Written by Adriana Paradiso
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Tokyo events for Monday, January 7 to Sunday, January 13, 2019
7 Lucky Gods Pilgrimage
There’s still time to set off on a Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage—a tradition dating back to Tokyo’s Edo period to pray for blessings and wealth for the upcoming year at various temples and shrines. The pilgrimage is usually completed before the 10th of January.
Torigoe Shrine Tondoyaki
Did you deck your halls with boughs of holly—or other such end-of-year decorations? Don’t know what to do with said decorations now that the holidays are officially over? Head to Torigoe Shrine to have them burned in a ceremonial fire called tondoyaki. It’s claimed that if you get some of that smoke breeze on you from the fire, you’ll be set for good health in the upcoming year.
Yeka Haski : “Character a day”
Tokyo-based artist Yeka Haski exhibits her colourful characters at Mograg art gallery.
Midtown Ice Rink
The ice rink at Tokyo Midtown is up and running. It’s a fun and seasonal way to work off some of those holiday calories.
Furusato Festival Tokyo
Travel around Japan under one dome! The Furusato Matsuri offers a smorgasbord of regional cuisines hailing from Hokkaido all the way down to Okinawa. And don’t miss the chance to catch renowned cultural festivals that will be recreated (like the famous Aomori Nebuta Festival)—a great experience if you don’t have the funds to actually visit these places throughout the year. Meet up with fellow bibliophiles for Tokyo Cheapo’s 6th English Book Exchange. Come with at least one book to swap, then grab a drink and mingle. Who knows what printed treasure you might find! Check out the extensive permanent collection at the Museum of Western Art in Ueno Park for free. Works include paintings from the late Medieval period through to the 20th century and modern French sculpture. Nerd Nite is “the Discovery Channel with beer”, a worldwide monthly event series that mixes presentations, performances, trivia, demos, music, and of course drinking. Makuhari Messe conference center will be filled to the brim as it hosts the Tokyo Auto Salon, one of the world’s biggest motor shows featuring customized cars and bikes. A great way to spend the afternoon if you love cars or just want to look at some cool stuff you’ll probably never be able to afford (#CheapoAndProudOfIt). Tokyo events for Monday, June 30 to Sunday, July 6, 2025. This should keep you busy for a while. Get your yukata and picnic basket ready—here's a round-up of festivals both big and small. Get your yukata on and get out there. Updated with a raft of big names—including Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga. Head out of Tokyo for an evening of fun—with fewer high-rises to block your view.
Tokyo English Book Exchange #6
National Museum of Western Art – Free Admission Day
Nerd Nite #29: Learning to Fly
At the door: ¥1,000 Tokyo Auto Salon
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