Our top cheapo picks for having fun in Tokyo this weekend:
Sankeien Garden Firefly Evening (until June 2): This is the final weekend to enjoy bug-powered illuminations at Yokohama’s Sankeien Garden. It might be a small trek from central Tokyo (just over an hour), but it’s well worth it to see the natural phenomenon and to stroll around the exceptionally beautiful garden grounds.
Iris Flower Festival (until June 20): In northwest Tokyo, see 14,000 iris flowers at Mizumoto Park and 6,00o more at Hirikiri Shobuen Garden. There will be music performances and other entertainment to accompany your floral stroll—the perfect event for a sunny weekend.
Ohi Racecourse Flea Market (June 4-5): One of Tokyo’s biggest and most popular flea markets, pop by to give some secondhand wares and fashion goods a loving home.
Eco Life Fair 2016 (June 4-5): In tandem with World Environment Day, Yoyogi Park is hosting the Eco Life Fair where you can learn about leading an eco-friendly lifestyle, buy organic goods and have some “eco food” from the outdoor food court. And for a bit of entertainment, the events square will have a lineup of idol groups performing.
Museum of Modern Art – Free Admission Day (June 5): Free entry all day to the MOMAT Collection Exhibition. The current exhibition theme relates to the summer season. Pieces to keep an eye out for include: Tsuchida Bakusen’s Serving Girl at a Spa (Important Cultural Property) and Kaburaki Kiyokata’s Boating Excursion on the Sumida River.
Forest Beer Garden (ongoing for the summer): The opening of this annual beer garden officially marks the beginning of summer in our book. Located in Meiji Shrine’s Outer Garden, you can enjoy a cold one, some grilled grub and nature-y vibes smack dab in the heart of the city. We recommend making a reservation as this hot spot fills up pretty quickly.
