This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For June 9-10
Festivals, Films, And Fun In The City
This week is all about celebrating history and tradition while enjoying modernity in all its forms! Step back in time with four widely popular shrine festivals, learn more about where we stand internationally through an eye-opening photojournalism exhibition, get a creativity boost at the short films festival, or spend a quiet afternoon eating Britain-inspired cupcakes or matcha sweets. Enjoy!
A New Take On Old Traditions
Hibiya Oedo Matsuri 2018
The ultimate Japanese recreation of a carnival, this brand new event combines everything you can expect from a traditional Japanese festival: yosakoi and awaodori dances, live music, taiko drums, game stalls, mikoshi parades, apple candy and goldfish scooping — and of course, many food and drink stalls! Stop by for a quick fix of traditional Japanese culture and positive vibes.
- Date
- Fri, June 8-Sun, June 10, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Fri & Sat), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sun)
- Location
- Hibiya Park, Fountain square, Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free
- Info
- Recommended for: Matsuri Fans, Families, Friends, Instagrammers
© Photo by Adam Ferguson, Boko Haram Strapped Suicide Bombs, September 21, 2017, Australia, Commissioned by The New York TimesSomeone's Reality
World Press Photo Exhibition
A photo exhibition depicting the gravity of some of the world's most severe conflicts and pressing issues, this eye-opening event brings together the award-winning works of 42 photographers divided into eight categories. As difficult it is to watch, this exhibition is a must-see for all of us.
- Date
- Sat, June 9-Sun, August 5, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Location
- Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Yebisu Garden Place, 1-13-3 Mita Meguro-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥800 (Adults), ¥600 (College Students)
- Info
- Recommended for: Photojournalists, Journalists, People who want to know more about what's going on in the world
Toys 'R For All Of Us
International Tokyo Toy Show
The most popular toy show in Japan, the International Tokyo Toy Show attracts more than 160 exhibitors and 35,000 toys each year. Although plenty of traditional toys will also be exhibited, the star of the show will be the latest technology-infused gadgets for kids (and adults), including virtual reality games and robotic toys. A great show for the kids and the grown-up kids alike!
- Date
- Sat, June 9-Sun, June 10, 2018
- Time
- 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat), 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sun)
- Location
- Tokyo Big Sight, West Exhibition Hall 1, 2, 3, 4, 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Families, Kids, People who love toys
© Photo by Afterward, Boris Seewald/9:47/Germany/Experimental/2017For The Love of the Film
ShortShorts Film Festival
Launched in 1999 as a small film festival in Harajuku that featured only six short titles by George Lucas when he was a student, this annual event has grown to become one of the largest Academy-recognized film festivals in Asia. This year, a record-high 250 titles selected from 10,000 contestants from around the world, are screened in several locations around Tokyo. A perfect event to get some creativity and inspiration boost!
- Date
- Mon, June 4-Sun, June 24, 2018
- Time
- Various (see official website)
- Location
- Omotesando Hills Space O, Laforet Museum Harajuku, Andaz Tokyo, Futagotamagawa Rise, Roppongi Hills Cafe / Space … and others (see website)
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Families, Couples, Friends, Solo dates, Movie lovers, Filmmakers
Hydrangea Dream
Bunkyo Ajisai Festival
Hakusan Jinja Shrine in Tokyo's Bunkyo ward welcomes 3,000 blooming ajisai (hydrangea) early summer every year. Now is your chance to admire the beautiful floral view as you stroll down the old Edo-style paths of the famous shrine. There will also be various events and food booths to keep visitors entertained.
- Date
- Sat, June 9-Sun, June 17, 2018
- Time
- 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Location
- HAKUSAN JINJA SHRINE, 5-31-26 HAKUSAN, BUNKYO-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Families, Couples, Friends, Instagrammers
Street Dancing
Salsa Street Festival
Grab a shot of tequila and a hot chilly taco and get ready to groove to the latest salsa tunes with fellow dance lovers in Ueno Park. Latin American handicraft and salsa workshop booths will also be available in case you want to take something back home.
