On this weekend
Doburoku Matsuri (Nov 27) – Every year, Koami Jinja holds a Doburoku Festival (doburoku meaning crude home-brewed sake). The sake will be offered to visitors in prayer for the productiveness of grain, health and good luck. The festival will include a Shinto dance performance at 12:30 pm.
Ekoda Night Bazaar (Nov 28) – Peruse the stalls selling food and wares from local shops lined near Ekoda Station. There will be entertainment for kids, so bring the little ones for some family fun.
Fiesta de España (Nov 28-29) – In addition to 35 food stalls, this fiesta will showcase Spanish art, craft, music, dance and more, including seminars on sherry and wine, and a lecture on renowned artists Picasso and Goya. Takes place at Yoyogi Park.
Myanmar Festival (Nov 28-29) – The country of Myanmar will hold its 3rd cultural festival in Tokyo. There will be a Myanmarese market, food stalls and entertainment, all taking place at Zozoji Temple.
Asakusa Tori no Ichi Fair III (Nov 29) – With two Tori no Ichi fairs behind us, this is the last one of the year. Pick up an ornamental rake (representing good luck and prosperity) or just walk around and enjoy the colorful atmosphere. Should you get hungry, there will be food stalls serving up traditional Japanese street food.
Ongoing events
Autumn Evening Illuminations (until Dec 6) – From 4:30-9pm every evening, see autumn foliage lit up at the pristine Rikugien Garden.
Jingu Gaien Itcho Festival (until Dec 8) – See the yellow-bearing ginkgo trees that line Icho Namiki Avenue. Should you get peckish, the sidewalks will be lined with food vendors until 4:30 in the afternoon.
Winter Illuminations – All winter illuminations festivals in out top 10 picks list have begun, and (for some) will go on until as late as mid-February. So grab your sweetie, or grab some friends, and head out for some Christmas wonder.
Next week
Chichibu Yomatsuri (Dec 3) – Twenty-ton floats decorated with lanterns, flowers and spears will parade through the night in Chichibu. You’ll get to see a winter fireworks display as well!
International Robot Exhibition (IREX) 2015 – Taking place every other year, IREX, the largest robot exhibition in the world, is back with a “future with robots” theme. If you want to go, make sure to preregister to get in for free, otherwise you’ll pay 1,000 yen at the door.
