This weekend is about remembrance: the disaster-stricken Tohoku region, the culture we strive to preserve and the beauty of community bonds around us. But most importantly, it is a weekend that reminds us to be on alert that life is short and we should do all we can to make it special. Here are our picks of the top events for the week.
#YouToo
Tokyo Women's March
Women took to the Tokyo streets joining thousands across the world to voice their opposition to sexual and racial discrimination. This year, they will once again be marching in the city to mark International Women’s Day, continuing to raise their voices against gender inequality. Join the group online beforehand as part of this history-making movement. The walk will start and end at United Nations University in Shibuya.
Date: TUE, MAR. 8, 2022
Time: WALK FROM 6 P.M.
Location: FROM UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY - Map
Fee: FREE!
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: WOMEN AND MEN WHO SUPPORT EQUAL RIGHTS AND AREN’T AFRAID TO SPEAK UP!
Photo Exhibition
Changing Ruins Exhibition 2022
Ruins and abandoned houses are often viewed as dark, haunted or decaying places. This photo exhibition, however, will instead focus on the beauty of ruins in a bid to change your mind about these locations. This exhibition is a great way to experience breathtaking beauty that sleeps among silence. The exhibition will also feature a special video booth where the ruins will be projected on the walls to allow for the realistic sensation of actually being there.
Date: FRI, MAR. 11-SUN, APR. 3, 2022
Time: 11 A.M TO 7 P.M.
Location: TODAYS GALLERY STUDIO 5F , 5-27-6 ASAKUSABASHI TAITO-KU, TOKYO - Map
Fee: ¥600 (UNDER 3 Y.O. FREE)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FRIENDS, COUPLES, ARTISTS
Bread is Life
Yokohama Bread Festival
If you love the smell of freshly baked bread, you have to attend Yokohama’s Pan no Fest (Bread Festival) — the largest of its kind in Japan with over 80 bakeries from across the nation selling warm, freshly-baked bread. The festival takes places at the famous Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse and it's perfect for anyone into food, cooking and creative bread chunks.
Date: FRI, MAR. 11-SUN, MAR. 13, 2022
Time: 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M. (UNTIL 5 P.M. ON SUNDAY)
Location: YOKOHAMA RED BRICK WAREHOUSE, 1-1 SHINKO, NAKA-KU, YOKOHAMA - Map
Fee: ¥700 (FREE ENTRY FROM 2PM)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, BREAD LOVERS
In Memoriam
Peace on Earth 2022
This Friday marks nine years since the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami struck off the coast of Tohoku. This outdoor charity concert and bazaar is Tokyo's largest annual memorial event for the victims of the disaster. Japanese celebrities, activists and musicians will be working alongside NPOs and other charity groups for Tohoku to collect donations and other means of help. There will also be a flower and candle memorial dome where you can pay your respect to the disaster victims.
Date: FRI, MAR. 11-SUN, MAR. 13, 2022
Time: VARIOUS (SEE WEBSITE)
Location: HIBIYA PARK, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO - Map
Fee: FREE!
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, COUPLES, HUMANITARIANS
Anime Galore
Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2022
TAAF is the anime version of Short Shorts: an international anime festival that brings talents from all over the world to display their works in Japan. The event screens original, high-quality animated films from around the world and they are all open to the public for viewing at various cinemas and other venues in Ikebukuro. Not to be missed if you’re an anime lover.
Date: FRI, MAR. 11- MON, MAR 14, 2022
Time: VARIOUS (SEE WEBSITE)
Location: VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN IKEBUKURO (WACCA IKEBUKURO, IKEBUKURO HUMAX CINEMA, CINEMA SUNSHINE AND MORE) - Map
Fee: DEPENDS ON MOVIE
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FRIENDS, FANS OF JAPANESE CULTURE, ANIME FANS, ART LOVERS
Let it Burn
Mount Takao Fire Walking
Each March, a massive fire ritual called Saito Goma-ku is held at the foot of Mt. Takao. Participants rub their bodies with sticks called nadegi before tossing them into the flames. When the fire dies down, participants walk barefoot over the hot coals, praying for protection from illness and strife, and for the safety of their families. It is believed that the fire purifies the body by burning away contaminations. For visitors, this is the perfect chance to see a unique Japanese tradition come to life.
Date: SUN, MAR. 13, 2022
Time: FROM 1 P.M.
Location: TAKAOSAN YAKUOIN TEMPLE, 2177 TAKAOCHO, HACHIOJI, TOKYO - Map
Fee: FREE!
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, FANS OF JAPANESE CULTURE, INSTAGRAMMERS, FESTIVAL LOVERS
Blooming Carpet
Nanohana Festival
If you need a break from the busy city life, plan a day trip to this park where you will find some 5,000 square meters of blooming yellow nanohana (rape blossoms in English), forming a spectacular scene for your eyes and mind. Shops nearby are selling flower-inspired pizzas and other goodies, too!
Date: NOW THROUGH MON, MARCH 21, 2022
Time: 9:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
Location: SOLEIL FARM, NAGAI 4-CHOME, YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA - Map
Fee: FREE!
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, KIDS, COUPLES, FLOWER PHOTOGRAPHERS, FRIENDS
Seasonal Blossoms
Hanami Picnics At Home
Following a number of cold weeks, the sakura around the city has finally started to begin to bloom. Although in most areas it may still be a little early, walking around in search of the cities secret sakura spots is a fun way to spend the weekend. Head to the store on your way home and prepare yourself a home hanami picnic with some sakura snacks and hanami decorations.
Date: THROUGHOUT MARCH 2022
Time: WHENEVER YOU LIKE!
Location: VARIOUS
Fee: VARIED
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES, FRIENDS, FOODIES, SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS
What are your plans for the weekend? If you’re organizing a fun or interesting online event, or you know someone who is,contact usto get it listed!
Attending any of these events? Send us photos throughFacebookorInstagram for a chance to be published on the site. #SavvyTokyo
