Cheapo Weekend for Jan 28-29: Chinese New Year

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Chinatown Lion Dance (Jan 28): Yokohama kicks off Chinese New Year celebrations this Saturday with an impressive lion dance throughout the streets of its Chinatown. Watch as the ‘lions’ dance about, gobbling up vegetables and red envelopes (containing money) that are hung outside of shops and homes—all in the spirit of bringing good luck and prosperity. (Access: Motomachi Chukagai Station). This is just the first of many events for the Chinese Spring Festival. For more events, check here.

Chinese Traditional Performances (Jan 29): Continuing New Year celebrations, Yokohama will host various Chinese traditional performances starting Sunday. Traditional dragon and lion dances, along with other dances, songs, harps and acrobatics should be expected.

Ekoda Night Bazaar (Jan 28):  Some solid family fun to be had at this nighttime market. There will be locals shops selling their wares on the streets, yatai (street food) stalls serving up some sweet and savory treats, and activities for kids.

Japan Brewers’ Cup (Jan 27-29): The Brewers’ Cup is a competition where national breweries battle it out for top hops honor. In addition to the judging portion, it’s also just a craft beer festival for any and everyone. The 500-yen entry gives you access to over 200 varieties of beer, many starting at only 300 yen a cup—and for craft beer in Tokyo, that’s a steal!

National Museum of Western Art – Free Admission Day (Jan 29): Head to the MOMAT this Sunday and save yourself the 430  yen admission fee. The collection currently on exhibit includes modern Western works by artists such as Cézanne and Braque, and masterpieces of Japanese oil painting.

Tokyo Mechanical Keyboard Meetup Vol. 2 (Jan 29): This event is a meeting for people who like PC parts, electronic work, and manufacturing, including keyboards. It is also a good opportunity to share your work.

Tokyo Cheapo Downtown Drinks (Jan 30): Free Monday night? Come hang out with the TC crew at at a new meetup spot—300Bar in Yurakucho—for some drinks, food, and a casual hangout. All food and drink is, you guessed it, 300 yen…cheapo score!