its annual wine gathering this weekend, so invite your friends and plunge into the spirit of the world’s best selection of wine and delicious bites from around the world.
When: Now through Sun, Apr. 10, 2016, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Where: Hills Cafe, 2F Hillside, Roppongi Hills, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
How much: Free! (Meal plates and some food items charged separately)