Things to do this week in Tokyo

Monday 29

Theo Parrish
He may have had his last Tokyo gig cancelled, but Detroit's deep house authority Theo Parrish wasn't about to let his fans down: he'll be playing through the night at this pre-New Year party in Daikanyama. Read more

Tuesday 30

Scott & Rivers
Scott Murphy and Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo's Japanese-language duo take on the capital for another end-of-the-year gig. They just released a new single, so expect an adoring reception from the local indie crowd. Read more

Wednesday 31

New Year's Parties
Welcome 2015 in style at one of Tokyo's many New Year's parties. Practically every club hosts its own countdown event, while offbeat alternatives include an onsen celebration and a retro rollercoaster ride. Read more

Oji Fox Parade
This annual event, which always gathers a respectable turnout, sees local residents dress up as foxes and parade from Shozoku Shrine to nearby Oji Inari Shrine for hatsumode, the first prayer of the year. Read more

Thursday 1

Watch the first sunrise
Watching the first sunrise of the year is an integral part of New Year's celebrations in Japan. Head down to the beach, climb your local hill, or find a suitably tall building from where to catch the first rays of 2015. Read more

New Year Fes
Kicking off bright and early at Toyosu's artificial beach, this one-morning beat extravaganza offers the chance to pound some mochi to the tunes of Tokyo scene heavyweights like Shinichi Osawa, Ken Ishii and De De Mouse. Read more

Sensoji First Prayer Ceremony
Asakusa's Sensoji Temple opens up for this special prayer ceremony as soon as the clock rings at midnight. Take the opportunity to pick up lucky charms and arrows for everything from love to academic success. Read more

Friday 2

Hatsumode at the Museum
Celebrate the start of 2015 with hatsumode (first prayer of the year) at the National Museum: visit the exhibition on Chinese zodiac-related pieces, check out the flower arrangements and catch a lion dance performance. Read more

Saturday 3

Catch an old-school flick
Heading to the movies around the New Year's holidays is always a safe bet – you'll find plenty of interesting films to choose from at Tokyo's meigaza, classic theatre houses showing mainly oldies and indies. Read more

Cycle/Circle and Recycle
While New Year's sales at most department stores and malls start today, those looking for a more ecological shopping alternative will want to check out this Omotesando pop-up focusing on recycled styles. Read more

The World of Tim Burton
It's closing tomorrow, so you'll have to hurry up in order to catch this extensive look at the ideas, work and worldview of director Tim Burton. The record-breakingly popular exhibit stays open until 11pm tonight. Read more

Sunday 4

Tokyo Sho 2015
A comprehensive look at contemporary calligraphy is in store from today at Tokyo Sho, an exhibition bringing together 18 groups of artists from the Kanto region and featuring impressive large-scale pieces. Read more

From Baroque to the Barbizon School
For a more classical art experience, head down to Yokohama for this selection of 16th- to 19th-century paintings by mainly French luminaries representing schools as diverse as traditionalism and Barbizon realism. Read more