This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For August 10-15

Festivals, Exhibitions, And Fun In The City Over The Obon Break

By The Savvy Team |
August 9, 2019 |
What's Happening

Much to do and see during this Obon break, so bring your game face out despite the heat and get ready to explore and enjoy! Here are our top picks of events happening in and around Tokyo for the upcoming week(end).

Japanese Drum Club

Tawoo Taiko Workshop

Take the family out this weekend to learn how to play traditional taiko drums with professional drummer and GOCOO group member, JERA. Although the workshop will be in Japanese, all you need to do is copy Jera’s movements and you’ll be drumming like a pro in no time. Bookings are required in advance but can be taken in English via email (see website). Just let them know your name, how many people (adults and children separately) will be participating, and your own email and phone number.

Date: SAT, AUG. 10, 2019
Time: 3P.M. - 4 P.M.
Location: ARAKAWA-KU, TOKYO (see website for location details)
Fee: ¥2,000 (ADULTS) ¥1,000 (3-12 YRS)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: JAPANESE CULTURE FANS, FAMILIES, FRIENDS, DRUMMERS

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Japan Jam

Citta' Summer Festival

In addition to striking performances with traditional Japanese instruments such as shamisen and Japanese drums, there will be dynamic performances by dancers and other entertainers here. This summer festival celebrates classical Japanese entertainment in a modern and extravagant way. A photo contest will also be held for the chance to win a ¥10,000 gift certificate to La Cittadella!

Date: SAT, AUG. 10-MON, AUG. 12, 2019
Time: FROM 7 P.M.
Location: LA CITTADELLA VIA CINECITTA' STREET, 4-1 OGAWACHO, KAWASAKI, KANAGAWA
Fee: FREE!
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: JAPANESE CULTURE FANS, FAMILIES, FRIENDS, PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Floating Wishes

Asakusa Paper Lantern Festival

One of the most beautiful and symbolic festivals in the capital, this event sees thousands of visitors write their wishes on paper lanterns and releasing them in the Sumida River from the Sumida Park Shinsui Terrace near Azuma-bashi Bridge.

Date: SAT, AUG. 10, 2019
Time: 6:30 P.M. - 8 P.M. (PURCHASE OF PAPER LANTERNS STARTS AT 2 P.M.)
Location: SUMIDA PARK SHINSUI TERRACE, A 5-MIN WALK FROM ASAKUSA STATION
Fee: FREE (PAPER LANTERNS COST ¥1,500 EACH)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES, PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Your Wish In The Sky

Kumagaya Fireworks

Marriage proposals, birthday celebrations, vows for an endless friendship...whatever message you're hiding in your heart, it can light up the sky at this enormously popular summer event happening in central Saitama. Enjoy the lights and heartwarming messages as they make their way to the stars.

Date: SAT, AUG. 10, 2019
Time: 7 P.M. - 9 P.M.
Location: ALONG ARAKAWA RIVER, A 5-MIN WALK FROM KUMAGAYA STATION
Fee: FREE!
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: COUPLES, FRIENDS, FAMILIES, PEOPLE WHO DON'T MIND LARGE CROWDS

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Purifying Splashes

Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri

One of the three great Shinto festivals in Tokyo, along with the Kanda Matsuri and Sanno Matsuri, the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival is held at the vintage Tomioka Hachiman Shinto shrine in Tokyo’s Koto district. Dated back to 1642, the festival sees the shrine’s 120 mikoshi being carried down the local streets while the onlookers splash purifying water at the mikoshi-bearers. You will definitely get wet at this event, so go well prepared.

Date: SAT, AUG. 10-THU, AUG. 15, 2019
Time: 9 A.M. - 9 P.M. (SEVERAL EVENTS ON ALL DAYS, TIMES VARY)
Location: TOMIOKA HACHIMAN, 1-20-3 TOMIOKA, KOTO-KU, TOKYO
Fee: FREE!
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: MATSURI FANS, FAMILIES, SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS

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Tropical Fun

Thai Festival

The Thai festival returns to Yoyogi Park for a celebration of the friendly relations between Thailand and Japan. Featuring performances by famous Thai artists and dancers, and a wide array of traditional bits and bites, you can get a taste of the country without stepping foot out of Japan. Enjoy the tropical and friendly atmosphere!

