Your money-free weekend in Tokyo starts here:
Hachioji Summer Market (July 2-3): Head to West Tokyo for Hachioji’s annual summer market. Just a 3-minute walk from the station’s north exit are stalls selling local goodies, from morning glories to Edo-style wind chimes, and more. The market will be peppered with yukata-clad visitors (like in the photo above), so if you’re also wanting to show up in Japanese summertime gear, try renting at these shops. And for an extra pinch of Edo-period flavor, go for a ride on one of the many rickshaws for hire.
Earth Garden Summer 2016 (July 2-3): This is a two-day outdoor market at Yoyogi Park where the food, workshops, and products on offer all promote ecological living—so you can feel good about going and also what you bring home. The park’s event square will also have a stream of musical performances spanning both days.
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The Oedo Antique Market (July 3): A cheapo favorite, Japan’s biggest outdoor market in Japan is back at the Tokyo International Forum. It’s a great spot for finding unique souvenirs, decorating your apartment on a shoestring, or even just strolling around outdoors. The market will be canceled in case of rain through, so keep an eye on the forecast.
Museum of Modern Art Tokyo – Free Admission Day (July 3): Save yourself the 430-yen entrance free and head to the Museum of Modern Art, where access to the MOMAT Collection and Gallery 4 is free for all visitors. On display now are summer-fitting works, like Tsuchida Bakusen’s Serving Girl at a Spa (Important Cultural Property) and Kaburaki Kiyokata’s Boating Excursion on the Sumida River.
“Shape Your City” Music and Art Pop-Up (ongoing until July 21): This Friday and Saturday, hang out at the city’s coolest art and music pop-up. Come mix with people you have yet to meet, listen to music you have yet to hear, and experience art and culture you have yet to encounter at UltraSuperNew Gallery in Harajuku. Event is from 11:00-21:00, bar opens at 17:00, and the first drink is on the house—very cheapo, baby, yeah!
