The final weekend in February is full of things to do: stroll among the plum blossoms, explore Yokohama’s Chinatown in full festive swing, catch a show, or do a bit of shopping. Check out what we’ve got in store, and as usual, click on the event header for more details about each listing. Have a great weekend!
Super Skytree Disco
This is your final chance to enjoy Friday Night Fever in Tokyo, hundreds of meters above ground! Get dressed up and ready to get down at a weekly disco with the best view of the city, while DJs mix legends of Tokyo nightlife glory days with fresh talent on the decks.
Yokohama Chinatown Spring Festival 2018
Welcome the Lunar New Year over a fortnight of celebrations in the heart of Japan’s largest Chinese community. Yokohama’s Chinatown is always regarded as a sightseeing attraction, but during the Spring Festival the colorful lanterns and decorations make it an even more spectacular scene.
Tony Lindsay Live
The lead singer of Santana takes on a five-day stretch at Love, Peace & Soul live cafe. Don’t miss the chance to experience his unique tenor tone and smooth vocals live and up close in an intimate venue.
Yebisu International Festival for Art & Alternative Visions 2018
Taking place across a variety of venues, this international festival of art and images celebrates its 10th year. Tackling this year’s subject, “Mapping the Invisible,” a wide variety of artists, guests and programmers are involved in an exciting schedule of exhibitions, screenings, live performances, and talk sessions.
Ground No Plan – Makoto Aida
Makoto Aida, a contemporary Japanese artist known for his wide-ranging and prolific work, presents his proposal for an ideal city. This exhibition will include various media, including conceptual drawings, models, paintings, installations and film, depicting his vision of a future city that the artist envisions. An equally charming and provocative figure, we expect that Aida’s plans and suggestions will be bold, fascinating and somewhat bizarre.
Kan’ei Elegance: Edo-Period Court Culture and Enshu, Ninsei, and Tan’yu
Explore Edo period art and artifacts used by noblemen, noblewomen and emperors.
Star Night Healing – A Forest Wrapped in Stars
Take time to relax in a healing forest under the simulated stars of the Planetarium. Guided by the smooth narration of actor Hiroshi Hasegawa, viewers are taken deep into the Yakushima forest to marvel at the majestic trees and twinkling stars above. Using essential oils, the theater recreates the refreshing natural aroma of the forest, giving a moment of calm escape from Tokyo city life.
Tokyo Hidden Jazz Club
Following the success of its London launch, Hidden Jazz Club, which has been ranked as the top Airbnb music experience in the world, will be hosting an exclusive pop-up event at BPM Café, Tokyo Hidden Jazz Club. Founder and notable UK jazz pianist and singer Theo Jackson will be bringing the signature sound of London’s jazz scene and fusing it into electrifying performances with some of Tokyo’s most accomplished players.
Sanrio Characters Lovely Cafe
Take a kawaii step back in time at Sanrio Characters Lovely Cafe. For a limited time only, a special cafe has appeared inside Seibu Ikebukuro main store, reviving the much-loved Sanrio characters from the 1980s. You can enjoy a variety of delicious sweet and savory dishes (that look much too cute to eat) including Tuxedo Sam’s Bubbling Stew, Fresh Punch Jelly in Cream Soda, and Goropikadon’s Thunder Pancakes.
The Safes
Touring the band’s latest album Tasty Waves, the brothers O’Malley (Frankie and Patrick) with drummer Dex Fontaine and bassist Curt Schmelz are bringing the music of The Safes to both their loyal fans and a whole new set of ears. Their Japanese tour will take them to Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Fukuoka, and they’ll be playing with their label mates Gorilla in Koenji.
Donna Burke and Ganime Jazz
The Australian singer and voice actress Donna Burke has performed songs for video games like Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker and for anime such as Tokyo Ghoul. Hear her perform jazzed up versions of your favorite video game and anime tunes at Ganime Jazz’s gig at No Bird in Ginza.
Oedo Antique Market at Yoyogi Park
Serious collectors, casual shoppers and appreciators of vintage treasures can all enjoy this large outdoor antique market. Traders come from far and wide to set up their stalls selling everything from old kimonos, toys and ephemera to coins, ceramics, jewelry and furniture.
Japanese Dance Workshop
Experience traditional Japanese dance and yukata at this inclusive workshop. With the help of specialist teachers you can learn the simple movements of nihon buyo (traditional Japanese dance) while wearing a yukata – the informal cotton kimono.
Plum Blossom Festivals
Sakura’s woefully unsung sister is already coming into fragrant bloom around the city. Check out our guide to some of the best places to enjoy the plum blossoms around town.
Main image by Alex Knight via Unsplash
