Things to do this week in Tokyo

Monday 15

Setagaya Boroichi
The crowds can be daunting, but that's no excuse not to attend this venerable flea market that's been going on for more than 400 years now. Remember to sample the signature daikan mochi rice cakes while you're at it. Read more

Banana Republic Holiday Pop-Up
If you're strolling through Aoyama, make sure to stop by this pop-up serving free coffee to the masses. Run by the Gap's upscale version, it also displays limited-edition holiday designs – Christmas shopping, anyone? Read more

Tuesday 16

Seiji Kurata: Flash Up
Look back at the rough streets of '70s Ikebukuro through the photos of Seiji Kurata, known for his depictions of night-dwellers like biker gangs and cabaret dancers. His highly recognisable, raw style is a sight to behold. Read more

Yusaku Tawara: Waves of Ink
If you prefer a more meditative artistic experience, head out northwest to Nerima for this show highlighting the work of Yusaku Tawara, whose bold, wave-like brushstrokes have their basis in Buddhist philosophy. Read more

Wednesday 17

Hagoita-ichi
Although hanetsuki, the badminton-esque game traditionally played around New Year's, has all but died out, the hagoita paddles used in the sport are still hot commodities. This well-attended fair is where to get one. Read more

Thursday 18

Now. Here. This. (2014. Tokyo. Music.)
It's that time of the year again...Time Out Tokyo's Christmas/year-end party returns in style, offering a beefy lineup of some of the finest music the city has to offer right now – not to mention some great food and drinks. Read more

Friday 19

Shibuya Beer Christmas Party
You might not have noticed, but Shibuya now has its very own craft beer. Try it out at this pre-Christmas bash that also pledges to offer good grub and a performance by a dedicated Freddie Mercury impersonator (!). Read more

Maruyama Coffee Anniversary
The Nishi-Azabu outpost of coffee authority Kentaro Maruyama's operation is celebrating one year in business with a flurry of events. Tonight sees the head barista mix up some original coffee cocktails. Read more

Roundhouse: Doc Martin
LA-based Doc Martin, one of the absolute top names in American house, headlines the latest edition of Air's star-studded 'Roundhouse' party. If you only go to one club gig in December, let it be this one. Read more

Hyperdub 10 Closing
The progressive bass label founded by dubstep-techno overlord Kode9 has been celebrating ten years in the business throughout the year, and now returns to Tokyo to close out the anniversary with a bang. Read more

Saturday 20

Christmas Marche
Taking over Ebisu Garden Place from the farmers' markets happening there year-round, this European-style Christmas market offers all the usual knickknacks and goodies, from snow globes to mulled wine. Read more

Akiko Tsunoda: Regenbogen Christmas
If you just can't wait five more days to see Santa, make the trip out west to Chofu to admire a whole bunch of burly, bearded men dressed in red: photographer Akiko Tsunoda documents the World Santa Claus Congress. Read more

Ninnami Dohachi
One of the premier potter masters of the Edo era, Ninnami Dohachi is renowned as a giant of the Kyoyaki (Kyoto ceramics) style that flourished during the first half of the 19th century. See his work from today. Read more

Chaos
Fumiya Tanaka's regular party series returns to Ebisu for one more show in 2014, welcoming German house groove innovator Sammy Dee as the headliner. Minimal techno virtuoso Akiko Kiyama provides backup. Read more

Sunday 21

Nishiarai Osame-no Daishi
This exciting festival marks the end of the year at Nishiarai's great temple, and features everything from sellers touting luck-bringing paraphernalia to stalls dealing in treats like dango and senbei crackers. Read more

Poland Film Festival
On for a few more days, this well-deserved tribute to Poland's film industry has reached its latter half, meaning that movies subtitled in English are making an appearance. Krzysztof Kieślowski's Blind Chance is on tonight. Read more

The Future of Creation: Ryohei Miyata
Calm your senses over refreshing maritime art in Ginza, where metal craft great Ryohei Miyata is showing off his best dolphin-themed pieces. Don't miss the 2.7m-wide sculpture of a large pod moving in unison. Read more

Nabowa
This Kyoto-born instrumental foursome have been around for a full decade now but have only really broken into the spotlight over the past few years. Enjoy their catchy, violin-tinged play from early in the evening. Read more