This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For Nov. 23-25
Festivals, Exhibitions, And Fun In The City
Some of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving this long weekend, some Labor Day, and some just their off-from-work freedom, but whatever you do, there's plenty of good events to attend this week(end) and spend some quality time with friends, family or even solo. Here are our top picks!
Scent Of Autumn
Jingugaien Ginkgo Festival
The marvelous yellow leaves along the ginkgo alley is one sight not to be missed. The festival is also known for its variety of food, this year with 40 vendors altogether selling everything from Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and grilled oyster to warm drinks fit for the season. A perfect event to taste, feel, and smell autumn all at once.
- Date
- FRI, NOV. 16 - SUN, DEC. 2, 2018
- Time
- 10 A.M.-5:30 P.M.
- Location
- GAIEN ICHO NAMIKI WATER FOUNTAIN AREA, 2 KASUMIGAOKAMACHI, SHINJUKU-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- FREE
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: FRIENDS, FAMILIES, COUPLES, SOLO DATES
© Photo by Yu-ichi Inoue, fune (boat), 1982, Ink on Japanese paper, 142 x 166 cm, CR82052Ink And Paper
Yu-ichi Inoue Calligraphy Exhibition
Yu-ichi Inoue is known for painting unique logographic kanji characters (typically a single, simple word), which he uses as a metaphor for communicating his internal state of mind. His art has deep roots in wartime Japan, when he became the sole survivor of a brutal air raid that killed everyone in the school where he was working as a primary school teacher. He took to ink and paper to express his emotions, which eventually became his signature art style. This free exhibition displays some of his most famous works and some rare pieces. All works can be purchased at the venue.
- Date
- Wed, Nov. 21-Mon, Nov. 26, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Location
- Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Main Building 6F, Art Gallery, 1-4-1, Nihombashi, Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free
- Info
- Recommended for: Art lovers, Solo dates
'Tis The Season
Yokohama Akarenga Christmas Market
The Yokohama Akarenga Christmas Market is one of the biggest and most popular markets of its kind in Japan, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually. It’s a great place to visit for shopping, eating, and sightseeing, as well as to experience a truly festive feeling under the (real) giant Christmas tree. There’ll be hot wine, seasonal ornaments and beautiful light displays, as well as live Christmas song shows and more.
- Date
- Fri, Nov 23-Tue, Dec 25, 2018
- Time
- 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Location
- Yokohama Akarenga, 1-1, Shin-Minato, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
- Fee
- Free
- Info
- Recommended for: Families, Early Christmas Shoppers, Couples
Incognito
Iga Ueno Ninja Festa
This fun event gives you the chance to learn the secret acts of ninjas and show off your inner spy spirit. On Saturday and Sunday the famous ninja group Ashura, will be putting on a spectacle that impressed Obama and the world during the 2016 Iseshima Summit, while other kid-friendly events and shows will be entertaining the crowd throughout the three-day long event.
- Date
- Fri, Nov 23-Sun, Nov 25, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Until 4 p.m. on Sunday)
- Location
- UENO PARK, 5-20 UENOKOEN, TAITO-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free
- Info
- Recommended for: Friends, Families, Kids, Instagrammers, Ninja fans
Endless Lights
Tokyo Mega Illumi
At this massive new light display, taking place on a horserace field, you'll find yourself standing amid a seemingly endless field lit-up by some 8 million lights of all colors and shapes, while you’ll also be traveling in an imaginary time machine that takes you through some of Japan’s most peaceful and turbulent time periods. It’s spectacular!
- Date
- Now through Sun, Nov 25, 2018
- Time
- 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
- Location
- Tokyo City Keiba 2-1-2 Katsushima, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥1,600 (Adults)
- Info
- Recommended for: Couples, Families, Friends, Social Media Influencers
Live Music, Dances And So Much Food
Russian Festival
Come taste and experience Russia's rich culture, food and traditions at this surprisingly first festival dedicated to the country in Yoyogi Park. Apart from the many food booths and live dance and music performances, the three highlight events will be comparing the tastes of caviar, Russian food (including piroshki and borscht) and vodka... Come hungry (and thirsty!)
- Date
- Sat, Nov 24-Sun, Dec 25, 2018
- Time
- 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
- Location
- Yoyogi Park Keyaki Namiki, 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free admission
- Info
- Recommended for: Russian fans, Couples, Friends, Foodies, World Travelers
Pink Paradise
Christmas Dessert Buffet
Indulge in the holiday spirit with this special and ultra Instagrammable dessert buffet that has everything from Santa and Rudolph-inspired cakes to festive cupcakes, chocolate items and lots of other goodies.
- Date
- Until Fri, Dec 28, 2018
- Time
- 90-min course: 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m., 45-min Course: 4:45 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
- Location
- Hilton Tokyo Odaiba,
- Fee
- Adults, weekdays: ¥2,400-¥3,500, Adults, weekends: ¥2,800-¥3,900
- Info
- Recommended for: Sweet tooths, Friends, Couples, Special Occasions
An Unknown World
Ainu Exhibition
A fantastic small-scale exhibition that focuses on the life and work of the Ainu people who have long dwelled in the harsh climate of the Japanese archipelago's northernmost regions, worshipping and living in harmony with nature. You'll discover many crafts and works that show the traditional Ainu way of life.
- Date
- Now through Fri, Nov 30, 2018
- Time
- 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Location
- THE COVER NIPPON, Tokyo Midtown Galleria 3F, 9−7−3 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free
- Info
- Recommended for: History fans, Solo dates, Friends
Smooth Seductions
Whisky Festival
Anyone over 20 can join this drink festival, currently celebrating its 10th anniversary. Free cocktails from famous bartenders, finger food and over 80 whisky brands will gather for an elegant weekend dedicated to the smooth drink.
- Date
- Sat, Nov 24-Sun, Nov 25, 2018
- Time
- 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Location
- Belle Salle Takadanobaba Event Hall (inside SUMITOMO Estate Shinjuku Garden Tower), 3-8-2 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥4,500 (per day)
- Info
- Recommended for: Whisky lovers, Friends
From Ireland To Japan
Theater: The Silver Tassie
Dublin, Ireland, amidst the First World War. With a silver victory cup in hand and a bright future ahead of him, football player Harry Heegan has been surrounded by a joyous circle of people. But after heading off to battle, his life changes completely. A lively anti-war tragic comedy, bursting with song, laughter, and tears, and performed flawlessly by a talented Japanese cast, this one will stay with you long after it has ended.
- Date
- Now through Sun, Nov 25, 2018
- Time
- Various. See website for details.
- Location
- Setagaya Public Theater, 4-1-1 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥4,800-¥7,800
- Info
- Recommended for: Theater-goers, Friends, Couples, Solo Dates
Attending any of these events? Send us photos through Facebook or Instagram for a chance to be published on the site. #SavvyTokyo
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