Things to do this week in Tokyo

Monday 31

Summer Penguin Festival
Bird café Kotori is marking the end of summer with one last splash of cool air from Antarctica. Head over to Kichijoji or Omotesando today for penguin curry and cake, sales of penguin-related arts and crafts, and some quality time with the resident parakeets. Read more

Yokai Food Fair
For more supernatural but equally cute snack options, try Ueno's Matsuzakaya, which is serving up adorable bento boxes and snacks modelled on yokai, the mysterious monsters appearing in Japanese folklore. Don't expect to find the 'Yokai Watch' characters here though – it's all very unofficial. Read more

Tuesday 1

Sony Aquarium
Ginza's Sony Building plays host to this pop-up aquarium, which hosts tropical fish and even a couple of tawny nose sharks from Okinawa. When you're done admiring the strange specimens, head back to the ground floor for some island beer. Read more

Wednesday 2

Moroccan Breakfast
Start or end your day with morning treats from north Africa at Gaienmae's World Breakfast Allday, where Moroccan delicacies like Berber-style baghrir pancakes, tomato-based omelette, and salads with ample herbs are served from 7.30am to 8pm. Read more

Grand Malt Tasting
Whisky connoisseur? Don't miss this Roppongi tasting extravaganza featuring 13 Scottish distilleries showing off their finest single malts. You can also learn more about Ardbeg's wild 'Space Whisky' project – just make sure to pick up your tickets in advance. Read more

Thursday 3

Kyosai – Master Painter
One of the last greats of traditional Japanese painting, Kyosai Kawanabe personally saw Japan and Edo make the leap toward modernity. Admire his depictions of mythological creatures and learn more about his relationship with architect Josiah Conder at this Marunouchi exhibit. Read more

Friday 4

Yebisu Beer x Ebisu Food
20 restaurants in Ebisu come together for this mouth-watering cook-off that's aiming to reveal, once and for all, which dish goes best with the area's signature beverage. Hop around the eateries, taste the creations and vote for your favs. Read more

Akita Sake Cafe in Tokyo
Make your way up to the Chinzanso Hotel for a feast courtesy of northern Akita Prefecture and its many fine sake breweries. All-you-can-drink nihonshu and regional delicacies like hinai-jidori chicken dishes and kiritanpo hot pot goodness should make for a tasty evening. Read more

Yona Yona Beer Garden
Still looking for an opportunity to sip craft brews under the open sky? This fest at Ark Hills comes courtesy of Nagano's Yo-Ho Brewing and features a total of seven Yona Yona beers on tap – miss it today and you'll have to wait for next year's edition. Read more

Dego
A founding member of bass pioneers 4hero, DJ and producer Dennis McFarlane aka Dego will be spinning soulful tunes off his new album at this all-night release party, which also features long-time J Dilla collaborator and drummer Karriem Riggins. Read more

TodaysArt.jp Tokyo Launching Party
The boundary-pushing TodaysArt festival is returning to Tokyo with a packed programme. The festivities kick off tonight at Liquidroom, where Detroit techno heavy-hitters Carl Craig and Mad Mike join forces for a special duo set, while guest artists from India and the Netherlands also appear. Read more

Saturday 5

Gekikara Gourmet Festival
Gekikara ('super-spicy') goodies are the focus at the third edition of this eye-watering but extremely popular food festa taking place in Kabukicho. The amount of participating restaurants has been further boosted from last year, so you'll have plenty to choose from. Read more

Tokyo Jazz Festival
Most major gigs at Japan's biggest jazz festival may be sold out, but there are plenty of free concerts available over the weekend. Make your way to the Tokyo International Forum's open-air plaza and prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Read more

Manika Nagare: Rivers need Springs
Abstract depictions of nature and strangers passing by is the domain of Manika Nagare, one of the hottest up-and-coming names on Japan's contemporary art scene. Some of her newest oil paintings are on display now out by the sea in Shinonome. Read more

Baycamp 2015
This bayside all-nighter may not be the most original music fest out there, but at least it offers some edgier material to go with the rock and pop served up by the likes of Alexandros, The Bawdies, Scha Dara Parr, Straightener and Kinoko Teikoku. Read more

Resident Advisor at Air
Last held out at AgeHa, Resident Advisor's signature party will now take place in the somewhat more manageable surroundings of Daikanyama's Air, but the smaller scale doesn't mean a weaker lineup: Minimal Wave boss Veronica Vasicka is the top name. Read more

Sunday 6

Gelato World Tour
Spreading the gospel of Italy's best-known frozen dessert all around the globe, the Gelato World Tour now stops by Tokyo and Komazawa Park. Head over to taste all the fruity ice you can fit and learn how to make your own treat. Read more

Bordeaux, Port de la lune
Learn all about the art, history and culture of Bordeaux at Ueno's National Museum of Western Art, where the historical French city's journey from prehistory to the present is recounted through artefacts and art by the likes of Delacroix and Goya. Read more

Midpark Champagne Lounge
Champagne is best served from a vending machine, right? That seems to be the motivation behind Midtown's September special, which sees the first-ever coin-operated Moët & Chandon dispenser in Japan set up on the lush lawn. Seasonal snacks are available, too. Read more

Takashi Shimura Retrospective
Takashi Shimura was a remarkably productive actor, but it was as Akira Kurosawa's most trusted leading man that he really made his fame. The National Film Centre now looks at Shimura's life and work with this extensive exhibition, with film screenings coming up later in autumn. Read more