This Week: Tokyo Area Events for Jan. 29 – Feb. 4, 2024

Winter in Tokyo means it's time to get creative with things to do to fill up your weekend. Enjoy this week's curated list of events in and around the big city.

In this week’s events roundup, we handpicked a few gourmet festivals and illumination events to make the most out of winter in Tokyo. Make sure to bundle up before heading out, and have a fantastic weekend ahead!

Your Inner Romantic

GaijinPot 6-Word Video Contest

Share your storytelling and video talents in the GaijinPot 6-Word Video Contest on the theme of “Japan and Relationships” for a chance to win a total of ¥75,000 in awards. As Valentines and White Day are approaching, share your take on the theme of relationships and Japan. Feel free to interpret “relationships” in any way that’s clean and family friendly, including friendships, love, work, or your relationship with Japan, the Japanese language or culture.

Date

NOW THROUGH Mon Feb. 12, 2024

Time

ANYTIME

Location

ANYWHERE

Fee

FREE TO ENTER!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: CREATIVES, FRIENDS, COUPLES

More Info

© Photo by Koji Hanabuchi

Taste the Flavors of Autumn

Try Bill's Autumn and Winter Menu

Indulge in a classy brunch or dinner by trying the new seasonal menu by Bill's. Highlighting the best of spices and herbs of the world, taste the best of what this season has to offer. The menu features a variety of main dishes using seafood and fresh vegetables, crisp salads and a brand new dessert. Did we mention that they also come in vegetarian and vegan options? If you're dining at night, opt to try the Bourbon Thyme or Bill's house sake (rice wine).

Date

FROM WED OCT. 25, 2023

Time

LUNCH AND DINNER

Location

VARIOUS

Fee

VARIOUS

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: GIRLFRIENDS, FAMILY, FRIENDS, DATES, VEGANS AND VEGETARIANS

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Bottoms Up

Japan Hot Cocktail Fair 2024

The Japan Hot Cocktail Fair is a must for those looking for a fun date night or girl's night idea. Explore the different flavors, combinations and fanfare that come with hot cocktails. Try something different this weekend and see where the night takes you.

Date

WED JAN. 31 - SUN. FEB 4, 2024

Time

10 A.M. - 7 P.M.

Location

Takenodai Square (Fountain Square), 5-6 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo - Map

Fee

FREE TO ENTER!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: GIRLFRIENDS, FRIENDS, COUPLES, TOURISTS

More Info

Dolphin Dance

Bright Crystal Night Performance

Spend a heartwarming time at Maxell Aqua Park’s night-only performance, where dolphins beautifully dance in a venue surrounded by stars and ornaments drawn up by projection mapping. There are five types of seasonal, limited menu items at the Coral Cafe Bar, where you can enjoy a drink while looking out at the aquarium. A starry night sky will color the exhibition area where illuminations and jellyfish unique to this season light up and dance along with the music.

Date

NOW THROUGH TUE, FEB. 28, 2024

Time

5:30 P.M. and 7:00 P.M.

Location

Maxell Aqua Park, 4−10−30 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo - Map

Fee

¥2,300 (GENERAL)

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES WITH KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

More Info

© Photo by Voices in Our Heads

Power Of Visuals

Yebisu International Festival For Art & Alternative Visions 2024

Held annually, Yebisu International Festival aims to gather and encourage creativity through visual art exhibitions, movies, and dance performances. With “30 Ways to Go to the Moon” as this year’s theme, the event welcomes artists and expressionists from around the world who will be showcasing their works of art in various forms, including exhibitions, film screenings, live shows, workshops and more.

Date

FRI FEB. 2, - SUN FEB. 18, 2024

Time

10 A.M.-8 P.M. (LAST DAY UNTIL 6 P.M.)

Location

TOKYO PHOTOGRAPHIC ART MUSEUM, EBISU GARDEN PLACE, 1-13-3 MITA, MEGURO, TOKYO, AND OTHERS - Map

Fee

FREE ADMISSION, SOME PAID PROGRAMS

Info

Recommended for: Art fans, couples, and solo outings

More Info

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

Furusato Tokyo Ouen Festival

Over the weekend, head to yet another gourmet festival held at Yoyogi Park. If you love chicken in all its forms, then don't miss out on trying all the hometown recipes from different parts of Japan. Expect live entertainment, selfie contests and so much more!

Date

FRI FEB. 2 - SUN FEB. 4, 2024

Time

11 A.M. - 7 P.M.

Location

Yoyogi Park Outdoor Stage,2-2 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo - Map

Fee

FREE TO ENTER!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES WITH KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

More Info

Shining, Shimmering, Splendid

Blue Earth Garden

Bright illuminations in Saitama will add some extra holiday spirit to your Christmas gift shopping. What makes this market unique — other than the high-quality European-style goods and food — is the candle-making experience and teddy bear museum. A fun day out for all the family.

Date

NOW THROUGH SUN, FEB. 2, 2024

Time

5 P.M.-12 A.M. (ILLUMINATION LIGHT UP)

Location

KEYAKI SQUARE 2F, SAITAMA SUPER ARENA, 10 SHINTOSHIN, CHUO, SAITAMA - Map

Fee

FREE!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND COUPLES

More Info

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, FEB 25, 2024

Time

11 A.M.-9 P.M.

Location

TOKYO MIDTOWN (GRASS SQUARE), 9-7-1 AKASAKA, MINATO, TOKYO - Map

Fee

WEEKDAY: ¥1,800 (ADULT), ¥1,100 (CHILD) WEEKEND: ¥2,500 (ADULT), ¥2,000 (CHILD)

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES WITH KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

More Info

What are your plans for the weekend? Are you organizing a fun or interesting online event? Do you know someone who is? Contact us to get it listed!

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