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Tokyo events for Monday, January 28 to Sunday, February 3, 2019
This week, do a little market shopping, see some free art and celebrate Setsubun—Japan’s annual bean-throwing festival to ward off bad luck for the upcoming year and welcome in the spring season.
Downtown Drinks #34
Join the TC gang and fellow cheapos for a drink (or few) and casual mingling at Commune 2nd. This is our 34th casual meet-up and all are welcome—from readers to travelers to mysterious strangers.
In the Details – Exhibition
Art exhibition where 14 artists display their works interpreting the theme “In the Details”.
Machida Tenmangu Antique Fair
Indulge in a little antiquing at this quaint fair. You can find a little bit of everything, from houseware treasures to secondhand kimonos to pottery.
Yoyogi Park Flea Market
A bigger flea market than the one above—and more central too. Peruse hundreds of stalls for clothing, crafts, decor, kitchenware, and more.
Free Admission Day at the Museum of Modern Art
The MOMAT is free this Sunday. The museum houses mainly Japanese works of the 20th Century including a number deemed ‘Important Cultural Properties’ or masterpieces.
Setsubun Mamemaki (Bean-Throwing) Festival
Every year, Setsubun—a lively bean throwing ceremony—takes place across Japan to mark the end of winter and the coming of spring. The bean-throwing element helps ward evil while bringing luck and prosperity. Head to Zojoji Temple for the festive action.
Bean Throwing and Dance of the 7 Lucky Gods
Similar to the above event, but with the added Dance of the 7 Lucky Gods to repel bad fortune for the year ahead. This one’s at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa.
Mt. Takao Setsubun
More beans still at Mt. Takao’s Yakuoin Temple. Joining the crowds and the fun will be prominent singers, sumo wrestlers, and actors. A goma fire ritual takes place before the bean throwing to purify the throwers.
Gojoten Shrine Ritual
Instead of beans, this shrine is using another approach to send bad fortune on its merry way: the leaves from Chrysanthemum flowers. The ritual is a great addition to any day out in the Ueno Park area.
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