This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For May 12-13
Festivals, Flowers, And Fun In The City
Golden Week is officially over and most of us are back to work, but that doesn't mean the fun is over! On the contrary, this weekend, Tokyo is sparkling with life as the city prepares itself for famous festivals, outdoor events, another round of flower festivals — and of course, Mother's Day. Time to mark these events on your calendars!
© Photo by amespiphotoA Floral Dream
Jindai Botanical Garden's Spring Rose Festival
Once served as part of a medieval castle, Jindai Botanical Garden is the largest of its kind in Tokyo. Boasting 400 different varieties of roses and other flowers, you can only imagine how beautiful it is during the spring. Experience the beauty yourself this weekend with the Garden's famous annual Rose Festival. Enjoy the scents and the sights!
- Date
- Tue, May 8 - Thu, May 31, 2018
- Time
- 9:30 A.M.-5 P.M. (CLOSED MONDAYS)
- Location
- JINDAI BOTANICAL GARDEN, 5-31-10 JINDAIJI MOTOMACHI, CHOFU-SHI, TOKYO
- Fee
- ¥500 (GENERAL)
- Info
- Recommended for: Families, Couples, Instagramers
Cultural Enchantment
Thai Festival At Yoyogi Park
The popular annual Thai festival returns to Yoyogi Park for a celebration of the friendly relations between Thailand and Japan. Featuring performances by famous Thai artists and dancers, and a wide array of traditional bits and bites, you can get a taste of the country without stepping out of Japan. Enjoy the tropical and friendly atmosphere!
- Date
- Sat, May 12-Sun, May 13, 2018
- Time
- 10 A.M.- 8 P.M.
- Location
- YOYOGI PARK EVENTS SQUARE, 2-3 JINNAN, SHIBUYA-ku, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Thai fans, Thai residents in Japan, Foodies, Friends, Couples, Families
Latin Fiesta
Cinco de Mayo
Get in a groovy Latin mood, loosen up and come celebrate Mexico's best known festival in Japan. As usual, there will be a series of fun events, including mariachi bands, salsa and samba dancing, tequila bars, Tex-Mex food stands, and more. Known as one of the most “international” festivals in Japan, it is a great chance to enjoy fine food, drinks and interactive entertainment with friends.
- Date
- Sat, May 12 - Sun, May 13, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Location
- ODAIBA SYMBOL PROMENADE PARK YUME NO HIROBA. A MINUTE WALK FROM TOKYO TELEPORT STATION (RINKAI LINE).
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Latina fans, Tex-Mex foodies, Salsa and samba dancers, Friends
The Power Of Nature
Greenery Festival at Hibiya Park
A perfect family outing for adults and children to experience nature in the heart of Tokyo. Children can enjoy a variety of different wilderness exploring programs while adults can enjoy taking part at various workshops. Stage performances and other NGO booths will also be available. Get ready to be healed by nature.
- Date
- Sat, May 12-Sun, May 13, 2018
- Time
- 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sun)
- Location
- HIBIYA PARK, 1-6 HIBIIYA-KOEN, CHIYODA-ku, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Families with children, Outdoor activities fans
© Photo by ©NPO法人 日野市観光協会Time Slip Into Bakumatsu Japan
Hino Shinsengumi Festival
Samurai fans from around the country will be gathering in Hino City for a trip through time back to Bakumatsu Japan, the era when Japan’s last samurai, a force known as the Shinsengumi, once policed the streets of Kyoto. Held for the 21st consecutive year, the two-day festival celebrates the Shinsengumi's Tokyo roots with a Shinsengumi look-alike contest, a massive parade of 400 people on Sunday, and more. Combined with local groups and students dressed in Edo period attire, the event will look and feel like a time slip back to the turbulent days of Bakumatsu Japan, with plenty of photo opportunities. In addition to the parade, there will also be swordplay demonstrations along with mikoshi shrines and performances of traditional Japanese music — and of course, many food stalls. A great event for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.
- Date
- Sat, May 12 - Sun, May 13, 2018
- Time
- All Day (See website for more details of all events)
- Location
- Takahata-fudo Area (near Takahata-fudo Station) and Hino-shuku Area ( near Hino Station)
- Fee
- Free
- Info
- Recommended for: Fans of Japanese culture, Social media influencers, Families, Couples, Friends
Celebrating Motherhood
Mother's Day Afternoon Tea At The Peninsula Tokyo
This Mother's Day, treat the special woman in your life to a stylish Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula, which has partnered with the prestigious porcelain brand Wedgwood exclusively for this event. Seasonal sweet and savory treats will be elegantly served on the finest, bespoke Wedgwood tea ware featuring luxury bone china crockery, alongside a selection of premium teas. Guests will also receive a special takeaway gift item of Wedgwood tea. If you have someone special to surprise this weekend, this will definitely be a gesture they won't forget.
- Date
- Sat, May 12 - Sun, May 13, 2018
- Time
- 1 p.m.-9 p.m.
- Location
- THE PENINSULA TOKYO The Lobby, 1-8-1 YURAKUCHO, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- ¥5,000 per person
- Info
- Recommended for: Mothers and daughters, Families
Flower Carpet
Poppy Festival
This weekend, take the train for a bit of a ride and enjoy the sight of an endless blooming poppy field stretching under the sky. This annual flower festival features over one million poppies of six kinds, all of which are in full bloom now. This weekend, there will also be some live performances and booths selling local produce and food.
- Date
- Now through Sun, June 6, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Location
- Kurihama Flower Park, 1 Shinmeicho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Couples, Families, Instagrammers
Global Drinks
Tokyo International Bar Show 2018
BarShows are the main events for the alcoholic beverage and bar industries across the globe and are held in the name of the region in which they occur. This year, it's taking place in Tokyo, bringing bartenders and alcohol producers from across Japan and the world to demonstrate their best products and skills. Come witness it for yourself if you appreciate good quality drinks.
- Date
- Sat, May 12 - Sun, May 13, 2018
- Time
- 11 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.
- Location
- Prism Hall, Tokyo Dome City, 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥5,000 (One-day advance tickets), ¥9,000 (Two-day advance tickets)
- Info
- Recommended for: Booze lovers, Friends, Couples
Art Collaboration
Exhibition: Nagi Yoshida x Naked “Sing!-Sing!”
A rare collaboration between photographer Nagi Yoshida and art producer Naked, this exhibition combines art, photography, projection mapping, music and experience into a single event that's worth visiting if you're in need of a cultural and art boost. Ends this weekend!
- Date
- Now through Sun, May 13, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Mon-Sat), 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Sun, nat'l holidays)
- Location
- Seibu Shibuya Store A Bldg. 7F, 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥500 (Adults)
- Info
- Recommended for: Art and photography lovers, Friends, Art students
Meet Your Favorite Characters
Pixar The Friendship Special Event
Come meet your favorite Pixar characters at this special event for kids and adults. Take photos with the characters at photo booths, buy fashion and stationery items inspired by Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc. and more. Held for the first time, Laforet will be full of cute and scary monsters this time, so make sure to stop by with the kids!
- Date
- NOW THROUGH SUN, MAY 13, 2018
- Time
- 11 A.M.-9 P.M.
- Location
- LAFORET MUSEUM HARAJUKU, LAFORET HARAJUKU 6F, 1-11-6, JINGUMAE, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- ¥1,200
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: KIDS, FAMILIES, PIXAR FANS
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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