This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For Feb 2-3

Cultural Celebrations And Fun In The City

By The Savvy Team |
February 1, 2019 |
What's Happening

Welcome February, welcome good luck and lovely vibes! It's the month of Setsubun, Valentines's and plum blossoms and we just can't wait to get enough of them all! Here are our top event picks for this week(end). Enjoy!

Welcome Good Luck

Setsubun Festival At Zojoji Temple

Join celebrities, politicians and sumo wrestlers at the annual bean-throwing “Setsubun” festival at Zojoji Temple, one of the largest such events in Tokyo. Setsubun, meaning the day before the first day of spring, is one of the most unique Japanese traditions and is celebrated across the country when people throw away beans toward demons to scare them away and bring good luck. Thousands of people join the Zozoji event and the battle for bean catch is fierce, so come well armed.

Date: Sun, FEB. 3, 2019
Time: FROM 12 P.M.
Location: ZOJOJI TEMPLE, TOKYO, 4-7-35 SHIBAKOEN, MINATO-KU, TOKYO
Fee: Free
Info: Recommended for: Families, Friends, Solo Outings, Japanese Culture Fans

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It's a Milestone!

Hello Kitty 45th Anniversary

She's never aged despite her immense popularity but the fact is Ms. Hello Kitty is turning 45 this year. The theme park devoted to the Sanrio characters and specifically Kitty, PuroLand, in Tama Center will be marking the occasion with a big bang and tons of exclusive events. From special menus to photo booths to dressing as Hello Kitty herself to unique souvenirs, if you've never visited Puroland, this year is the time to do it!

Date: Now through Tue, Dec. 31, 2019
Time: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Sanrio Puroland, 1-31 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo
Fee: ¥3,300-¥3,800 (Adults), ¥2,500-¥2,700 (Kids)
Info: Recommended for: Families, Kids, Hello Kitty fans

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History's Fashion Trends

Exhibition: Kimono In The Taisho And Showa Era

A rare exhibition that looks into the way Japanese traditional fashion changed from the Taisho to the Showa eras under the influence of commercialism and overseas-inspired modernity.

Date: NOW THROUGH SAT, FEB. 16. 2019 (CLOSED SUNDAYS AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS)
Time: 10 A.M.-4:30 P.M.
Location: BUNKA GAKUEN COSTUME MUSEUM, SHINJUKU BUNKA QUINT BLDG., 3-22-7 YOYOGI, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
Fee: ¥500 (GENERAL)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: KIMONO LOVERS, SOLO DATES, FASHION AND HISTORY LOVERS

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Slide Your Way

Ice Skating at Tokyo Midtown

The outdoor ice skating rink at Tokyo Midtown is one of the largest in the city, with a capacity of 210 people. It’s perfect for beginners and advanced skaters alike, and children are welcome, making this a great family outing right in the center of the city. For a fun, romantic date option head to the rink after 5 p.m., when the lights on the surrounding trees are switched on.

Date: NOW THROUGH SUN, MARCH 3, 2019
Time: 11 A.M.-10 P.M.
Location: TOKYO MIDTOWN (GRASS SQUARE), 9-7-1 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU, TOKYO
Fee: ¥2,000 FOR ADULTS; ¥1,500 FOR CHILDREN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AGED AND UNDER (PRICES INCLUDE SKATE RENTAL AND COFFEE TICKET)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES WITH KIDS

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It's Scary Good!

Godzilla Strawberry Buffet

Not sure how those two exactly mix together, but this inventive dessert buffet celebrates Godzilla's 65th birthday and the strawberry's peak season with some unique and ultra delicious creations. Sweet, sour and heavily roaring, these treats are not to be missed. Prices include lunch buffet too.

Date: Now through May 31, 2019
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 13:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: The Strings by Intercontinental Tokyo, 2-16-1 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Fee: ¥5,000 (Weekdays), ¥6,000 (Weekends), Children: ¥2,500
Info: Recommended for: Social media influencers, Families, Friends, Couples, Kids

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Catch Your Good Luck

Naritasan Setsubun Festival

Another major Setsubun event, the bean-throwing day at Naritasan Temple attracts around 40 thousand visitors every year. Many celebrities and athletes participate in the ceremony, which sets fire to an intense competition over the bean packages.

Date: Sun, FEB. 3, 2019
Time: 11 A.M. (FIRST BEAN-THROWING SESSION), 1:30 P.M. (SECOND SESSION), 4 P.M. (THIRD SESSION)
Location: NARITASAN SHINSHOJI TEMPLE, 1 NARITA, NARITA-SHI, CHIBA
Fee: Free
Info: Recommended for: Families, Celebrity fans, Friends, Japanese Culture Fans

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Buy To Support

TAC Women's Group & TELL's Carpet Auction

This collaborative event between TELL and Tokyo American Club's Women's Group lets you purchase that perfect unique oriental carpet while also doing something good for young people in the community at the same time. Part of the proceeds will be donated to TELL and used to support their Chat Line and services for children and families struggling with mental illnesses in Japan. A fun event with drinks and good company for a good cause.

Date: Sat, February 2, 2019
Time: 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
Location: Tokyo American Club, 2-1-２ Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Fee: ¥2,000 (refundable upon purchase of a carpet; includes two drinks and buffets)
Info: Recommended for: Couples, Friends, Solo, Auction and Charity Lovers

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Too Sweet To Resist

Hot Sweets Fair

The perfect event for those who feel it's too cold for ice cream but still need something to satisfy their sweet tooth. This expansive range of hot sweets includes fondant chocolat, crepes, sweet hot drinks, hot chocolate mousse and so much more. Warm yourself up and enjoy the indulgence.

Date: Now through Thu, Feb 28, 2019
Time: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Location: Jiyugaoka Sweets Forest, 2-25-7 Midorigaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Fee: Various (depends on dessert)
Info: Recommended for: Sweet Tooths, Families, Couples, Friends

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The Times They Are 'A Changin

Exhibition: A Thousand Wonders of Japanese Technology

Trace the history and evolution of Japan as it developed from a nation of black rotary phones to high-tech smartphone that can take your orders and clean your house (almost!). Starting at the beginning of the Meiji era until modern days, this special exhibition displays even walkmans and VHS tapes!

Date: UNTIL SUN, MARCH 3, 2019
Time: 9 A.M.-5 P.M., (9 A.M.-8 P.M. ON FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS.) CLOSED MONDAYS.
Location: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE, TOKYO, 7-20 UENO PARK, TAITO-KU, TOKYO
Fee: ¥1,600 (GENERAL)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: SOLO DATES, HISTORY BUFFS, COUPLES, FAMILIES

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Under The Same Roof

Tokyo Asian Culture Festival

Each year this festival puts the spotlight on several Asian countries through the introduction of the best of their food, art and culture. This year we're celebrating the beauty of Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Stop by if you have the time.

Date: Sat, Feb 2-Sun, Feb 3, 2019
Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: Yoyogi Park Keyakizaka Street, 2-1-1 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Fee: Free
Info: Recommended for: Families, Couples, Foodies, Friends

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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