Tokyo events for Monday, February 26 to Sunday, March 3, 2024.

It’s the start of March! And with that comes Hinamatsuri, also known as Dolls’, or Girls’, Day in Japan. Make sure to check out the traditional dolls in shrines, shopping malls, convenience stores, and homes up and down the country.

If you feel like warming up with some sweet potato dishes then head to Shinagawa or just chill out and join the Tokyo Cheapo team at our monthly downtown drinks.

Suggested Activity
Get Tickets To the Samurai Restaurant in Shinjuku (Up to 30% Off)
Experience one of the craziest, most colorful places in Tokyo — the all-new Samurai Restaurant, from the creators of the Robot Restaurant. Get your tickets and sit back for a wild show of lasers, lights, samurai, dancers and other uniquely Japanese weirdness.

Downtown Drinks #45: Leap Day Lizards

Join us, Tokyo Cheapo, for our 45th Downtown Drinks in February and get to networking, meeting new people, and enjoying a few hard-earned drinks. We are starting at 6 p.m. and last order will be at 9 p.m. We cannot guarantee lizards will be in attendance.

Katsuura Big Hinamatsuri

One of the biggest Hinamatsuri — Dolls’, or Girls’, Day — events in Japan, The Katsuura Big Hinamatsuri sees around 4,000 traditional Japanese dolls set up around Katsuura City. There will be three main event venues to see: about 2,000 dolls on the steps leading up to Tomisaki Shrine, a large display outside the Kakuoji Temple gate, and another display at the Sumina Intersection.

Kōnosu Surprise Hinamatsuri

Kōnosu City in Saitama has nearly 400 years of experience in the doll-making industry. Every year, a gigantic pyramid is erected to celebrate Hinamatsuri, a Japanese holiday otherwise known as Dolls’, or Girls’, Day. There will be several pyramids of Hina dolls set up around Kōnosu, but the biggest is held at the main venue in Elumi Kounosu Shopping Mall on the 1F.

Farmers and Kids Festa

The strangely named Farmers and Kids Festa is an event held at Yoyogi Park. It aims to educate children about where their food comes from. Farmers will be sharing their knowledge about agriculture with experiences like spinach harvesting, rice threshing, and peanut moulting! There will also be a chance to play with and eat various cute animals.

Tokyo Marathon 2024

Even if you are not running the event, there’s a festive atmosphere along the course so it’s worth checking out. Good places to watch are near the starting point: the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, near Tokyo Station where the race finishes, or in Ginza where you can combine viewing with some shopping — but wherever you watch it from, expect crowds.

Shinagawa Yakiimo Terrace

If you are looking for your sweet potato fix, look no further. The annual Yakiimo Terrace is back and looking baked to perfection. Sweet potatoes of all shapes, sizes, and flavors will be sold from vendors. Croquette burgers, chips, and — of course — baked potatoes will be on offer. Take your prize and eat it in the outdoor dining space. The event may be canceled if it rains.

Jindaiji Temple Daruma Doll Fair

You’ll be seeing red at Jindaiji Temple’s Yakuyoke Ganzan Jie Daishi Festival. As one of Japan’s three biggest daruma doll markets, there are around 300 street stalls selling these traditional dolls. When you’ve picked your daruma out, you have them write your wish on the back. You then take it to a special stall where a monk will fill in the left eye with a character indicating you’ve made a wish.

Written by:
Filed under: Events | Things to do in Tokyo
Ask our local experts about Tokyo

Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox

Watch this next