This Weekend: Tokyo Area Events For Dec 17-18
Art, Markets, And Fun In The City
Loads of festive events are on agenda this weekend as well, so if you're looking for more holiday shopping and art-marveling fun, you've found the right place. Grab your coats and have fun!
Holiday Market
Tokyo Christmas Market 2016
This large-scale Europe-Inspired market allows visitors to enjoy live music, have a fun time with friends over hot wine (apple cider for the kids), marvel at illumination lights, and find the best Christmas presents in town. Don't miss the chance to meet the famous singing Santa AnTon for good laughs.
- Date
- Fri, Dec. 16-Sun, Dec. 25, 2016
- Time
- 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Location
- Hibiya Park (water fountain area), 1-6 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free admission
A Jazzy Time
Sax Forest Concert 2016
Bees saxophone ensemble club "Sax Forest" will be going live on Saturday at Toranomon to jazz up your weekend. Bring along your friends and have a relaxing afternoon.
- Date
- Sat, Dec. 17, 2016
- Time
- 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Location
- Toranomon Iki-iki Plaza 1F Marble Cafe, 1-21-10 Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free
Shoe Shopping Spree
Hanakawado Hakidaore-ichi Shoe Market
Japan is not particularly easy when it comes to shoe shopping, so events like this are more than welcome. Hanakawado's shoe market is held every year, gathering all shoe stores in the Asakusa area to sell their best products at very affordable cost. And just in case you're looking for things other than shoes, worry not—there will be cheap but great quality bags, wallets, and other goodies.
- Date
- Sat, Dec. 17-Sun, Dec. 18, 2016
- Time
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location
- 2-4-15 Hanakawado, Taito, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free admission
Lust, Temptation, and Violence in Art
Lucas Cranach the Elder: 500 Years of the Power of Temptation
Lucas Cranach the Elder is praised as one of the greatest artists of the German Renaissance and is especially recognized for his depictions of female legends such as Judith and Salome, with a touch of eroticism and sophistication. As one of the largest Cranach exhibits, art pieces from more than ten countries are brought to Tokyo, including his famous painting of Christ blessing children. A must-not miss exhibition for anyone interested in art and art history.
- Date
- Now until Sun, Jan. 15, 2017 (closed from Wed, Dec. 28 to Sun, Jan. 1, and on Tue, Jan. 10)
- Time
- 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Fridays until 8 p.m.)
- Location
- National Museum Of Western Art, 7-7, Ueno Park, Taito, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥1,600 (general), ¥1,200 (university), ¥800 (high school)
Winter Lights
Festival of Lights 2016
Beautiful winter lights are essential to spice up the festive season, and this event organizers certainly know how to impress. This year, eight giant Christmas trees and 220,000 LED champaign gold lights will illuminate the zelkova streets around Takenotsuka station in Adachi ward forming a spectacular light fetsival at the background of soft, romantic holiday tunes. Walk along the lights with your date for a romantic time.
- Date
- Now through Sun, Dec. 25, 2016
- Time
- 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Location
- Takenotsuka Station (Seibu Skytree Line) to Motofuchie Park, 2-17-1 Hokima, Adachi, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free
Last Minute Special Exhibition
Van Gogh and Gauguin: Reality and Imagination
Held in Japan for the very first time, this exhibition focuses on Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin and displays some 60 art pieces — including oil paintings from every stage of their careers. This exhibition shows that although having different art styles, Van Gogh and Gauguin have both inspired one another. The exhibition ends this weekend, so if you haven't yet seen it, now is the time!
- Date
- NOW THROUGH SUN, DECEMBER 18, 2016
- Time
- 9:30 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.
- Location
- TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM, 8-36 UENO-PARK, TAITO-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- ¥1,600 (GENERAL)
Treasure Hunt
Setagaya Boroichi Flea Market
Meaning "rag market," this 437-year-old flea market is held biannually in January and December near Setagaya station, and is a true treasure-hunting spot that offers bits of something for everyone. With an impressive lineup of over 700 stalls selling various keepsakes from kimono and clothing to pottery, handicrafts, souvenirs, toys and, of course, food (and plenty of it), the market is a popular attraction, with thousands of visitors every year.
- Date
- December 15–16, 2016
- Time
- 9 a.m.– 8 p.m.
- Location
- Boroichi-dori Street, Setagaya 1-chome, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo (five-minute walk from Setagaya or Kamimachi stations on the Setagaya line)
- Fee
- Free
Art & About
Xmas Art Festa 2016
Thirty seven galleries in the Ginza area are collaborating in creating a special festive event for art appreciators. "Xmas Art Festa" will have each participating gallery host the visitors with special exhibitions which showcase various artworks, from museum-class masterpieces such as Georges Rouault, Fujita, Kitaoji Rosanjin to approachable small works, from traditional pictures or potteries to contemporary arts. Among the participating galleries are Gallery Harota Fine Art, Taimei Gallery, Monji Fine Art Gallery and Gallery Nii Tokyo.
- Date
- Until SAT, DEC. 17, 2016
- Time
- e DEPENDS ON EACH GALLERY'S BUSINESS HOURS
- Location
- GINZA 5-CHOME, 6-CHOME, 7-CHOME AND 8-CHOME. SEE EACH GALLERY'S WEBSITE FOR ACCESS INFORMATION.
- Fee
- FREE ADMISSION
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