This Weekend: Tokyo Area Events for August 20-21

Obon is now officially over and almost everyone is back to work — which may explain the extra need for beer. So if you need an escape from reality, here are a few events to brighten up your day and remind you that summer isn't even close to being over yet. On the agenda is yet another fireworks event in Tamagawa, outdoor and indoor beer fests, a Totoro exhibition in Roppongi and — our personal favorite — a shouting competition in Saitama. Enjoy shouting your heart out!

Paulaners & Ales

Shiba Oktoberfest

Another exciting event for fans of German beer, food and live music. Shiba Koen invites y'all for a sip of Paulaner, Krombacher, Warsteiner or whatever else you prefer. With a glass deposit of ¥1,000 and beers going for upwards of ¥1300, we warn you that the inviting atmosphere doesn't come cheap, but, hey, drinking under Tokyo Tower is (almost) priceless.

Date

Now through Sun, Aug. 28, 2016

Time

4 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Location

Shiba Park. Access: Kamiyacho Exit 4 or Onarimon Exit A1.

Fee

Free entry. Beer prices start at ¥1,000.

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Shout Your Heart Out

Yokosuka Yell Competition

Don't you sometimes wish you could just spread your arms, look up to the sky and yell as loud as you can, saying whatever your want, leaving behind all rigid social norms and consequences — and maybe even win a prize for it? Good news, this weekend you can shout it out at Yokosuka's annual yell competition. The rules? Say what you want and set yourself free (and let's hope for more similar events to come).

Date

Sat, Aug. 20, 2016

Time

11 a.m.

Location

Myozoji Temple, 4-7-11 Ikegami, Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa

Fee

Free

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Dance, Dance, Dance

Minami Koshigaya Bon Odori

Held for the 32nd consecutive year, the Minami Koshigaya Bon Odori Festival is one of the largest and best known summer festivals in Saitama and sees two full days of various bonodori styles and rhythmic sounds. Wear a yukata and celebrate summer the traditional way.

Date

Sat, Aug 20 - Sun, Aug 21, 2016

Time

4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Location

Minami Koshigaya Chuodori Street and other. Access: Minami Koshigaya station.

Fee

Free

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Flower In The Sky

Tamagawa Fireworks

This year the theme is "flowers" and you'll see many of them lighting up the sky in all shapes and forms at this famed and historic fireworks event. Held for the 38th time, this year's event promises another night of beautiful lights, romantic vibes and hot summer moments.

Date

Sat, Aug. 20, 2016

Time

7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Location

Tamagawa River. Access: Futakotamagawa station.

Fee

Free

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Over The Top

Yokohama Landmark Tower Sky Garden

Open-air beer fests are fun but nothing can beat the experience of having a sip of Heineken while observing one of the best views around Tokyo — especially if you're tired of the heat. This summer, Landmark Tower opens it 69th floor to beer (and other booze) lovers for a great summer experience overseeing the stunningly beautiful Yokohama night lights. Bring a friend along and let the party start!

Date

Now through Sun, Aug. 28, 2016

Time

5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Location

Yokohama Landmark Tower 69F, 2-1-1,Minatomirai 2-chome,Nishi-ku,Yokohama, Kanagawa

Fee

¥2,500 (Includes two hours all you can drink and entrance to the observation hall)

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Totoro Fever

Ghibli Exhibition in Roppongi

Totoro comes to life at this massive Ghibli exhibition, where fans of Miyazaki and Co. can enjoy an impressive collection of animation materials, including posters and flyers, initial proposals and goods from all of the studio’s movies. Marking the Studio's 30th anniversary this year, this exhibition is one of the largest of it kind right now, so don't miss out!

Date

Now through Sun, Sep 11, 2016

Time

10 A.M. - 10 P.M.

Location

ROPPONGI HILLS TOKYO CITY VIEW OBSERVATION DECK SKY GALLERY, TOKYO-TO, MINATO-KU, ROPPONGI 6-10-1, ROPPONGI HILLS MORI TOWER 52ND FLOOR

Fee

¥1,800 (ADULTS), ¥600 (CHILDREN)

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