Following a near return to winter over the past week, it looks like the weather this weekend will clear out and we'll have one last chance to enjoy the sakura in the capital. If you're not joining any hanami events, however, there are plenty of other opportunities to have fun — including indoor sakura-inspired events, exhibitions and some unique festivals.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Pink Ribbon Walk 2019
Held for the 18th consecutive year, Pink Ribbon Walk is an annual event organized by the Japan Society of Breast to spread information about breast cancer. This year, participants can choose from a 2-, 4- or 10-km walk in Toyosu. The main event venue will also be equipped with various food, goods and consultation booths. Invite a couple of friends, come dressed in pink and help everyone's fight against breast cancer. Register by Apr 4, 5 p.m. to get the early bird price here: pinkribbonwalk.jp/entry/
Date: Sun, Apr 7, 2019
Time: 9 A.M.- 2 P.M. THE WALK/RUN STARTS AT 10 A.M.
Location: Toyosu Park, 2-3-6 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Fee: ¥2,000 (INCLUDES PINK RIBBON PIN & TOWEL), ¥2,500 (On day registration)
Fee: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, COUPLES, FITNESS-CAUTIOUS, ANYONE WHO WANTS TO HELP SPREAD BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Seasonal Blossoms
Hanami Picnics Across The City
Following an extremely cold week, the sakura has been reaching its blooming peak slowly, which only means that we have a few more days to enjoy it — this weekend, however, will surely be the last. So grab your camera, a picnic mat, a few drinks and tasty nibbles, and head to any of the famous hanami spots in the capital, such as Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, Showa Memorial Park, Sumida River, Meguro River, Chidorigafuchi and Inokashira Park, where you'll be able to enjoy the sakura in full bloom! For Savvy's recommendations of where to go, click "More Info" below.
Date: Sat, Apr 6-Sun Apr 7, 2019
Time: WHENEVER YOU LIKE!
Location: VARIOUS (SEE URL)
Fee: DEPENDS ON LOCATION AND FOOD/DRINKS YOU BUY!
Fee: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES, FRIENDS, FOODIES, SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS
Saturday In The Park
Outdoor Day Japan
Enjoy two days of all-you-can-take outdoor: from tent and camping sites' displays and the latest outdoor gadgets on the market, to bouldering, rafting and other events for kids and adults. Held in a number of cities in Japan annually, this show gathers all outdoor goods manufacturers and nature lovers in one place.
Date: Sat, Apr 6-Sun, Apr 7, 2019
Time: 10 A.M.-5 P.M.
Location: YOYOGI PARK, EVENT SPACE, 2-1 YOYOGI KAMIZONOCHO, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
Fee: Free!
Fee: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, OUTDOOR FANS
What Are The Secrets Of Life?
Special Exhibition "Mammals 2: Struggle for Life"
Following a massive success of its inaugural exhibition "Mammals" nine years ago, the National Museum of Nature and Science is bringing all the mammals once again to Tokyo, this time focusing on the theme of survival. Organized in various categories and using the latest technology, this super cool and educational exhibition lets us explore the secrets and special survival skills of our planet's mammals.
Date: Now through Sun, June 16, 2019
Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Until 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, April 28-May 5, UNTIL 6 P.M. ON MAY 6). CLOSED ON MONDAYS EXCEPT APRIL 29, MAY 6 and JUNE 10. Closed on May 7.
Location: National Museum of Nature and Science, 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Fee: ¥1,600 (Adults), ¥600 (Students)
Fee: Recommended for: Families, Kids, Couples, Friends, Solo Dates, Animal Lovers
Ocean Breeze
Marine Diving Fair 2019
Held for the 27th consecutive year, this fair is your one stop to everything concerning the ocean and marine activities. Find information on diving and beach resorts in Japan and abroad, talk to diving guides and resort staff, learn how to get certified in scuba diving in Japan, and so much more. There will also be fun activities for the kids, quizzes and drawings with chances to win great prizes (including a plane ticket to a popular scuba diving location around the world.)
