Tokyo events for Monday, January 20 to Sunday, January 26, 2020
The biggies this week are the Chinese New Year celebrations, which include a massive lion dance performance and parade on the weekend. There’s also the Japan Brewers’ Cup, a night market and free admission day at the National Museum of Western Art.
Japan Brewers’ Cup 2020
A competition where national breweries battle it out for top hops honor. Besides the judging portion, it’s also a craft beer festival. The ¥500 entry gives you access to over 300 varieties of beer.
| Advance sales: ¥1,000 | At the door: ¥1,200 | |
Usokae Bullfinch Exchange
The bullfinch figurine exchange is a 200-year-old ritual said to renew your good fortune for the year ahead.
Free Admission Day at National Museum of Western Art
Check out the extensive permanent collection at the Museum of Western Art in Ueno Park. Works includes paintings from the late medieval period through to the 20th century and modern French sculpture.
Ekoda Night Bazaar
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, lion dances and activities for kids.
Chinatown Lion Dance
Yokohama kicks off Chinese New Year celebrations this Friday 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) hung outside of shops and homes—all in the spirit of bringing good luck and prosperity. This is just the first of many events for the Chinese Spring Festival.
Chinatown Celebration Parade
A florid Chinese New Year parade through Yokohama’s Chinatown. The parade will feature traditional costumes, lion dances, dragon dances and other performances.
January Grand Sumo Tournament
Held every January, this is the first of Japan’s six annual Sumo Tournaments, known as honbasho.
Nuno-Haku in Tokyo
Nuno-Haku is a fair for textiles, crafts and handcrafted items taking place over two weekends.
| At the door: ¥700 | ||
Akasaka Antique Market in Ark Hills
A nice market for some sold antique hunting. Peruse the stalls for jewelry, home goods, clothing and much more. There are also food trucks parked if all that shopping leaves you peckish.
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