This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For October 28-29

Films, Art, Culture And Fun In The City

By The Savvy Team |
October 27, 2017 |
What's Happening

After a week of rain and wind, we can’t wait for the sunshine to come back, can we? This weekend, you might find yourself torn between your wishes to dress up for Halloween and party outside, or get some popcorns, sit back, relax and watch movies from all around the world at the Tokyo International Film Festival in Roppongi. But if you'd still like to do something else — we've got your back covered, too. Here are our picks for the best events happening in Tokyo this week(end). Enjoy!

Cinema Delights

Tokyo International Film Festival 2017

The only Japanese ﬁlm festival accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations is back again this year, bringing films from around the world to Tokyo. Around 200 cinema pieces are divided into 26 sections, allowing viewers to explore various tastes. From blockbuster hits such as "The Phantom of the Opera" and "La La Land" to less known indie movies from around the world, indulge yourself in the beautiful world of films this weekend.

Date: WED, OCT. 25-FRI, NOV. 3, 2017
Time: VARIES DEPENDING ON PROGRAM
Location: TOHO CINEMAS ROPPONGI HILLS, EX THEATER ROPPONGI, NATIONAL FILM CENTER, THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, KABUKIZA THEATRE, AND TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FORUM
Fee: VARIES DEPENDING ON PROGRAM

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Street Fun

Omotesando Halloween Parade

Again this year, Tokyo’s No. 1 spot for parades and celebrations, the streets of Omotesando hosts a massive 1-km-long procession for Halloween, inviting everyone from kids to adults — and many celebrities — to join in. It’s one of the most kid-friendly Halloween events in Tokyo, and you'll find a number of shops in Omotesando Hills and other areas offering trick-or-treat surprises and gifts for the little ones.

Date: Sun, Oct. 29, 2017
Time: 2:30 p.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Harajuku, Omotesando crossing, and other areas
Fee: Free

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Simplicity In Design

Nordic Lifestyle Market

This weekend, 40 vendors selling everything from vintage furniture, ceramics, organic cosmetics, fabrics & textiles, books and flowers will be gathering in Shibuya for one of the largest Nordic markets in Japan. Enjoy delicious Scandinavian food and drinks and don't miss out on the Swedish meatballs and cinnamon rolls!

Date: SAT, OCT. 28 TO SUN, OCT. 29, 2017
Time: 10 A.M.-4 P.M.
Location: UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY, 5-53-70 JINGUMAE, SHIBUYA-ku, TOKYO
Fee: FREE

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Noodle Tasting

Tokyo Ramen Show

Nothing beats a good bowl of ramen on a cold day, and at the Tokyo Ramen Show you can taste and explore your favorite bowls from all around Japan. Classic shoyu ramen? Hakata pork broth ramen? Sea urchin ramen? Come hungry and check them all out!

Date: THU, OCT. 26 TO SUN, NOV. 5, 2017
Time: 10 A.M.-9 P.M. (OCT. 31 AND NOV. 5 UNTIL 6 P.M.)
Location: KOMAZAWA OLYMPIC PARK, 1-1 KOMAZAWA PARK, SETAGAYA-ku, TOKYO
Fee: FREE ADMISSION (¥850 FOR A RAMEN TICKET)

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Cosplay Fever

Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival

No area in Tokyo can perform better than Ikebukuro when it comes to cosplaying, so it makes perfect sense that one of the largest Halloween festivals is held here. This event features everything from a cosplay flea market, live stages, a parade, a red carpet to walk along with fellow cosplayers, cafes, photo booths and even a free costume-mending stall in case (parts of) your shoulders fall off.

Date: Sat, Oct. 28-Sun, Oct. 29, 2017
Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: JR Ikebukuro station, east exit area
Fee: Free

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Inspiration & Creativity

Asian Art Award 2017 Finalists Exhibition

The top five finalists of the Asian Art Award compete for the honor to display their works at one of the biggest contemporary art exhibitions in Tokyo, the Art Fair Tokyo. Different in style and theme, the works explore how people interact with nature and their surroundings in form of virtual reality, photography, dance, and more.

