This Weekend: Tokyo Area Events for May 14–15
Much is going on this weekend in the city! There will be three major festivals, a bilingual craft event and market, a bar show and whisky expo, an international art fair and many roses waiting for visitors at the annual flower festival in Kita-ku. Enjoy!
Tokyo International Art Fair 2016
Enjoy a whole weekend of all forms of art at this well-known commercial and networking art fair. There will be paintings, sculptures, photography, illustrations and multimedia artworks by award-winning and emerging artists from all over Europe, North America and Australia, as well as local Asian artists. All works are available for purchase at an affordable price. For more information see the fair’s official website.
When: Now through Sun, May 15, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Where: Omotesando Hills Main Building B3F Space O, 4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
How much: Free!
Good Day Market
Riffing on the theme “Enrich your everyday life,” this craft market is one of the most popular of its kind in Tokyo, featuring plenty of handmade accessories, crafts and artworks on sale. There will also be workshops, delicious bites, beverages and much more!
When: Sat, May 14, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Where: SOOO dramatic！Soleil Irie 1F, 1-11-15 Shitaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo
How much: Free!
© Photo by Photo by Yoshikazu TAKADAPhoto by Yoshikazu Takada
Asakusa Sanja Matsuri
One of Tokyo’s three largest and oldest annual festivals, the Sanja Matsuri is an event you shouldn’t miss—even if you don’t like crowds. There will be multiple parades, great food of all sorts, kinds and flavors; music, dancing, and of course, the highlight of the event: the carrying of three enormous mikoshi (portable shrines) happening on Sunday.
When: Now through Sun, May 15. Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun 7 a.m. –6 p.m.
Where: Asakusa Jinja Shrine, 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
How much: Free!
Miniature Diorama Craft-Making
Join the friendly bilingual crew and other fellow aspiring amateur craftsmen at OnJapan Cafe in Omotesando for a fun diorama workshop over a hot cup of coffee or tea. Create a tiny early summer landscape to take home with you and learn about how to take great snapshots of them with your smartphone. Come with family or friends! Please note that the event is limited to 10 people, so hurry up and reserve a spot!
When: Sun, May 15, 10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Where: OnJapan Cafe, 6-8-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
How much: ¥3,200 per person, including materials and 1 soft drink
Tokyo Minato Matsuri
Both an informative and fun experience for the whole family, the annual Tokyo Minato Matsuri features various attractions from a mobile aquarium, a mini concert, a country dance and a flea market to a publicity corner for Port of Tokyo organizations and even an introduction to a few very unique ships!
When: Sat, May 14 through Sun, May 15, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Where: In and nearby the Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal. Take Toei Bus #5 in the direction of Harumi Futo from Tokyo, Ginza Icchome or Kachidoki stations and get off at the last station.
How much: Free!
Tokyo International BarShow and Whisky Expo Japan 2016
Though we may think of it as nothing more than something we indulge on late Friday nights, for some people the blending of alcoholic drinks is a true art form—and there will be masters proving this over this weekend. The Tokyo International BarShow and Whisky Expo Japan 2016 returns this year completely revamped and promising to be more robust than ever, combining bar industry entertainment and exhibitions. Enjoy special guest visits and the annual bartender demonstrations—and a few cocktails if you wish!
When: Sat, May 14 & Sun, May 15, 11 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Where: Prism Hall, Tokyo Dome City, 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
How much: ¥5,000 (one-day advance tickets), ¥9,000 (two-day advance tickets). See information on where to buy tickets here.
Thai Festival Yoyogi Park
One of the Asian countries with the strongest presence in Japan (who hasn’t been to a Thai restaurant at least once over the past month?), Thailand will be taking it the front stage at Yoyogi Park this weekend for a fun two-day festival, including everything from Thai food, drinks, music, dancing and much more! Enjoy!
When: Sat, May 14 & Sun, May 15, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Where: Yoyogi Park, 2-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
How much: Free!
Kyu Furukawa Gardens Spring Rose Festival
The Kyu Furukawa Gardens is a rare gem in the center of busy Tokyo that combines the original Japanese style gardens from the early Taisho period with Western-style architecture and beautiful scenic views throughout all seasons. The most popular event there, however, is the garden’s spring rose festival, which introduces visitors to over 90 rose varieties and 180 rose plants from all over the world. Enjoy the sights and scents!
When: Now through Tue, May 31, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Where: 1-27-39 Nishigahara, Kita-ku, Tokyo
How much: ¥150
For other gallery and museum events, visit this article. If you’re doing something fun or interesting, or you know someone who does, contact us to have your event listed!
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