This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For August 5-6

The heat will surely continue in the first week of August as well, but don't let it keep you indoors because there's just too much to see! Here are our top picks for this week(end).

Let It Flow

Chidorigafuchi Lantern Floating Event

Leave work early on Friday and head to Chidorigafuchi, the famous sakura spot in spring, for a stunning and calm night of watching 600 lanterns sway in the moat of the Imperial Palace against a backdrop of the forest and the city lights. A typical summer festivity, this event will help you release some of the weekly stress and get recharged for the weekend.

Date

Fri, Aug 4, 2017

Time

From 7 p.m.

Location

Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier, Chidorigafuchi Greenway, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. 10-min walk from Kudanshita station

Fee

Free

More Info

Stars & Wishes

Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri

Of the three best known Tanabata Festivals in Tokyo, the Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri attracts thousands of people with its colorful bamboo and large figures decorations on recent events and popular attractions. Shopping streets around the JR Asagaya station will fetaure various ornaments and refreshment stalls, welcoming the crowds to cool off and explore the area.

Date

Fri, Aug 4 - Tue, Aug 8, 2017

Time

All day

Location

Shopping arcades near Asagaya station, 1-35-18 Asagaya Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo

Fee

Free

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Treasure Hunt

Antique Jamboree

If you love antique, this is your weekend! The largest antique event in Japan, the Antique Jamboree gathers over 500 vendors from all over the country, selling everything from Japanese and Western antiques to old toys, pottery, gadets and more. There is also a corner for repairing antique items, so if you have something hiding at home, bring it along! Enjoy the hunt!

Date

Fri, Aug 4-Sun, Aug 6, 2017

Time

10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Location

Tokyo Big Sight East Exhibition Hall 1, 3-11-1 Ariake Koto-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥1,000. Free for entrance after 1 p.m. on Sunday.

More Info

Cultural Expo

Africa Festival

Spend the weekend savoring African food, searching for unique gems and watching the best of the continent's traditional dances, performances and music. This festival is one of the biggest of its kind happening in Japan and it offers plenty of opportunities for everyone to know more about the African culture, history and lifestyle — as well as the latest trends!

Date

Sat, Aug 5 - Sun, Aug 6, 2017

Time

10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Location

Yoyogi Park event area, 2-2-3 JINNAN, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO

Fee

Free

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Exploring Japan

Japan Culture Workshops In Suginami

Just in time for the Asagaya Tanabata Festival, Suginami ward is offering a chance for foreigners to deepen their understanding of the Japanese culture through various workshops. From sushi making, calligraphy, tea ceremony, and peace crane-making workshops, these series of events are not only educational but so much fun too. Note that most workshops on Saturday are filled up, but Fridays and Sundays still have a few spots — hurry and save yourself a place!

Date

Fri, Aug 4 - Sun, Aug 7, 2017

Time

Various (see website)

Location

3-37-10 Asagaya-minami, Suginami, Tokyo

Fee

¥250-¥1500/person (Depends on workshop)

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Traditional Dance Fiesta

Nakameguro Summer Matsuri

If you enjoy Japanese summer festivals, the Nakameguro Matsuri is one you shouldn't miss. Featuring two of the most popular traditional Japanese dances, awaodori and yosakoi, this festival attracts over 20,000 people annually and is a fantastic downtown summer experience for everyone in the family. Wear your yukata and enjoy the loud drum sounds until late at night.

Date

SAT, AUG 5- SUN, AUG 6, 2017

Time

5:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

Location

NAKAMEGURO-GINZA SHOPPING STREET NEAR NAKAMEGURO STATION

Fee

Free

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Sky Delights

Teganuma Kashiwa Fireworks

Another major fireworks event, the Kashiwa fireworks are one of the biggest in Chiba, lighting up the sky with 13,000 fireworks in all shapes and styles, attracting over 400,000 visitors to Chiba for a spectacular night. Another chance to send over your best fireworks video or photo for the Savvy Fireworks Contest! (share through Instagram, Twitter or Facebook with a hashtag #savvyfireworks2017)

Date

SAT, AUG. 5, 2017

Time

7 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

Location

TEGANUMA, KASHIWA, 20-MIN WALK FROM KITA-KASHIWA STATION ON THE JR JOBAN LINE.

Fee

FREE

More Info

Sunny Days

Latin American Festival

It will get as hot as it gets at Hibiya park this weekend where a great delegation of many Latin American countries will come display their best food and drinks, live shows, lavish costumes, and most of all fun, fun, fun events. Grab a beer, a few tacos and join the party!

Date

Sat, Aug 5-Sun, Aug 6, 2017

Time

10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Location

Hibiya Park fountain area, 1-2 HIBIYAKOEN, CHIYODA-ku, TOKYO

Fee

Free

More Info

Bells of Love

Enmusubi Fuurin 2017

Enjoy a romantic walk with your significant other amid the sound of wind chimes (fuurin) and a beautifully illuminated Hikawa shrine. Enmusubi, the word for "forming a strong bond" is a hint here, so dress to impress and get in a romantic mood. Walk down the path decorated with over 2,000 wind chimes, take a stroll near the illuminated river, or try some wind chimes-inspired sweets and goods at the Musubi Cafe near the shrine.

Date

NOW THROUGH SUN, SEP 10, 2017

Time

9 A.M. - 9 P.M.

Location

KAWAGOE HIKAWA SHRINE, 1-407 TAKAHANACHO, OMIYA-KU, SAITAMA-SHI, SAITAMA

Fee

FREE

More Info

Share your best fireworks photos and videos through Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with hashtag #savvyforeworks2017