Tokyo events for Monday, October 16 to Sunday, October 22, 2023.
This week, the calm before the Halloween storm includes tranquil tea ceremonies, atmospheric night markets, and plenty of pickles.
But if you’d like a bit more exhilaration then there are always cultural festivals, fireworks, autumn illuminations, and Awa Odori dances. The choice is yours.
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Hungary Festival 2023
Dive into the very best of Hungary with a rich stage program, concerts, workshops, a play zone for children, exhibitions, and more. Don’t forget about the food. There will be limited-edition Hungarian food menus in the surrounding restaurants, as well as food trucks, stalls, and tastings.
Tamagawa Fireworks Festival
The 45th edition of Setagaya’s biggest fireworks festival is to take place above the Tama River near Futakotamagawa Station on the Tokyu Denentoshi Line and the Tokyu Oimachi Line. You should get there early if you want to get a good spot.
Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony
Taking place on successive weekends at Hamarikyū Gardens (October 14-15) and the Edo Tokyo Outdoor Architecture Museum (October 21-22), this event is a showcase of one of Japan’s unique cultural assets — the tea ceremony.
Tokyo Night Market
Wander under the boughs of Yoyogi Park while experiencing some of Tokyo’s charm and culture at the Tokyo Night Market. This week-long event has live performances, art exhibitions, and stalls offering local crafts for sale. There’s plenty to do and see for any Tokyoite.
Ikebukuro Egg Festival
Ikebukuro Egg Festival, also known as Tamago Fes, celebrates the much-loved Japanese dish tamago kake gohan (rice topped with raw egg and soy sauce). Admission to the event venue in Sunshine City (Exhibition Hall A) is free, but you’ll have to pay ¥1,000 for the all-you-can-eat egg and rice feast.
Akasaka Antique Market in Ark Hills
The Ark Hills antique market is much classier compared to some of Tokyo’s usual fairs. In addition to the amazing finds you can usually dig up at a flea market, like jewelry and home goods, you can also find stylish clothing brands — a great chance to update your wardrobe.
Kagurazaka Machi Tobi Festa (Autumn Awa Odori)
Kagurazaka’s annual fall festival is a more than two-week bonanza that includes a bunch of fun and free cultural events, including tea ceremonies, concerts, and Awa Odori dancing on October 22 (Sun.)
Autumn Rose Festival
The Autumn Rose Festival at Kyu-Furukawa Gardens is a wonderful place to chill out and smell the.. roses. It takes place between October and November every year. If you miss this, there’s also a rose festival in spring.
| At the door: ¥150 | ||
| At the door: ¥70 | ||
CEATEC
CEATEC is a giant consumer electronics show that takes place in October each year. It’s the Japan equivalent of mega trade shows like CES in the US and IFA in Europe.
Nihonbashi Ebisu-ko Bettara Market
The fair is known for a number of vendors selling the local specialty called bettara-zuke (sweet and salty daikon radish pickles). During the fair, the Odenma-chō area is filled with between 400 and 500 street stalls that stay busy until late in the evening, drawing tourists as well as nearby office workers.
Shinjuku Chuo Park Flea Market
Said to be the place to go for all things vintage, this is a fairly large market just behind the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, a famous landmark and free viewpoint.
Halloween Night in the Forest
For 6 days in October, Shinrin Park in Saitama Prefecture will hold a light-up and illumination event called “Halloween Night in the Forest”. Walk through the park at night enjoying the Halloween-themed artworks and installations, which include projection mapping, recycled art, lantern art, and more.
| At the door: ¥450 | ||
| At the door: ¥0 | ||
| At the door: ¥210 | ||
Tokyo Roast Battle: Shocktober
Watch the greatest Roast Battlers in Tokyo compete against each other for the chance to qualify for the World Championships in the USA. A night filled with wit and insults, this event is not for those who are easily offended.
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