Things to do this week in Tokyo

This week’s hottest events, gigs, films, festivals and more

Things to do this week in Tokyo

Things to do this week in Tokyo
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday



Monday 17



Experience Theme Park Ugokas
Start your week on a Hydro Slider or hang on to a zip-line in Toyosu, where this pop-up amusement park has been luring crowds since July. Water gun battles and rock climbing are also included among the options, so let off those inhibitions and join the action. Read more

Tuesday 18



Herbert
Matthew Herbert – maverick house and electronica producer, multi-instrumentalist and increasingly hyper-conceptual auteur – goes back to his mid-nineties Herbert alias to explore the roots of house music with a band-accompanied live set at Liquidroom. Read more

Wednesday 19



The Brand New Heavies
Celebrating two decades as purveyors of slick disco-edged jazz-funk, the grand survivors of London's late '80s/early '90s acid jazz scene pump out their immaculate funk and nu-soul on a tour of Tokyo and Yokohama – catch them tonight at Cotton Club. Read more


Portraits of Hollywood
Consisting of highlight shots picked from the massive Kobal Collection of movie photography, this Ginza exhibit centres on Swedish great Ingrid Bergman, born a full century ago this year, while also featuring a number of her fellow Golden Era stars. Read more

Thursday 20



Demarcation
Shining the spotlight on two artists who deal with themes of frustration and alienation in modern, regimented society, this exhibit at Ginza's Maison Hermès features theatre director Akira Takayama, leader of the interactive Port B unit, and decorated video artist Meiro Koizumi. Read more

Friday 21



Badefee Concept Shop
Specialising in bath salts in the shape of cupcakes and other brightly coloured sweets, Germans Badefee are setting up their first-ever pop-up shop at Harajuku's Laforet. Head over today for the chance to get your hands on a free sample – just don't put it in your mouth. Read more


Dinh Q. Lê: Memory for Tomorrow
One of this summer's top art shows, this extensive exhibit at Roppongi's Mori Museum questions the ideologies, dogmas and preconceptions that surround Vietnamese photographer Dinh Q. Lê's native country and, especially, its war with the US. Read more


Shiba Oktoberfest
The next seasonally inaccurate festival of German suds happens in Shiba Park, where you can join the local office workers as they gaze at Tokyo Tower while necking hefty glasses of beer. The food offerings include sausages, sausages and more sausages. Read more

Saturday 22



Azabu-Juban Noryo Festival
One of Tokyo's favourite traditional festivals, the Azabu-Juban Noryo Matsuri (noryo literally translates as 'cool of the evening') returns with dancing, performances, live music and international food, along with snack and craft stalls set up by local businesses. Read more


Shibuya Pop Up Tourist Stand
Shop for some provenly popular souvenirs, sip sparkling sake and pick up our latest mag issue at Shibuya's Hikarie, where Time Out Tokyo's first-ever pop-up info stand is making an appearance. Even if you're just passing through, make sure to stop by and give us a shout. Read more


Chofu Summer Fireworks
Chofu builds on last year's success for its 33rd annual hanabi celebration, again celebrating its connection to the movie industry in an explosive way. Dubbed 'City of Cinema', this one sees around 8,000 rockets launched over the Tamagawa, choreographed to popular film scores. Read more


Sancha Latin Festival
A fixture of the Sangenjaya summer for over 30 years, the colourful Latin Festival is back again and features tropically inspired food and drink, street performances and candlelight gigs. There's even going to be an eating contest, just so you know. Read more


Next Doors
Shining the spotlight on a total of 12 fast-rising contemporary artists from Japan and Korea, the NACT's 'Artist File' exhibition explores the artistic links and differences between close neighbours through socially conscious, norm-challenging works. Read more


J Rocc
One of the original turntablists, J Rocc founded the Beat Junkies in 1992 with Melo-D and Rhettmatic, with the group becoming a seminal force in the rise of instrumental hip-hop. Still going strong on his own, 'Funky President' will be shooting off heavy beats in Shibuya tonight. Read more

Sunday 23



Roppongi Hills Bon Odori
This lively event features traditional Bon Odori dance performed in a purpose-built arena by yukata-clad dancers. Decorations add to the atmosphere, while the surrounding stalls cater to hungry crowds with all the usual festival fare, as well as some finer choices. Read more


World Happiness 2015
The family-friendly World Happiness is one of those rare summer music festivals going on right here in Tokyo. The play-it-safe lineup is veteran-heavy and includes the likes of Yukihiro Takahashi with his new project Metafive and Keiichi Suzuki's Controversial Spark. Read more


Weekend Cinema: The Art of Robert Bresson
The Institut Franco-Japonais at Iidabashi continues its Weekend Cinema series with an in-depth look at director Robert Bresson, praised for his influence on the New Wave movement and on fellow auteurs from Tarkovsky to Jim Jarmusch. Read more


Legendary Artists of Japanese Western Painting
Recounting the history of the influential Nika Association, the pre-eminent representative of 'Japanese Western' painting (yoga), this Ueno show includes art by genre pioneers from Taro Okamoto and futurist Seiji Togo to supporters such as Henri Matisse. Read more


Mercedes Benz meets Ice Monster
Taiwan-born kakigori shop Ice Monster has seen truly monstrous queues ever since opening in Harajuku in April. If the hordes have so far prevented you from sampling the much-hyped café's powder-like creations, then this Roppongi pop-up should be a nice chance to rectify things. Read more


Summer Nights at Tama Zoo
What better way to spend a hot summer night than a visit to the zoo? Tama Zoo in western Tokyo is keeping its gates open until late in the evening tonight, allowing you to get a look at the nocturnal activities of the many beasts and birds living there. Read more

By Time Out Tokyo Editors
Please note: All information is correct at the time of writing but is subject to change without notice.

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