This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For Dec 1-2

'Tis The Season

Roppongi Hills Christmas Market

Among the many Christmas markets that will soon light up every part of the city, the Roppongi Hills Christmas Market is the Japanese replication of Stuttgart’s famous (and one of the world’s largest) Christmas marché. Rest assured that you'll find plenty of Christmas buys here as there will be over 2,000 goodies on sale — from authentic German delicacies to snow globes, ornaments, crafts, and other festive kitsch.

Japanese Tea Awards

Tokyo Tea Party 2018

There’s nothing better than a cup of tea on a cold afternoon. This weekend, come taste the top 18 selected tea leaves chosen from 405 contestants and cast your vote for the best ocha of the year. The main event takes place on Sunday, during which the Platinum Prize winners from the Japan Tea Awards will be presented. Visitors can take part in and taste different tea blends for free. A perfect event for tea enthusiasts.

Festive Delicacies

Festive Afternoon Tea @The Peninsula Tokyo

Enjoy the spirit of the season with Afternoon Tea at The Lobby amid live music around The Peninsula’s joyous festive décor. Indulge in savory delicacies and delightful sweets crafted with a charming snowman, Santa’s hat, and Christmas tree motifs among others holiday adornments. Enjoying this afternoon tea is also a way to contribute to the community — for every afternoon tea order, ¥500 will be donated to local charities.

Soba And Sake

Gourmet: Oedo Waen

Bringing over 160 thousand people last year, this event offers visitors the opportunity to taste soba from all around Japan, and sake from over 15 Japanese makers. There will be other fun events as well, including a photoshoot of you wearing traditional Japanese costumes (book in advance).

Merry Shopping

Swedish Christmas Bazaar

This annual and very popular bazaar offers visitors the unique chance to taste delicious Swedish foods, get into the festive mood with a warm cup of glögg (mulled wine), and shop for handicrafts. There will be live folk music and performances. This event is open to the public, so stop by even if you're completely unrelated to Sweden!

Hot Pot Fever

Regional Japanese Nabe Festival

It's said in Japan that winter is incomplete without nabe (hot pot dish). In this gourmet event, prefectures will compete to win the title of the best nabe grand prix award of the year. From Miyagi’s monkfish hotpot to Fukuoka’s motsunabe, enjoy all local tastes in a single day. Spicing up the event are stage performances by idol groups and street performers.

Real-Life Puzzle Solving

Tokyo Metro: The Underground Mysteries 2018

The Underground Mysteries is a joint project by Tokyo Metro and puzzle event creator Scrap that will have you scratch your head as you explore some of Tokyo's best locations. Your goal? Solve the final question on the puzzle guidebook included in the game kit to officially call yourself Japan's Sherlock Holmes. A great way to tour around Tokyo if you have guests visiting who aren't that much into conventional sightseeing.

Charity Night

Jamaican Charity Gala 2018

The focus of this annual gala is to raise money for Jamaican orphans, providing them with an opportunity for a brighter future. In addition to its great cause, this event is also pure fun for all participants — there will plenty of Jamaican food, various cultural performances, live music and a blind auction. All proceeds will be allocated for charity.

Endless Lights

Tokyo Mega Illumi

At this massive new light display, taking place on a horserace field, you'll find yourself standing amid a seemingly endless field lit-up by some 8 million lights of all colors and shapes, while you’ll also be traveling in an imaginary time machine that takes you through some of Japan’s most peaceful and turbulent time periods. It’s spectacular!

Vacation Fun

Gymboree Play and Music Japan: Winter School

The winter holidays will start before you know it and every parent knows that having bored kids at home is danger. Gymboree, a local international school based in Motoazabu and Jiyugaoka, is having a winter school that is also open to the public. Fit for children between 1.5 and 6 years old, the school will take place between 12/3-12/28. Choose between a morning class option, an afternoon option or a full day option. Spaces are filling up fast so contact your desired location as soon as possible to reserve your space.

Winter Hands On

Summerhill International School Winter Camp

Another great opportunity to make your kids' winter vacation fun for them and stress-free for you, Summerhill's Winter Camp is a week-long course that will have the kids engaged in craft making, morning yoga, Zumba, treasure hunting, snow dough making and so much more. Open to the public, anyone can join, even for just a day or two! Registration deadline is Dec.1.

NPO Mirai no Mori Winter Party 2018 "Footsteps Forward”

Mirai no Mori is a nonprofit organization that creates life-changing outdoor programs for abused, neglected, and orphaned youth in Japan, supporting their growth into happy and successful adults. You are invited to their annual Winter Party on Tuesday, December 18th. The organization welcomes anyone interested in supporting the youth. There will be finger food, drinks, music, raffle prizes, and more! All proceeds from the entrance and raffle go to making the organization's upcoming winter camp in Nagano an unforgettable learning experience for all campers. Sign up by Dec. 4.