This Weekend: Tokyo Area Events For April 8–9

The weather promises to be perfect and the cherry blossoms are now officially in full bloom, so this weekend is all 'bout that sakura. Go out and explore the city's best sights through hanami or the massive natural garden decorating the Red Bricks in Yokohama, join a public viewing of Jurassic World in Shinagawa or eat your day away at the local food festival in Hibiya. And if all your plans fall apart, Sing in the Rain and don't forget to smile!

© Photo by iStock: Ghettog76

Spring Celebrations

Hanami Picnics Across The City

Grab your camera, a picnic mat, a few drinks and tasty nibbles, and head to any of the famous hanami spots in the capital, namely Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, Showa Memorial Park, Sumida River, Meguro River, Chidorigafuchi and Inokashira Park, where you'll be able to enjoy the sakura in full bloom! Last but not least, the 15-meter high famous weeping cherry in Rikugien will also be at its best for the public as it is lit up in the evening for a magical viewing experience.

Date

All weekend

Time

All day long

Location

Various (see URL)

Fee

Free!

More Info

Walk The Garden

Flower Garden Yokohama

Witness Yokohama's Red Brick House turn into a massive (and gorgeous) "natural garden" under this year's event theme for this popular annual event. Held to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the renewal of Yokohama's symbol, this garden is the perfect venue for a pleasant stroll amid blooming flowers and greenery.

Date

Now through Sun, April 23, 2017

Time

All day long. Light up: 6 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Location

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Plaza, 1-1 SHINKO, NAKA-KU, YOKOHAMA, KANAGAWA PREFECTURE

Fee

Free!

More Info

Finger Lickin' Good

Japan Local Food Festival

One of the largest food fairs in Japan, Kuozei (which roughly translates as “Let’s eat!”) is a paradise for all Japanese cuisine fans. With over 60 booths representing local nibbles from Hokkaido to Okinawa and all regions in between, this is the ultimate venue for anyone who’s into tasting unique Japanese food and drinks. There’ll be plenty of ramen, crab, steak, sweets and much more at reasonable prices! The festival attracted over 430,000 participants last year, so be prepared to spend some time waiting in line, though you surely won’t regret it.

Date

Thu, April 6 through Sun, April 9, 2017

Time

10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Location

Hibiya Park Fountain area, 1 Hibiyakoen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Fee

Free! (Food and drinks are available for purchase.)

More Info

Dance The Night Away

Womb 17th Anniversary Party

Celebrate the 17th anniversary of one of Tokyo's best known nightclubs. Womb will be marking its big day with a crazy bumper party featuring many of the club’s top resident DJs. The theme of the night is “WOMB and me” and the dress code calls for whatever you think fits the theme.

Date

Sat, April 8, 2017

Time

From 10 p.m.

Location

Womb, 2-16 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥3,500

More Info

Wine Red Days

World Wine Festival

Roppongi Hills will be hosting its annual wine gathering event this weekend, so invite your friends and plunge into the spirit of the world’s best selection of wine and delicious bites. Free tasting of over 8o wines from across the world.

Date

Thu, April 6 through Sun, April 16, 2017

Time

11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Location

6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Roppongi Hills Mori Tower Hillside 2F "Hills Cafe"

Fee

Free! (Meal plates and some food items charged separately)

More Info

If It Rains, Sing

Musical Singin' In The Rain

Adapted into a musical theater, the show is a new take on the classic American show. Charming and now world-famous Adam Cooper, playing Don, is on a mission to win some hearts here in Japan, after concurring the rest of the world. A spectacular show that will make you stand up and sing along the fabulous crew.

Date

Sat, April 8, Sun April 9, 2017 (Show runs daily until April 30, 2017)

Time

From 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Saturday), From 12:30 p.m. (Sunday)

Location

Tokyo Theatre Orb, 11F Shibuya Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku,Tokyo

Fee

¥6,500-¥13,000 (Depending on seats)

More Info

A Night With The 'Saurs

Shinagawa Open Theater 2017 Spring

Sit back, relax and join a friendly crowd for a public viewing of Jurassic World this Saturday. Amazing sound system, enormous screen and warm weather are all factors that promise this event will be memorable. A great chance to see Tokyo in a completely new light.

Date

Sat, April 8, 2017

Time

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Location

SHINAGAWA SEASON TERRACE, KONAN 1-2-70, MINATO-KU, TOKYO

Fee

Free

More Info

Out & About

Outdoor Day Japan

Enjoy two days of all-you-can-take outdoor: from tent displays and the latest outdoor gadgets on the market, to bouldering and other events for the kids and adults. Held in a number of cities in Japan annually, this show gathers all outdoor goods manufacturers and nature lovers in one place.

Date

Sat, April 8 - Sun, April 9, 2017

Time

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location

Yoyogi Park Event Space, 2-1 YOYOGI KAMIZONOCHO, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO

Fee

Free

More Info

Seasonal Events

Sakura Events Across The City

As we get ready to enjoy the city in pink, it’s important to remind ourselves that the sakura experience in Japan is not limited to sitting under the trees and admiring the cherry blossom canopy — the sakura is everywhere: in hotels, in shows as well as in the food we eat in March and April. Click "More Info" to see 11 of the capital’s best sakura-themed events and seasonal specials.

Date

SAT, APRIL 8 - SUN, APRIL 9, 2017

Time

Various

Location

HOTEL CHINZANSO, TOKYO SKYTREE, TOKYO MIDTOWN AND MORE

Fee

DEPENDS ON EVENT (See Link)

More Info