From Setsubun celebrations to dance parties hundreds of meters above ground, there’s plenty going on this weekend in Tokyo to keep everyone busy. Here’s what we’ve got lined up. (As always, click on the header for more details about each event.)
Roads of Arabia: Archaeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia
A rare chance to see over 400 Saudi Arabian artifacts on display as part of this stunning exhibition’s worldwide tour. “Roads of Arabia” marks the first time many of the treasures from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be on display in Japan.
Dads in Sweden (Tokyo)
Photographer Johan Bävman explores the worlds of dads in Sweden who have chosen to take parental leave. He delves into what the experience has given them, how their relationships with their partners and children have changed through the process.
Wiggle Room Presents Solar and DJ Nobu
The Wiggle Room crew returns for their second event at Contact after their hugely successful party last August featuring Holland’s Sandrien. This time they welcome special guests Solar and DJ Nobu playing variations on their long, deep, and funky techno styles.
Oedo Antique Market at Tokyo International Forum
Serious collectors, casual shoppers and appreciators of vintage treasures can all enjoy this large outdoor antique market. Traders come from far and wide to set up their stalls selling everything from old kimonos, toys and ephemera to coins, ceramics, jewellery and furniture.
en–Art of Nexus Exhibition
The long awaited homecoming exhibition of the Japan Pavilion from the 15th International Architecture Exhibition of the of the Venice Biennale. Over a year since the original exhibition was held in Venice, en—Art of Nexus will finally be shown in Tokyo, featuring the work of 12 groups of young architects.
Setsubun Party at Sensoji
Join in at one of the most highly attended Setsubun bean-throwing ceremonies in the city. To mark the first signs of early spring, over 100,000 people are estimated to attend the annual traditions at Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple. Looking to learn a bit more about Setsubun? Check out our guide to the tradition.
Setsubun Tsuinashiki at Zojoji Temple
One of the more popular Setsubun events in the city is held at Zojoji Temple, overlooked by Tokyo Tower. To mark the change of seasons and bring in good luck and fortune for the coming year, the traditional mamemaki bean-throwing ceremony wards off evil spirits and bad luck.
Ikegami Honmonji Setsubun Festivities
Wish for good luck and banish evil spirits in a Setsubun ritual with some added strength! Ikegami Honmonji holds a special place in the hearts of Japanese wrestling fans as the final resting ground of the legendary Rikidozan, a man who is widely regarded as ‘the Father of puroresu‘ (Japanese professional Wrestling). Over the years this has led to a continued tradition of pro-wrestlers, both active and retired, and wrestling fans participating in the mamemaki bean throwing at the Ota-ku temple.
Super Skytree Disco
Friday Night Fever in Tokyo! Get dressed up and ready to get down at a weekly disco with the best view of the city. Every Friday night in January and February, the Super Skytree Disco will be taking over the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck Floor350. A changing lineup of DJs each week will mix legends of Tokyo nightlife glory days with fresh talent on the decks.
All-you-can-eat Strawberry Dessert Buffet at the Royal Park Hotel
Sweet-toothed strawberry lovers can enjoy a spectacular dessert selection in the grand setting of the Royal Park Hotel. As part of the luxury hotel’s ‘Strawberry Carnival’ they will be holding a special dessert buffet at Chef’s dining restaurant Symphony on weekends and holidays for a limited time.
