With the New Year’s celebrations coming to an end and people slowly returning to work what could be better to lift the spirits than a massive three-day weekend in Tokyo?
Akita Winter Festival in Tokyo
Experience the white winter of Akita in the heart of Tokyo. Though the capital won’t be covered in snow, visitors can still experience the atmosphere of Akita Prefecture’s Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival with miniature snow huts displayed at Akita Bisaikan. ///bidder.grinning.samples
Tokyo Auto Salon 2020
One of the world’s biggest motor shows zooms into Makuhari Messe for its annual three-day auto spectacular. In addition to new, rare and unique car showcases, thousands of auto fans race to check out the modified and custom vehicles and technology on display. ///trouble.watching.local
Oden & Hot Sake at JR Ryogoku Station
Enjoy a cup of sake with oden in a hot warm kotatsu table (Japanese foot warmer with quilt coverlet) on platform three of JR Ryogoku Station, a local stop on the Chuo-Sobu Line. ///cricket.setting.admires
Forever Saul Leiter
This revived retrospective at Bunkamura showcases the life’s work of the late photographer Saul Leiter, whose gift for capturing color and composition earned him a reputation as a pioneer of color photography. ///bangle.pouting.driver
Furusato Matsuri Tokyo
This annual new year event held at the Tokyo Dome from January 10–19 attracts more than 400,000, making it one of Japan’s largest food and traditional performance showcases. ///drivers.caller.soak
NAOJ Mitaka Stargazing Party
Take a closer look at the wonders of the night sky at NAOJ’s bi-monthly stargazing parties. Visitors can enjoy an orientation session and look through the 50-cm telescope to discover the true nature of the mysterious wonders out in space. ///parkway.tools.harmless
New Year Koto Performance
The koto, a Japanese harp, is a national instrument that has been used in Japanese traditional music for centuries. On January 11 Tokyo Midtown hosts a traditional koto trio performance on the third floor at the Galleria. ///scars.noting.curious
Hello/ enter by UltraSuperNew Gallery
Divaagar from Singapore and Ryosuke Tanaka from Tokyo join forces at this exhibition – UltraSuperNew Gallery’s first inter-gallery collaborative exhibition. ///nuzzled.remover.bolts
Ichigo Week
Taste two of Japan’s best strawberries – Tochiotome from Tochigi Prefecture and Ibarakiss from Ibaragi Prefecture – over the next 20 days at Ecute Tokyo. ///shuffle.pops.leotard
Amp 2020
It’s the beginning of a new decade and AMP’s in the driver’s seat with one hand on the steering wheel and the other turning up the volume. ///handy.fixture.cartoons
Uranai Fes: Fortune-telling Festival
Find out what the future holds and get your fix of fortunes at the new year Uranai Festival at Meguro Ease from January 11–12. Those seeking guidance and good fortune have a bounty of options. ///rabble.breeding.mats
Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics Art Poster Exhibition
The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020) has unveiled 20 Tokyo 2020 official art posters, on exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo until February 16. ///arriving.hardens.himself
Nerd Nite #40: 20+20
Every month Nerd Nite gathers three smart speakers and a curious crowd. Speakers will discuss: Artificial intelligence tech eats up lots of energy, but can we make it more efficient? Fact or fiction – is China taking over the Russian Far East? ///unless.neck.drifter
Your Hood’s a Joke! Tokyo
Comedians square off at Good Heavens Bar in Shimokitazawa on January 11 and represent their country, town or neighborhood. The jokes are all original, and all vicious. ///siesta.panther.union
Edo Tokyo Akari Exhibition produced by Nihon Akari Expo
Enjoy a more traditional approach to Tokyo’s iconic winter illuminations. Combining art, matsuri, craftsmanship, design and technology, this light show is like no other you’ll find in the city. ///flips.between.rainy
Tokyu Plaza Shibuya the Sale
After its grand reopening on December 5, Tokyu Plaza Shibuya is offering a grand New Years’ sale until January 13 with many goods offered on discounts of up to 50%. ///insiders.after.ashes
Nihon Buyo — Japanese Dance Workshop
Nihon Buyo is a traditional Japanese dance form that dates back almost 400 years. It uses movements from both dance and pantomime to create an elegant form of storytelling. ///fancy.whistle.just
Oedo Antique Market at Yoyogi Park
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, jewelry and furniture. ///tinsel.themes.balanced
