This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For January 12-14

From modern to traditional, this week is all about indulging yourself in art and culture. On the agenda are a major event gathering Japan's most famous festivals under one roof, a strawberry-themed buffet, a major flea market, and several exhibitions covering art and expression in various forms. Forget the cold and enjoy!

Experience Japan In One Day

Furusato Matsuri Tokyo 2019

Visiting all of Japan's 47 prefectures is a time (and cash)-consuming experience, but luckily a few people got together and came up with a single festival that brings the best of the best all the way from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Come and explore traditional Japanese performances, regional matsuri recreations, local specialties and more from all around Japan. One of the largest cultural events of the year, this one is a real gem.

Date

Fri, Jan 11-Sun, Jan 20, 2019

Time

10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Until 6 p.m. on the 20th)

Location

Tokyo Dome, 1-3-61 KORAKU, BUNKYO-KU, TOKYO

Fee

¥1,700 (On day tickets), ¥1,400 Weekday tickets, ¥1,000 exclusive for foreign visitors if purchased online in advance through the official website

Info

Recommended for: Families, Tourists, Fans of Japanese Culture, People who want to escape the cold

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Sweet Sensations

Ruby Chocolate Afternoon Tea

If you haven't had the chance to taste this mega hit pink chocolate yet, put it down on your weekend agenda before it ends next Monday. This is the world's first ruby chocolate afternoon tea set, an exquisite plate of 16 sweet and savory bites that are just too pretty to eat. Known as the fourth type of chocolate (after dark, milk and white), the ruby chocolate was introduced to the world in 2017 and has since become a sensation — at least here in Japan. A bit pricey but definitely worth the try!

Date

Now through JAN 14, 2019

Time

12 P.M.-6 P.M. (WEEKDAYS), 11 A.M.-1 P.M., 1:30 P.M.-3:30 P.M. AND 4 P.M.-6 P.M. (WEEKENDS AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS)

Location

ANA INTERCONTINENTAL TOKYO, ATRIUM LOUNGE, 1-12-33 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU, TOKYO

Fee

¥6,400

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FOODIES, SWEET TOOTHS, FRIENDS, COUPLES, SOLO DATES

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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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Lion Dance & Drums

Toshimaen New Year Traditional Celebrations

Toshimaen in Nerima is celebrating the new year with Japanese drum performances and lion dances to scare evil away and welcome good fortune. Visitors can try taiko drums for free as well!

Date

Sat, Jan 12-Sun, Jan 13, 2019

Time

From 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Each session lasts for about an hour)

Location

Toshimaen, 3-25-1 Koyama, Nerima-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥1,000 (Adults)

Info

Recommended for: Families, Kids, Couples, Friends, Tourists

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Made From The Heart

HandMade In Japan Fes Winter

Similar to Design Festa but exclusive to crafts, this popular event gathers amateur and professional craftmakers from across Japan and the world and displays over 15,000 works for visitors to choose and take back home. If you're looking for something unique to decorate your home, your work desk or yourself, stop by!

Date

Sat, Jan 12-Sun, Jan 13, 2019

Time

11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Location

Tokyo Big Sight, 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥1,500

Info

Recommended for: People fond of unique crafts, Solo dates, Families, Friends, Couples

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It's A Bad, Bad Art

Museum Of Bad Art Exhibition

If you're spending the weekend at Tokyo Dome for the Furusato Matsuri, stop by at this unique exhibition too to end your day with a good laugh. This fun exhibition brings some 100 from a collection of 600 works from The Museum Of Bad Art (MOBA) in Boston to Tokyo for the very first time with the mission to show the world the worst of the worst that has ever been made in the field of art. Will yours be there? Go and see for yourself!

Date

NOW THROUGH MON, JAN 14, 2019

Time

10 A.M. -6 P.M.

Location

GALLERY AAMO (Inside Tokyo Dome), 1-3-61, KORAKU, BUNKYO-KU, TOKYO

Fee

¥1,300 (GENERAL)

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FRIENDS, PEOPLE WHO DON'T LIKE Orthodox ART, SOLO DATES

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Through Pink Glasses

'Strawberry Holic' Sweets Buffet

Another sweet seduction on our list, this time we're turning to strawberries and strawberries it is — all the way through. From cakes, mini tarts, ice cream and a strawberry chocolate fondue to strawberry-inspired savory bites and more. Too pretty to eat, yes, but will make your day a tad happier for sure! *Limited to 20 people per time, so make sure you book ahead online or call the venue.

Date

Sat, Jan 12-Mon, Jan 14, 2019 (And other weekends until February)

Time

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Location

The Strings Omotesando, 3-6-8 Kitaaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥4,500 (Adults), ¥2,250 (Children)

Info

Recommended for: Sweet tooths, Friends, Families, Couples

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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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Essential Items

Exhibition: In The Country of Fans, Japan

A symbol of elegance since ancient days Japan, the hand fan is an indispensable part of the Japanese culture. This exhibition introduces the beautiful world of the folding fan, so loved by the Japanese, in terms of a broad range of periods and perspectives.

Date

Now through Sun, Jan 20, 2019

Time

10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Location

Suntory Museum of Art, Tokyo Midtown Galleria 3F 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥1,300 (Adults)

Info

Recommended for: Fans of Japanese culture

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Luck hunt

Setagaya Boroichi Flea Market

It may not fall on the weekend per se, but this rag market is one you won’t want to miss. Held biannually for 439 years straight, Setagaya Boroichi is one of Japan's most historical flea markets, attracting over 400,000 visitors each year. At the Boroichi in January, you can find over 700 stalls selling everything from used and new kimono, pottery, handicrafts, toys, pre-WWII textbooks — and of course tons of local food including the renowned daikan mochi with grated radish.

Date

Tue, JAN. 15-Wed, JAN. 16, 2019

Time

9 A.M.-8 P.M.

Location

BOROICHI-DORI STREET, SETAGAYA 1-CHOME, SETAGAYA-KU, TOKYO (FIVE-MINUTE WALK FROM SETAGAYA OR KAMIMACHI STATIONS ON THE SETAGAYA LINE)

Fee

FREE

Info

Recommended for: Flea market lovers, Solo Dates, Families, Friends

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Attending any of these events? Send us photos through Facebook or Instagram for a chance to be published on the site. #SavvyTokyo