Tokyo events for Monday, October 21 to Sunday, October 27, 2019
This week in Tokyo packs a lot of fun events, kicking off the Tokyo International Film Festival, along with some major art exhibitions. There’s also Diwali celebrations, the traditional Nihonbashi-Kyobashi Matsuri and the Koenji community festival. Not to mention food festivals, the Tokyo Motor Show and the beginnings of Halloween happenings in the city.
Autumn Rose Festival
Flower lovers have one more week to check out the blooms at the Kyu-Furukawa Gardens—renowned for their extensive rose collection. Spend a morning strolling around the 20th-century Western-style garden and have your camera ready for the exquisite sights.
| At the door: ¥150 | ||
| At the door: ¥70 | ||
Niku Fes Tachikawa
Niku is the Japanese word for “meat”—and a lot of it is what you can expect at this festival. Meat dishes from Japan and abroad will be served up in every form imaginable: kebabs, hot dogs, steak, roast pork, xiaolongbao, and much more.
63rd CWAJ Print Show
This popular print show show has grown into a highly respected annual art exhibition and sale of contemporary Japanese prints.
Back to Square One
A contemporary art exhibit focusing on the paralellogram. The exhibit is part of a yearly challenge set by UltraSuperNew Gallery for “artists to ponder an incredibly vague, yet oddly specific subject”.
Design Touch 2019
Tokyo Midtown is once again holding Design Touch. The main feature is the interactive art installation in the Grass Square, but there’s plenty of art, goods, flower exhibitions and more in the vicinity—and it’s all free.
Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition
A competitive fireworks event lasting 2.5 hours highlighting the newest designs and creations in the world of pyrotechnics.
National Museum of Western Art – Free Admission Day
Check out the extensive permanent collection at the Museum of Western Art in Ueno Park for free. Works include paintings from the late Medieval period through to the 20th century and modern French sculpture.
Nihonbashi-Kyobashi Matsuri
For a touch of tradition, watch 3,000 dancers and performers at the Nihonbashi-Kyobashi Matsuri. Follow up the entertainment with chowing down at one of the 60 food stalls.
Diwali in Yokohama
Celebrate the festival of lights in Yamashita Park’s festival square area in Yokohama. Lots of tasty food (curries and breads) and entertainment (bollywood-style dancing, yoga) are scheduled—along with lots and lots of candles.
Koenji Festival 2019
This community affair focuses around food, music, characters, activities for the kids, and even live wrestling matches! Check out some pics from previous years.
Kanda Used Book Festival
One of the biggest event of its kind, word nerds will go gaga for the stacks upon stacks of used/antique/rare books along Yasukuni Dori in the Jimbocho district of Kanda. Makes for unique souvenirs too!
Tokyo Motor Show
The Tokyo Motor Show is where you can go to see the newest, coolest, sleekest, and even cutest cars around. The full-day price might not be so cheapo (¥1,800 in advance or ¥2,000 at the door) but if you go after 4 pm, the price drops to ¥1,000!
| Advance sales: ¥2,700 | At the door: ¥3,000 | |
Tokyo Ramen Show 2019
On the hunt for a hearty bowl of ramen? Look no further than the Tokyo Ramen Show held in Komazawa Olympic Park. Bowls ring in at ¥880.
Tokyo International Film Festival
The 32nd Tokyo International Film Festival will screen more than 200 films over 10 days, including some upcoming releases from Japan and beyond. This year they will open with the premier of Welcome Back, Tora-san by famed director Yoji Yamada.
Tokyo Halloween events
Omotesando Halloween Pumpkin Parade
Taking place along the swanky streets of Omotesando is this popular kids’ parade. Children under 12 can participate, and will be able to trick-or-treat at participating stores in the area.
| Advance sales: ¥1,000 | ||
Roppongi Hills Halloween
Another one for the little ones, this event at Roppongi Hills hosts a parade for tots, as well as a costume workshop. Goes from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival
For a Japanese take on Halloween, you can join (or just watch) the Ikebukuro Cosplay Festival. It takes place on the east side of the station at Higashi-Ikebukuro Central Park. There will be stage events, mainly a cosplay runway, and a beginner-friendly area with props for photo ops. It’s ¥2,000 to join per day.
Looking for something a little more “grown up”—check out our list of the best Halloween parties in Tokyo for you late-night freaks.
Coming up: Kawasaki Halloween Parade 2019
The famous Kawasaki Halloween parade is back and, unlike the above-mentioned parades, is geared towards adults—so expect a good dose of scary and sexy. It’s free to watch or ¥1,000 to join the parade with registration.
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