As we’re getting ready to welcome December, we’re also welcoming the end of a year that felt like the longest — and at the same time, shortest — period of our lives. But before we break out those Christmas decorations and start up the seasonal tracks, let’s enjoy this last of autumn with these offline and online events. From unique exhibitions and autumn illuminations to fancy dinners and sake tasting events from the northern regions of Japan, there’s something for everyone this weekend in Tokyo.
Six prefectures in Tohoku, seven showcase events at JAPAN RAIL CAFE TOKYO. Stop by to discover the traditions, crafts, foods and drink of the Tohoku region and its six prefectures – Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima and Yamagata. From November 28–29 and December 5 & 7, 2020, each prefecture will host its own individual event at the new cafe, where guests can find and sample the best each prefecture has to offer. Check here for more information about the schedule. Please pre-register for the events you would like to attend. Please note each event is limited to 5 people. Nov 28 & 29 events are fully booked. Slots remain available for Dec 5 & 7 events.
When: Nov. 28, 2020 – Dec. 07, 2020
Where: JAPAN RAIL CAFE Tokyo 1-9 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Where: Musashi-Kyuryo National Government Park 1920 Yamata, Namegawa-machi, Hiki-gun, Saitama
As the season for cosmos flower viewing comes to an end, Showa Kinen Park changes in color from various shades of pink to a beautiful mixture of yellow and red. The park is especially known for the 98 Ginko Trees that make a golden tunnel along the canal. You can also visit the Japanese garden for a spectacular collaboration of red Maple Tree leaves and traditional architecture. Various trees add their own unique autumn colors to the park, making it a go-to location for many visitors during fall foliage season.
When: Until Nov. 29, 2020
Where: Showa Kinen Park 3173 Midoricho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo
4. Hachioji Ginkgo Festival
This year Hachioji scales back its annual ichou (gingko tree) festival to a safe and modest celebration. The traditional local festival usually incorporates vibrant performers and colorful stalls and attractions around the tree lined Koshu Kaido road, but due to concerns around Covid-19, this year’s 41st edition will take a much more low-key approach. Using a GPS app on your smartphone you can participate in a digital stamp rally to earns small prizes and rewards, checking-in at specific locations around the 4km stretch of road that boasts over 700 stunning gingko trees. Visitors are encouraged to take a leisurely healthy stroll anytime in November, upholding social distancing measures, to enjoy the beautiful sight of the autumn leaves and learn about the local heritage sites. Organizers are also asking for individual’s support through a crowdfunding page in order to cover lost profits and raise funds for next years event.
When: Until Nov. 30, 2020
Where: Around Hachioji, 3-1 Sennincho, Hachioji
Mohall examines painting as a medium through several different approaches. Each different body of work is part of a mutual research about painting. MohalI sees it as a necessity to approach the complexity of painting by using several strategies and tools, moving between different styles and themes.
In the “Brushstrokes painting” series, brushstrokes are multiplied through molds and casts, resulting in a painting consisting of a plurality of identical brush strokes. The brushstrokes are placed on the canvas in predetermined systematic patterns or compositions, which are repeated with precise measurements through several paintings.
When: Nov. 06, 2020 – Dec. 12, 2020
Where: Koki Arts 1-15-2 Higashi-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku
With the theme of distance taken from the essential social distancing measures needed during this global pandemic, this new exhibition by Jun Oson will be the first major solo exhibition in Japan in four years. Hosted at Diesel Art Gallery the exhibition will display a wide range of Juns works including book cover designs illustrations and product design mainly used for advertising and animations.
When: Oct. 30, 2020 – Feb. 04, 2021
Where: Diesel Art Gallery 1-23-16 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku
7. Japanese Art: Deep and Deeper
The second part of the renewal exhibition at the Suntory Museum of Art takes a deeper look at the unique aesthetics of Japanese beauty. Japanese Art: Deep and Deeper explores the beauty of daily life and traces its roots to historic artworks and styles. Discover new ways to appreciate the wonders of every day as you journey through the sections of this exhibition. From the use of space and the view of the ‘landscape’ to the appreciation of all things small and cute, see the connections and influences that have developed over centuries, intertwining art, life, and culture.
When: Sep. 30, 2020 – Nov. 29, 2020
Where: Suntory Museum of Art 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku
An exploration of the artistic expressions of ‘sleep’ from Goya and Rubens to Chiharu Shiota. Sleep is an essential part of human existence, so unsurprisingly it is the subject of many works of art from various styles and backgrounds. This exhibition at the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo features around 120 works relating to the theme in a variety of genres including paintings, prints, drawings, photographs and 3D pieces. Can the art created around sleep bring us new perspectives in our waking moments?
Where: National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo Kitanomarukoen 3−1, Chiyoda ku, Tokyo
Where: Beni Museum 1F K’s Minami Aoyama Building,6-6-20 Minami Aoyama, Minato ku, Tokyo
Where: Shibuya Sky, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 2 Chome-24-12 Top floor Scramble Square
Where: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 6 Chome-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo
Everyone’s favorite fighting force for justice and peace, the Super Sentai (or Power Rangers for our abroad audiences), will once again take over Tokyo Dome to protect citizens in this live event. Along with the show enjoy some Super Sentai-branded snacks, limited-edition goods and for the lucky few a chance to meet up with the rangers. You can buy tickets at the counter the day of the show or get advance tickets here up until two hours before the show.
When: Oct. 31, 2020 – Jan. 21, 2021
Where: Tokyo Dome 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku
Where: Kanda Myojin Sotokanda 2−16, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Where: Online Streaming
This charming arts and crafts market takes over a Ginza shopping center for its regular weekend events. Art & Craft Market at Tokyo Square Garden is part of the Aozorakoten handmade markets held every week in the suburbs of the city. This is one of the organizer’s larger events with up to 120 booths hosting a varied selection of makers and artisans selling their charming, beautiful, and sometimes even delicious, wares. From traditional Japanese crafts and vintage fabric accessories to contemporary jewelry and stylish stationery, this is great place to shop for unique and thoughtful gifts or to treat yourself to a little independent retail therapy, face to face with the creators.
When: Nov. 28, 2020
Where: Tokyo Square Garden 3 −1−1 Kyobashi, Chuo ku, Tokyo
16. Trunk Hotel x Mr Lyan Studio Cocktail Collaboration
A creative team led by world-renowned London-based top bartender Mr. Lyan has teamed up with Trunk Hotel to reinterpret how Japanese ingredients can be used in these new Trunk Hotel-exclusive cocktails.
When: Oct. 16, 2020 – Dec. 29, 2020
Where: Trunk (Hotel) 5-31 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
Get ready for the sweetest afternoon buffet at the Westin Hotel Tokyo! Located on the first floor of the hotel is The Terrace, an international restaurant that is currently holding a weekday-only chocolate dessert buffet. Chocolate desserts at The Terrace change monthly, offering over 500 variations in 2months. You can go for the 2-hour course, or 2.5 hours for an extra time of indulgence.
Where: Westin Hotel Tokyo 1-4-1 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
For more event recommendations, see our recently revamped event listing page. Got an event to share? Let us know at [email protected]
