Written by Patrick Balfe
Tokyo events for Monday, April 6, to Sunday, April 12, 2026.
This week, Sensōji Temple hosts the White Heron Dance and Yoyogi Park welcomes doggies to the annual Wanwan Carnival. Meanwhile, Tokyo Poetry Festival holds events around the city and Shinjuku presents one of Tokyo’s biggest displays of Edo-period erotic displays.
White Heron Dance
The White Heron Dance is conducted to ward off evil and has been a tradition throughout Japan in some form for over 1,000 years. During the show, performers dressed as warriors and herons dance to musicians playing traditional instruments. Meanwhile, children become guardians, acting out old Kyoto traditions as they travel through the streets of Asakusa.
Yoyogi Park Wanwan Carnival
Dog clothes, dog grooming, dog photographers, raffles, quizzes, brave dogs, famous dogs, obedient dogs, fast dogs, skateboarding dogs, and speed eating contests are all part of this annual event near Yoyogi Park.
African Festival Yokohama
Past years have seen a lively mix of African music and dance performances, hands-on workshops where you can try traditional instruments or join an African dance class, and an African Day program introducing daily life and culture from different African countries.
A Contest of Allure: Hokusai and Eisen — Kabukicho in Full Bloom
Throughout the Edo Period, Shunga erotic art exploded in popularity, and at the forefront of the scene were Katsushika Hokusai and Keisai Eisen. This exhibition — the third in the series — brings together some of these artists’ most representative pieces across two venues.
Almost Real – AI and Shifting Images
Through experiments with machine learning and visual storytelling, the artists create images that feel both familiar and strangely altered, questioning where reality ends and artificial interpretation begins.
Awakening by HAODORI
Created by Tokyo-based artist Xenia Mylash under the name HAODORI, the works turn traditional confectionery techniques into something sculptural and a little dream-like.
The Wannadies Japan Tour: Club Wonder Osaka 19th Anniversary
Known for tracks like You and Me Song and My Home Town, The Wannadies have been front runners of the early indie and power pop scenes since their formation in northern Sweden in 1988. Now, after 26 years away, the band is returning to Japan under surprising circumstances.
Tokyo Poetry Week
Following its inaugural run in 2025, Tokyo Poetry Week returns this April to celebrate the city’s diverse poetic communities with a special program of events across the city, including readings, talks, workshops, exhibitions, and parties.
Ichiyo Cherry Blossom Festival
This year, instead of the Edo Yoshiwara Oiran Dochu parade, the venue will be moved to Fuji Park and there will be a flea market and performances, including kabuki shows and traditional Japanese instruments.
Nagatoro Cherry Blossom Festival
With approximately 3,000 trees in different locations, Nagatoro’s cherry blossoms aren’t just famous in the Tokyo area — the collection of spots is actually named among the official top 100 scenic sakura spots in all of Japan.
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