Date: SAT, AUG 10-SUN, AUG 11, 2019
Time: 10 A.M. - 7 P.M.
Location: YOYOGI PARK, EVENTS SQUARE, 2-3 JINNAN, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
Fee: FREE!
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FOODIES, FRIENDS, COUPLES, FAMILIES

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From the Edo Period to the Tokyo Olympics

Exhibition: The History Of Sport In Japan

With the Tokyo Olympics coming up in 2020, this exhibition traces the history of sport in Japan through a wide range of exhibits which include sports equipment used by the athletes. From the sport-like exercises and games of the Edo period to the acceptance and popularization of modern sports from the Meiji era onward, the exhibition explores how Japan came to participate in the Olympics and later hosting the games in Tokyo.

Date: NOW THROUGH SUN, AUG. 25, 2019
Time: 9:30 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.
Location: EDO-TOKYO MUSEUM 5F FEATURE EXHIBITION ROOM, 1-4-1 YOKOAMI, SUMIDA-KU, TOKYO
Fee: ¥1,000 (ADULTS) ¥500 (STUDENTS AND SENIORS) FREE (UNDER 15)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: HISTORIANS, SOCIOLOGISTS, STUDENTS

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Nocturnal Adventures

Night Zoo At Zoorasia

Let the kids stay up for a little longer and take them on a date to a night zoo where they can see the usually sleeping fauna in their usual habitats late in the evening. The zoo will also be illuminated for the event, turning it into quite a unique date spot.

Date: SAT, AUG. 3-SUN AUG. 31, 2019 (WEEKENDS ONLY)
Time: 4:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
Location: ZOORASIA, 1175-1 KAMISHIRANECYOU, ASAHI-KU, YOKOHAMA
Fee: ¥800 (ADULTS), FREE (UNDER 6)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

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A Date At The Shore

Ayu Sweetfish Festival

Experience Tokyo’s Wild Side at the annual Ayu Sweetfish Festival, an event that celebrates Tokyo’s often overlooked wildlife and unique ecosystem with a variety of family-focused aquatic activities along the Asakawa River in Tokyo’s Hino City. Activities scheduled for this year include demonstrations of traditional Japanese fishing techniques, a riverside rope swing, and a variety of beginner fishing lessons. Naturally, the event’s titular ayu sweetfish will also be available, with a total of 2,000 salt-grilled ayu being distributed to guests free of charge.

Date: SUN, AUGUST 11, 2019
Time: 9:30 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.
Location: ALONG THE BANKS OF THE ASAKAWA RIVER NEXT TO THE FUREAI BRIDGE AND ASAKAWA SPORTS PARK
Fee: FREE!
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, KIDS, FISH LOVERS

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Fiesta Time

Mexico Festival

Get in a groovy Latin mood, loosen up and come celebrate Mexico in Japan. There will be a series of fun events and performances as well as tequila bars, Mexican food stands, shops, and more. The festival is a great chance to enjoy fine food, drinks, and interactive entertainment with family and friends.

Date: SAT, AUG 10-SUN, AUG 11, 2019
Time: 10 A.M. - 7 P.M.
Location: YOYOGI PARK, KEYAKI NAMIKI, 1-5-11 JINNAN, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
Fee: FREE!
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR:MEXICO FANS, TEX-MEX FOODIES, DANCERS, FRIENDS, FAMILY

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Tokyo Broadway

Chicago The Musical

Chicago tells the story of two rivals who have been locked up in Cook County Jail; Velma, a nightclub star, serving time for killing her husband and sister after discovering their affair, and Roxie, a driven chorus girl who killed the lover she’s been cheating on her husband with. Starring Japanese actress, Ryoko Yonekura as Roxie Hart, and South African stage actress, Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly, alongside an American chorus, the show will be performed in English with Japanese subtitles.

Date: WED, AUG. 7-SUN, AUG 18, 2019
Time: 12:30 P.M., 1:30 P.M., 6:00 P.M., 7 P.M.
Location: THEATRE ORB, SHIBUYA HIKARIE 11TH FLOOR 2-21-1 SHIBUYA, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
Fee: ¥9,000-¥14,000
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: MUSICAL LOVERS, FRIENDS, COUPLES

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What are your plans for the weekend? If you’re organizing a fun or interesting 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