Tokyo events for Monday, December 9 to Sunday, December 15, 2019
It’s the perfect week to do a little holiday shopping—especially if you’re on a cheapo budget. There are two boroichi markets selling tons of home goods, kitchenware, antiques and more—plus a stationery and a discount shoe market to boot. History buffs will want to check out the solemn 47 Ronin reenactment.
Sekino Boroichi Market
This evening winter market is a great spot to peruse stalls, pick up antique souvenirs or just grab some toasty festival food on a chilly night. This market boasts over 300 stalls and over 80,000 visitors.
National Museum of Western Art – Free Admission Day
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.
Bungu Joshi Haku Stationery Festival
The biggest stationery festival in Japan with over 50,000 items to peruse. A great spot for holiday or souvenir shopping.
MUTEK Japan 2019
MUTEK is a four-day electronic music and digital art festival. It’s the fourth event in Tokyo, but there have been MUTEK festivals around the world—over 110 events in 43 countries, in fact.
Chromosphere
Chromosphere is the joint exhibition of Canadian artist Sabrina Ratté and Japanese artist Yoshi Sodeoka. It features a series of abstract and illusory videos made by the pair that challenge the major issues of visual media.
The 47 Ronin Winter Festival
A solemn religious and reenactment festival at Sengakuji Temple—the place where the famous 47 loyal samurai took their enemy’s severed head in 1701.
Setagaya Boroichi Market II
One of our favorite markets in Tokyo! It only comes around twice a year, but guarantees a fun atmosphere with games, food and drink, a four-century-long history and cheapo deals awaiting you at every stall. Read more about the Setagaya Boroichi Market.
Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks
See a grand fireworks show every Saturday night throughout December. The fireworks will go off between Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge from 7 pm to 7:10 pm.
Hanakawado Hakidaore-ichi Shoe Market
If you’re on the hunt for bargains on shoes, bags, wallets, scarves or accessories, head to Hanakawado Park where up to 40 retailers are selling all that and more at discounted prices.
Christmas markets and illuminations
Christmas season in Japan is already upon us with light-up festivals and markets galore taking place all over the city. There are plenty of events to choose from, with some running until February 2019, and some finishing on Christmas Day—so be sure to note the end dates. With new themes, music accompaniments and increasingly impressive displays every year, you’re sure to enjoy what the bright city streets have to offer.
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