This Weekend: Tokyo Area Events for Feb. 20–21

There are plenty of opportunities to spend your hard-earned cash this weekend, with craft and flea markets all over the city. For a more active endeavor, try ice skating at Tokyo Midtown, or get some laughs at a comedy show in Ebisu. You can even get a free makeover and have a professional portrait taken at Roppongi Hills!

Unique Plus Market 2016

This unique market offers a wide variety of crafts handmade and produced by physically disabled people working at 80 welfare facilities within Tokyo. Over 10,000 goods are available across eight categories: fashion items, stationery goods, home interior, kitchen utensils, character items, toys, Japanese goods and greeting cards.

When: Now through Mon, Feb. 22, 2016, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Where: 1F Marui Kinshicho store, 3-9-10 Kotobashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

How much: Free!

The Pirates of Tokyo Bay

If a little comic relief is what the doctor ordered, be sure not to miss this Sunday’s performance by The Pirates of Tokyo Bay, a bilingual comedy group that has performed around the world (in New York City, Manila, Shanghai and more). The group does comedy similar to the popular show Whose Line is it Anyway? and performs in both English and Japanese, meaning there is a little something for everyone.

When: Sun, Feb. 21, 2016, 7:30–9:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)

Where: What the Dickens, 4F Roob 6 Bldg., 1-13-3 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

How much: ¥2,000 including one drink. Food will be available for purchase.

Tickets: Available at the door or online in advance.

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. Afterwards, grab dinner at one of the many restaurants inside Tokyo Midtown. Note that gloves are required while skating, but can be purchased at the rink if you forget yours. Helmets are available free of charge.

When: Daily through Mar. 6, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (last entry 9 p.m.; may be closed in the case of bad weather)

Where: Grass Square, Tokyo Midtown,

How much: ¥1,500 for adults; ¥1,000 for children junior high school aged and under (prices include skate rental)

Waza 2016 Traditional Crafts Exhibition

This yearly event is one of the largest and most popular traditional craft fairs, with roughly 100 different items available for sale. Expect high-quality artisan pieces including ceramics, lacquerware, textiles, iron teapots, Edo cut glass, decorative fans, and much more. There are even some traditional craft items bearing everyone’s favorite character, Hello Kitty! Daily workshops are held for a small fee, with topics including engraving a hanko seal, painting a cloisonne accessory, handkerchief dyeing, and painting a wooden kokeshi doll.

When: Now through Tue, Feb. 23, 2016, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (until 5 p.m. on the last day)

Where: Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro, 8F Event Hall (Zones 1–3), 1-1-25 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

How much: Free!

Coffret D’Or Terrace Makeup & Photo

After an extremely successful event last winter, Japanese makeup brand Coffret D’Or has again opened a series of temporary makeup and photo studios across the country, and the Tokyo one will only be around for a couple more days. Guests can have their makeup professionally applied before sitting for a photo in a flower-filled studio. There is also an option that includes hairstyling and clothes to change into for the photo. It’s a popular event, so be sure to get there early to book your session.

When: Now through Sat, Feb. 20, 2016, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

Where: Hills Cafe, Hillside 2F, Roppongi Hills, 6-11-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

How much: Free!

Hyakudan Hinamatsuri

The celebration of Hinamatsuri, or Girls’ Day, has become a popular yearly event at the beautifully refined hotel Meguro Gajoen. This year’s exhibition will highlight antique dolls from the Tohoku region, including Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures. The dolls are displayed on the hotel’s magnificent Hyakadan Kaidan, or 100 stairs.

When: Now through Sun, Mar. 6, 2016, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (last entry 5:30 p.m.)

Where: Meguro Gajoen, 1-8-1 Shimo Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

How much: ¥1,500 for adults; ¥800 for university, high school and junior high school students; free for elementary school students and under

Oedo Antique Market

The Oedo Antique Market is the largest outdoor antique market in Japan, with over 250 dealers selling their wares. Prices are considered fair for what are mostly very well preserved Japanese antiques, but some bargains can be found as well if you have the time and patience to comb through the many stalls. Luckily, the goods are arranged and displayed in a way that is generally much easier to take in than similar markets in other countries. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of cash.

When: Sun, Feb. 21, 2016, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (cancelled in the case of rain)

Where: Tokyo International Forum, 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

How much: Free!

Macy Gray Live

This one doesn’t technically fall over the weekend, but we think it’s worth mentioning anyway. Husky voiced R&B songstress Macy Gray is back in Tokyo after a year to perform two shows at Billboard Live in Tokyo Midtown. Whether you’re a fan of her music and can sing along to every song, or you just like to be entertained by a world-class vocalist, this is a show you won’t want to miss.

When: Mon, Feb. 22, 2016, 7 and 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 and 8:45 p.m.)

Where: Billboard Live Tokyo, 4F Garden Terrace, Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

How much: ¥8,800–¥10,800

Tickets: Purchase online (Japanese only)

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