Things to do this week in Tokyo

Monday 8

The Drums
Regular visitors to Japan, these much-buzzed Brooklyners channel a heavy new-wave element, as heard on their latest album, Encyclopedia. Tonight should feature plenty of both new musical material and feverish dancing. Read more

Tuesday 9

PhotoBook Awards Exhibition
Take an in-depth look at PhotoBook Awards winners from the past three years at Roppongi's Ima Concept Store, which displays a total of 95 slick tomes at this exhibition. Notable prints from the books are on show as well. Read more

Wednesday 10

Fauchon Christmas
Tokyoites tend to go bonkers for Christmas sweets long before the day itself, so it pays to head over early to pick up some canelé pastries or cakes from French gourmet dealer Fauchon, originator of the 'Éclair Week'. Read more

Thursday 11

Tokyo Opera City & Zaha Hadid
Never been to the Opera City complex? Now's the time to check it out, as the colourful winter light-up is in full swing and the third-floor gallery is showing an exhibition on world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Read more

Friday 12

Ayashi no Interior
Add some serious colour to your home with OTT furniture and high-flying homewares at this exhibition featuring avant-garde brands like Paris-born Frederique Morrel and Lebanon's chair creatives Bokja. Read more

Rainbow Bridge Light-up
If you're still unsure of whether to spend Friday night on the waterfront, this just might help sway your decision: living up to its name, Tokyo's most recognisable bridge will be lit up in all the colours of the rainbow. Read more

Saturday 13

White Sacas Ice Garden
Winter is here, which means it's time to start practising your ice skating moves again. This is one of the largest rinks in Tokyo and, thanks to the pretty lights that get strung around the area, a popular spot for couples. Read more

The Gift by La La Eden
Pick up some offbeat Christmas presents at this Harajuku pop-up run by creative duo La La Eden. Specialising in naturalist knickknacks and other flower-incorporating paraphernalia, their items ooze eco-friendly cool. Read more

Francois K.
NYC resident and Dance Music Hall of Famer Francois Kevorkian returns to Tokyo to show off his eclectic mix of everything from dub to minimal techno. Punt-worthy drum and bass trio Flying Rhythms provide backup. Read more

Scha Dara Parr
These veteran rappers are sometimes described as Japan's answer to the Beastie Boys, and their annual December gigs have become something of a tradition. Trusty sidekicks The Cost-Performance accompany. Read more

Sunday 14

Arte a Firenze
Today's your last chance to see masterpieces like ‘Pallas and the Centaur’ from Florence’s Uffizi Gallery at this exhibition showcasing Florentine art from the 15th and 16th centuries. The doors stay open until 8pm tonight. Read more

Arai Matsuri
You'll have to travel quite a bit to reach the Chiba shrine where this festival is held, but it's worth it: with origins reaching back 160 years, the Arai Matsuri's many highlights include local kids throwing radish at priests. Read more

Rei Naito: The Emotion of Belief
Marking the re-opening of the Teien Art Museum in Meguro, Rei Naito's solo exhibit breathes life into the freshly renovated annex and main buildings with her minimal but timeless sculpture pieces and paintings. Read more