Date: NOW THROUGH SUN, OCT. 29, 2017
Time: 11 A.M.-6 P.M. (TUE TO THU, SUN), 12 P.M.-8 P.M. (FRI AND SAT)
Location: TERRADA ART COMPLEX 4/F,1-33-10 HIGASHI SHINAGAWA, SHINAGAWA-ku, TOKYO
Fee: FREE

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Cinema Tricks

Roppongi Hills Halloween Parade

Anyone wearing a costume can join this famous annual parade held for the 15th-consecutive year. Following last year’s event, the theme is “Cinema” in-line with the ongoing Tokyo International Film Festival in Roppongi. Dress up as your favorite movie hero and join the fun! Held from early in the morning, this is one of the most family-friendly events in the capital.

Date: Sat, Oct. 28, 2017
Time: 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: Roppongi Hills Arena area. Register upon arrival between 9:45 a.m. to 1:00p.m.
Fee: Free

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Cheers To The Weekend

Oedo Beer Festival 2017

With Tokyo's nights turning colder, here's a great chance to warm yourself up! The Oedo Beer Festival is the biggest craft beer event in Japan. Japanese jibiiru or Belgian Beer—they have it all. A great event for a casual meet up with friends and colleagues.

Date: WED, OCT. 25-SUN, OCT. 29, 2017
Time: 12 P.M.-10 P.M. (WED FROM 3 P.M.)
Location: SHINAGAWA INTERCITY, 2-16 KONAN, MINATO-ku, TOKYO
Fee: FREE

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Kawaii & Pop

Shibukaru Matsuri 2017

This cultural festival in Shibuya comes back to celebrate its sixth year. Shibuya represents the changing trend among youth, making it the cultural center of Japan. For the festival, talented artists depict the changing nature of the city through installation and music. During night time, Gallery X becomes a night bar with tons of unique drinks and snacks.

Date: FRI, OCT. 20 - SUN, OCT. 29, 2017
Time: VARIES DEPENDING ON PROGRAM
Location: GALLERY X BY PARCO, SHIBUYA CLUB QUATTRO, SHIBUYA WWW
Fee: FREE ENTRY

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Architecture Through Time

The Japanese House: Architecture and Life After 1945

This show introduces 75 different houses by over 50 groups of Japanese architects in the form of photos, miniature models, and maps. Houses not only show how its people lived in different eras—it also tells us a story of how the country emerged and developed throughout history. A truly exciting exhibition for anyone interested in architecture, history and Japan in general.

Date: NOW THROUGH SUN, OCT. 29, 2017
Time: 10 A.M.-5 P.M. (FRI AND SAT UNTIL 9 P.M.)
Location: THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, TOKYO, 3-1 KITANOMARU-KOEN, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO
Fee: ¥1,200 (ADULTS), ¥800 (UNIVERSITY)

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Scent Of Elegance

Cosmos Festival

Enjoy the last moments of the largest cosmos flower bed in Tokyo at the Showa Kinen Park. Brighten up the rainy days with lots of pink, yellow, and orange petals spread across all areas of the park. What’s more, an outdoor festival will be held simultaneously this weekend, featuring a variety of fun family-friendly events: yoga, tree climbing, segway rides and more. Say yes to an active yet refreshing weekend out!

Date: NOW THROUGH SUN, OCT. 29, 2017
Time: 9:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
Location: SHOWA KINEN PARK, 3173 MIDORCHO, TACHIKAWA, TOKYO
Fee: ¥410 (ADULT ADMISSION FEE), ¥500 FOR THE OUTDOOR FESTIVAL

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For a full list of Halloween events happening in and around Tokyo, see here.

What are your plans for the weekend? If you’re organizing a fun or interesting event, or you know someone who is, contact us to get it listed!