- Date
- Sat, June 9–Sun, June 10, 2018
- Time
- (Sat) 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Sun) 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Location
- Ueno Park Fountain Area, 5-20 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Salsa dancers, Friends, Couples
Southern Vibes
Okinawa Matsuri
Coming to you straight from our favorite southern island, Yoyogi Park's Okinawa Festival presents a carefully selected live music, traditional performances, taiko drums, local treats, and souvenirs for everyone to enjoy. Take a stroll around the festival, take a bite of Okinawan soba, and soak in the summer mood just in time for the warm months ahead.
- Date
- Sat, June 9-Sun, June 10, 2018
- Time
- 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Location
- Yoyogi Park, 2-1 YOYOGI KAMIZONOCHO, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free entrance!
- Info
- Recommended for: Families, Friends, Okinawa Fans, Foodies
© Photo by 山王祭広報委員会Sacred Parade
Sanno Festival
Stopping by major spots including Ginza and Tokyo station, this iconic matsuri is a giant street parade featuring 300 people wearing traditional outfits. At this event, you will not only get a chance to see the usual mikoshi being carried but also watch a number of cultural activities, including the making of Japanese sweets and tea ceremonies, as well as taiko drum acts, traditional dances and children's performances. One of the largest in the capital, if you want to experience traditional Japan, this is your event!
- Date
- Fri, JUNE 8- Sun, JUNE 18, 2018
- Time
- Various (Depends on event). Parades: From 1:45 on Friday, 10 a.m. on Saturday, 12 p.m. on Sunday. See official website for more details.
- Location
- HIEI-JINJA SHRINE, 2-10-5, NAGATACHO, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Families, Friends, Japanese culture fans, Instagrammers
All Hail The UK
Great British Food Market
For a yet another year, Marunouchi is on a mission to prove to the world that Brit food isn't all about meat and two vegs. Come and taste for yourself the best of the U.K.'s local cuisine, including specialties such as Lola's cupcakes, Welsh cheese and clotted cream. End the day with a toast to Harry and Meghan with a glass of gin and tonic or English sparkling wine.
- Date
- Mon, June 4-Sun, June 10, 2018
- Time
- 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Location
- MARUNOUCHI BUILDING 1F, 2-4-1 MARUNOUCHI, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free entrance!
- Info
- Recommended for: Foodies, Brit Fans, Families, Cupcake lovers
Lion And The Parade
Tsukiji Shishi Festival
Happening once a year in Tsukiji, the Shishi Festival is another matsuri you don't want to miss. Held for protection and good luck, Namiyoke Inari Shrine will carry the mikoshi and two golden lion heads across the streets. Immerse in the traditional cultural atmosphere as you enjoy a variety of matsuri snack food and shinto performances along the way.
- Date
- Wed, June 6-Sun, June 10, 2018
- Time
- Daytime
- Location
- NAMIYOKE INARI SHRINE, 6-20-37 TSUKIJI, CHUO-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- FREE
- Info
- Recommended for: Families, Instagrammers, Friends, Matsuri fans
Tastes Like Tea Spirit
Matcha Dessert Buffet
Indulge yourself in this brand-new dessert buffet event from The Terrace with a wide variety of stylish green tea treats created using the famous “Uji Matcha” and other types of green tea. A great event to enjoy an afternoon with friends or the family — if you have the sweet tooth!
- Date
- Now through Fri, June 29, 2018
- Time
- 3 p.m.-5 p.m. (weekdays only)
- Location
- The Terrace, The Westin Tokyo 1F, 1-4-1 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥3,900 (Adults), ¥1,950 (Children)
- Info
- Recommended for: Friends, Families, Matcha lovers, Instagrammers
Attending any of these events? Send us your best photos through Facebook or Instagram for a chance to be published on the site. #SavvyTokyo
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