This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For August 18-19

Exhibitions, Festivals, And Fun In The City

By The Savvy Team |
August 17, 2018 |
What's Happening

The Obon break is now officially over and most people are back to work — which for many may trigger the need for an occasional loud shout out and a late night drink. Worry not, we've got you covered! Here are our top picks of events to brighten up your day and remind you that summer isn't even close to being over yet.

Through The Lenses

Nagi Yoshida Photo Exhibition "Heroes"

Nagi Yoshida is a young Japanese photographer who specializes in capturing the rare sights of ethnic minorities in Africa and other parts of the world. Already in the spotlight in Japan, Yoshida's colorful photos and unique angle of capturing the unknown is rapidly winning her popularity abroad, as well. Held to commemorate the publishing of her first best compilation photo book, this exhibition is a great chance to see Yoshida's art (and even herself) while shopping in Ikebukuro.

Date: Now through Sun, Aug 19, 2018 (Yoshida will be at the venue on Sat & Sun only)
Time: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Location: Seibu Ikebukuro 6F, 1-28-1 Minami ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Fee: FREE!
Info: Recommended for: Art lovers, Photographers, Students, Families, Freinds, Couples

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Summer Beats

Minato Mirai Bon Odori

The largest summer festival in the Minato Mirai area, this bon odori stage attracts nearly 20,000 visitors every year. Feel the ocean breeze and have a glass of cold beer as you listen to the sound of taiko drums and bon dance tunes. A great way to end a pleasant date in Yokohama!

Date: Fri, Aug 17-Sat, Aug 18, 2018
Time: 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Location: Rinko Park, 1-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref.
Fee: Free!
Info: Recommended for: Families, Couples

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Jazzy Days

Sumida Street Jazz Festival

Aiming to promote Sumida as Tokyo's No.1 music city, this annual festival gathers 400 bands performing jazz and other genres at around 40 indoor and outdoor stages. The highlight is a special performance by veteran saxophonist Malta and Japanese Jazz legend Isao Suzuki. On the agenda are also dance performances, various events for the kids and more.

Date: SAT, AUG.18-SUN, AUG. 19, 2018
Time: VARIOUS. SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
Location: SUMIDA. ACCESS: KINSHICHO, HIKIFUNE & OSHIAGE STATIONS
Fee: ALL STAGES FREE!
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

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For Sunny Days

Kiyose Sunflower Festival

Approximately 100,000 flowers will be in full bloom at the annual Sunflower Festival from this Saturday onwards. A worthy opportunity to look out at a spectacular sea of yellow waves. Sunflower products such as seeds and butter, as well as vegetables from local farms, will also be sold throughout the festival area.

Date: SAT, AUG. 18 - TUE, AUG, 28, 2018
Time: 9 A.M.-4 P.M.
Location: 3-chome SHIMOKIYOTO, KIYOSE-shi, Tokyo
Fee: FREE
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

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Shout Your Heart Out

Yokosuka Yell Competition

Finally a place where you can officially shout your heart out and rather be arrested for it, you actually may get a prize! This weekend, head to Yokosuka and give it a try at its annual yell competition. The rules? Say what you want and set yourself free — but shout louder than your competitors to win the prize.

Date: SAT, AUGUST 18, 2018
Time: FROM 11 A.M. REGISTRATION STARTS AT 10 A.M.
Location: MYOZOJI TEMPLE, 4-7-11 IKEGAMI, YOKOSUKA-SHI, KANAGAWA
Fee: FREE
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS, Frustrated people

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Weekend In The Park

Shibuya Summer Festival

Join the city's hottest neighborhood for a fun weekend festival featuring everything from live music shows, performances, food, traditional snacks stalls (lots of kakigori), kids playgrounds and more!

Date: SAT, AUG. 18 - SUN, AUG, 19, 2018
Time: 4 P.M.-8 P.M.
Location: YOYOGI PARK EVENT SPACE, 2-3 JINNAN, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
Fee: FREE
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

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From Mickey Mouse to Forever After

Inside The Walt Disney Archives

Featuring over 400 pieces from the Walt Disney Archives, among which many items displayed in Japan for the first time, this exhibition showcases exclusive pieces of Disney history including costumes from films, early artworks and sketches, a reproduction of Walt Disney’s office, as seen in Saving Mr. Banks and other unique items. It's like a step back in time — a dream come true!

Date: Now through Mon, Aug 20, 2018
Time: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Matsuya Ginza 8F Event Square, 3-6-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Fee: ¥1,500 (Adults), ¥800 (Children)
Info: Recommended for: Families, Kids, Disney Fans

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Bus or Boat?

Tokyo No Kaba Cruise

Feel the Tokyo breeze as you ride on this cute bus from the Aqua City bus stop and plunge straight into the sea. Enjoy both land and sea views with the amphibious bus that comes with a tour guide and 3D audio source for a memorable bus cruise.

Date: SAT, AUG. 18 - SUN, AUG, 19, 2018
Time: VARIOUS. SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
Location: AQUA CiTY ODAIBA 1F Bus Stop 1-7-1 Daiba, Minato, Tokyo
Fee: ¥3,500 (Adults), ¥1,700 (Children)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

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Open-Air Summer Time Slip

Shimokitazawa Ichibangai Awa-Odori

The local Awa Odori festival is coming to life this weekend around the trendy streets of Shimokitazawa. Time for more singing, dancing and chanting until late at night.

Date: SAT, AUG. 18 - SUN, AUG, 19, 2018
Time: 6 P.M.-8:30 P.M.
Location: SHIMOKITAZAWA ICHIBANCHO, 2-37-18 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Fee: FREE
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

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To The Samba Beat

Sancha Latin Festival

Head to Sangenjaya this weekend for the annual Sancha Latin Festival where you'll see various live shows, food stalls, and of course, the Sunday Samba Parade held on the main streets of Sangenjaya. Not as big as the Asakusa Samba Festival, but this one's worth the go too!

Date: SAT, AUG. 18 - TUE, AUG, 28, 2018
Time: 11 A.M.-7 P.M.
Location: Chazawa-dori Avenue and other venues in Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Fee: FREE
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

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In Retrospect

Tokyo 150 Years: Exhibition

An exhibition tracing the history of the city many of us call or second home. Witness how Tokyo has transformed in the past 150 years since it became Japan's capital through various photographs, videos, maps and other unique artifacts. A must-see part of the exhibition are the several urban planning proposals that were submitted back in the day but never fully implemented.

Date: Now through MON, OCT. 8, 2018
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: ¥600 (ADULTS)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: HISTORIANS, SOCIOLOGISTS, STUDENTS

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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