The mercury is falling and there’s some rain in the forecast for Saturday, but bundle up and enjoy what Tokyo’s got on offer this weekend. Click on the header of each event for more details.
Asakusa Tori-no-ichi
This lively traditional fair sees visitors buying kumade handmade rakes to bring in good fortune and wealth to their businesses. The somewhat chaotic event sees large crowds attend to purchase their kumade or just to enjoy buyers and sellers partaking in noisy ceremonies of synchronized clapping and shouts for each sale.
Tokyo 2020 Showroom
If you’re interested in getting into the spirit of the games – and getting your hands on some Olympic gear – you’re in luck. The Tokyo 2020 organizers have opened up a limited time showroom in Harajuku that’s full of Tokyo 2020 Olympic items, from pens and notepads to tote bags and pins.
Exhibition of Shinkai Makoto
The National Art Center, Tokyo introduces the great works of Makoto Shinkai, director of last year’s worldwide hit, Your Name. This exhibition features an exclusive look at the behind-the-scenes of his work through storyboards, drawings, and objects that were critical to his work process.
Tabisuru Shintora Market: Autumn Edition
This ongoing market showcases the local delicacies, crafts, and in some cases, cultural performances of Komono and Suzuka in Mie, Hioki in Kagoshima, and Awashimaura, Yahiko, and Izumozaki in Niigata will host the four stands. Each area is known for their abundance of natural resources and the crafts and foods that make the most of them.
Japanese Chopsticks Exhibition
Chopsticks are a form of art and an integral part of Japanese culture, and this exhibition showcases an array of traditional lacquered chopsticks from various parts of Japan that are well-known for their works, such as “wakasanuri,” “wajimanuri,” and “tsugarunuri.” For those interested in bringing a piece of Japan home with you, there will also be a beautiful selection of chopsticks available for purchase.
Hachioji Ginkgo Festival 2017
From food stalls to music stages, fun activities will line the streets under the four kilometers of road that are lined with the towering golden canopies of ginkgo trees.
IgersJP Instameet: Inokashira Park
Meet up for an event that focuses on photography, fun, and exploring new areas of Tokyo. This edition will hopefully be right on time for the beautiful fall foliage that decorates the park every year.
Autumn Leaves and Illuminations at Rikugien Gardens
As part of the garden’s annual seasonal calendar, mid November sees the best of the stunning Fall foliage lit up with after dark illuminations.a During the illuminations, the yellow, gold and fiery red leaves are lit up around the gardens and pond for visitors to enjoy, perfect for a romantic date or an after work stroll.
Tokyo Shape Note Singing Workshops
No musical experience is needed to drop in on one of two workshops featuring shape note singing, an ingenious method that makes sight singing easy for anyone to learn.
Tokyo Winter Illuminations
The temperatures are dropping, which just seems to make the winter illuminations look that much prettier. Check out our roundup of Tokyo’s best and brightest.
