Written by Adriana Paradiso
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Tokyo events for Monday, December 3 to Sunday, December 9, 2018
Chichibu Yomatsuri
See one of Japan’s biggest (top three) nighttime float parades dazzle the Chichibu area. The event takes place around the traditional 2,000-year-old Chichibu Shrine and boasts a rare chance to see fireworks in the wintertime.
Akibasan Fire Festival
Want to see priests play with fire? They do just that, wielding the hot stuff on sticks and arrows, at the Akibasan Fire Festival, an event dating back to the 16th century.
Oji Kumade Ichi Fair
A colorful local festival where visitors can pick up kumade—a beautifully decorated bamboo rakes which brings good luck and prosperity to its new owner.
Nerd Nite #28: Eye Candy
Nerd Nite is “the Discovery Channel with beer”, a worldwide monthly event series that mixes presentations, performances, trivia, demos, music, and of course drinking. Join the TC gang and fellow cheapos for a drink (or few) and casual mingling at Commune 2nd. This is our 33rd casual meet-up and all are welcome—from readers to travelers to mysterious strangers. See a grand fireworks show every Saturday night throughout December. Makes for a good date night! Do a little holiday shopping at this Shibuya flea market with over 100 stalls. 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. This evening-time 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. The famously beautiful Edo-period gardens of Rikugien will be illuminated until December 9th from sunset to 9pm daily. The gardens are known as one of the best spots for autumn foliage viewing, so it’s a perfect for an evening stroll. Christmas season in Japan is already upon us with light-up festivals galore taking place all over the city. There are plenty to choose from, with some running until February 2018, 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. Click here for the top 10 Tokyo illuminations. 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.
At the door: ¥1,000 Downtown Drinks #33
Odaiba Rainbow Fireworks
Tokyo Romantic Flea Market
National Museum of Western Art – Free Admission Day
Sekino Boroichi Market
Last chance: Autumn Evening Illumination at Rikugien Gardens
Advance sales: ¥1,000 Christmas illuminations
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