Date: FRI, APR 5-SUN, APR 7, 2019
Time: 10 A.M.-5 P.M. (UNTIL 6 P.M. ON FRIDAY)
Location: SUNSHINE CITY CONVENTION CENTER HALL C,D, 3-1 HIGASHIIKEBUKURO, TOSHIMA-KU, TOKYO
Fee: FREE
Fee: RECOMMENDED FOR: OCEAN LOVERS, MARINE SPORTS FANS, FAMILIES, COUPLES
Spring Cheers
World Wine Festival in Roppongi
Roppongi Hills will be hosting its annual wine gathering event this weekend, so invite your friends and plunge into the spirit of the world's best selection of wine and delicious bites. Free tasting of over 120 wines, sparkling wines and brandy from across the world!
Date: Fri, Apr 5-Thu, Apr 11, 2019. (Also held on Apr 13 & 14)
Time: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Location: 6-10-1 ROPPONGI, MINATO-KU, TOKYO ROPPONGI HILLS MORI TOWER HILLSIDE 2F "HILLS CAFE"
Fee: FREE Admission. ¥3,000 (Wine Tasting plus a gift)
Fee: RECOMMENDED FOR: GIRLS' NIGHTS (AND DAYS) OUT, WINE LOVERS, DATES
Cultural Celebrations
African Festival In Yokohama
One of Japan's largest African cultural events, the annual African Festival in Yokohama is informative and so much fun to attend regardless of where you come from. There will be traditional drumming, dancing, workshops, quizzes, delicious African cuisine and drinks, African art and crafts market, and so much more.
Date: Fri, Apr 5-Sun, Apr 7, 2019
Time: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Until 5 p.m. on last day)
Location: YOKOHAMA RED BRICK WAREHOUSE(AKA RENGA) NO.1 1-1-1 SHINKO, NAKA-KU, YOKOHAMA
Fee: FREE
Fee: RECOMMENDED FOR: FRIENDS, FAMILIES, FOODIES
Seasonal Seductions
Sakura Afternoon Tea
Known among locals as one of the best places to enjoy indoor hanami (its lobby is gorgeously decorated with cherry tree flowers), The Peninsula Tokyo offers a special sakura afternoon tea plan that lets guests enjoy a selection of sakura-inspired savory finger foods, sweets, and pastries, a complimentary glass of Deutz Sakura Rosé and a selection of 20 teas.
Date: Now through Tue, April 30, 2019
Time: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: The Peninsula Tokyo, The Lobby, 1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Fee: ¥5,400
Fee: RECOMMENDED FOR: Foodies, Friends, Instagrammers, Dates with Parents, Couples
Flower Carpet
Poppy Festival
This weekend, take the train for a bit of a ride and enjoy the sight of an endless blooming poppy field stretching under the sky. This annual flower festival features over one million poppies of six kinds, all of which are in full bloom now.
Date: NOW THROUGH SUN, JUNE 2, 2019
Time: 10 A.M.-3 P.M.
Location: KURIHAMA FLOWER PARK, 1 SHINMEICHO, YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA PREFECTURE
Fee: FREE!
Fee: RECOMMENDED FOR: COUPLES, FAMILIES, INSTAGRAMMERS
Fertility Festivities
Kanamara 'Penis' Festival 2019
New or veteran to Japan, there's no doubt you've heard of the Kanamara Matsuri, otherwise known as the "Penis Festival." The idea sounds ridiculous and many are laughing at Japan for having it, but this is, in fact, a very traditional festival held to pray for fertility, healthy childbirth, and safe sex. Plus, the money raised during the event goes towards supporting research into HIV and AIDS. You'll be able to buy tons of amusing penis-shaped snacks, candy and goods, though expect it to be extremely crowded due to its massive popularity — especially among foreigners. It's recommended to get there as early as you can — even before 9 a.m.
Date: Sun, Apr 7, 2019
Time: 11 A.M. - 4:45 P.M. (Parade from 11:30 a.m.)
Location: Kanayama Shrine, 2-13-16 Daishi Ekimae, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture
Fee: Free!
Fee: RECOMMENDED FOR: COUPLES, FRIENDS, Social Media Influencers
What are your plans for the weekend? If you’re organizing a fun or interesting event, or you know someone who is,
to get it listed!
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