This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For July 15-17

During this upcoming three-day weekend, the city will be bursting with color, lights, and fireworks in celebration of the summer season. Ready, set, go!

© Photo by Yamashita Yohei

Honoring The Ancestors

Mitama Matsuri

In honor of the deceased, Yasukuni shrine is holding one of the biggest summer festivals in Tokyo. 30,000 lanterns will guide your way road to the shrine, while a variety of performances, food stalls, traditional stages, and games will keep visitors entertained day and night. One of the most famous summer festivals in Japan, regardless of what your views on the controversial shrine are, this one is a must go!

Date

Wed, July 13- Sun, July 16, 2017

Time

9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Location

YASUKUNI SHRINE, 3-1-1 KUDANKITA, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO

Fee

FREE

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Park Fiesta

Fiesta de Colombia

Another summer fiesta from sunny Latin America to mark on your calendar! Feel the heat this summer at Fiesta de Colombia with plenty of delicious South American food, hot Colombian music, and traditional folkloric dance performances.

Date

Sun, July 16, 2017

Time

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location

Hibiya Park Sho-Ongakudo, 1-5 Hibiya Koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Fee

Free

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Light It Up

Yokohama Sparkling Twilight

Watch ships and crowds parade with live jazz music playing in the background during the day, and when the night falls, admire 3,000 fireworks and sparkling illumination shows against the spectacular Yokohama night skyline. And just in case you get hungry, you can grab plenty of good food and drinks at the restaurants and bars near the bay.

Date

SAT, JULY 15 - SUN, JULY 16, 2017

Time

11: 30 A.M.-8:30 P.M. FIREWORKS START AT 7:30 P.M.

Location

YAMASHITA PARK, 279 YAMASHITACHO, NAKA-KU, YOKOHAMA, KANAGAWA PREFECTURE

Fee

FREE

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Edo Fishbowl

Tokyo Goldfish Wonderland

This summer, Japan's largest 100-meter goldfish area in Sumida Aquarium transforms itself into an Edo wonderland. Watch 1,000 goldfish dance against the light and shadows creating a unique Japanese summer scenery. A variety of goldfish-themed exhibitions and workshops, including amezaiku (candy craft artistry) and mosaic art, are also on the agenda.

Date

Now through Thurs, Aug 31, 2017

Time

9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Location

Sumida Aquarium, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥1,850 (Adults), ¥1,350 (High school), ¥900 (Middle and elementary), ¥540 (Kids)

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Run In Color

Color Me Rad

Get ready to be bombarded by colors this Saturday! Originated from USA, Color Me Rad is a popular race where people throw colored powder at each other as they run. More than just an adrenalin-high race, this performances-filled event, will stay in your memory for a long time. Sign up before July 14 to secure a spot!

Date

Sat, July 15, 2017

Time

10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Location

Ajinomoto Stadium, 376-3 Nishimachi, Chofu-shi, Tokyo

Fee

¥6,500 (General)

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Cultural Carnival

Festival Brasil

Featuring the queen of forró, Elba Ramalho, this year's annual Brazil Festival will be even hotter than last year's. Join local and international artists in celebrating the country's culture, cuisine, and music. Expect a large crowd as it is one of the most popular cultural festivals in Yoyogi Park — for a good reason.

Date

SAT, JULY 15 - SUN, JULY 16, 2017

Time

11 A.M.-8 P.M.

Location

YOYOGI PARK, 2-3 JINGUMAE, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO

Fee

FREE

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Raging Waters

Odaiba Waterpark

What is summer without some splash? Have fun jumping in pools and drifting down exciting water slides under the intense July sun. As the clock strikes 6 pm, see the park switch to a night water wonderland filled with digital music, bubbles, and light illuminations. Special guest DJs including Ksuke and model Yurie Akutsu will be performing as you party all night long on July 15 and 16. The ultimate pool fun for children and adults alike.

Date

Sat, July 15- Thu, Aug 31, 2017

Time

10 a.m.-4 p.m. OR 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Location

1-1 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥2,500 (Adults) & ¥2,000 (Children) on weekdays, ¥2,700 (Adults) & ¥2,200 (Children) on weekends and holidays

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Learn Through Play

Kids Workshops

Hosting over 65 different types of kids workshops, Roppongi Hills sure knows how to win the hearts of children. From making a parfait, arranging a unique terrarium, to taking part in the lego space challenge, all of them will help foster creativity and imagination in the young. Some workshops require registration. For more information see the link below.

Date

Sat, July 15- Sun, Aug 27, 2017

Time

Various

Location

Roppongi Hills, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Fee

Free

More Info

© Photo by Heather Sterland

Sense The Sound

ICC Kids Program 2017

Hear, feel, and touch sounds at this amazing summer kids program. A number of installations including an "organ building" workshop, a "touch the sound picnic", and a "let's try performing music in stripes" lesson, will show you that music can be sensed with one's whole body. A great chance for kids to enjoy interactive events and workshops that inspire creativity through sounds.

Date

Sat, July 15-Thurs, Aug 31, 2017

Time

11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Location

NTT InterCommunication Center Gallery A, Tokyo Opera City Tower 4F, 3-20-2 Nishishinjyuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Fee

Free

More Info

All-White Party

Grand Hyatt's Soiree Blanche

Put your best white outfit on and join the most popular soiree in the city! There will be plenty of free-flowing champagne along with all-you-can-eat exquisite food and desserts, great upbeat music and quite a few photo ops! One of the best summer events in Tokyo, don't miss this soiree!

Date

Every Saturday in July and August and First Saturday in September, 2017

Time

6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Location

2F GRAND HYATT TOKYO, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Fee

¥12,000

More Info

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