Golden Week: Tokyo, 2011

Family events

Friday, April 29

Family freebies
Several major Tokyo attractions are opening their doors for free on specific days during Golden Week, the most notable being Ueno Zoo. The oldest zoo in Japan, home to two very new and expensive pandas, will be free to both adults and kids on April 29, and to all kids of junior high school age and below on May 5. Elsewhere, Shunjuku Gyoen (Tokyo's very own Central Park; absolutely crawling with children during the holiday) is free for all on April 29 and May 5.

Scott Pilgrim vs The World
Opening today: Finally, after what seems like years, Edgar Wright's take on the Canadian comic book classic arrives in Japan (albeit only at a handfull of cinemas in Tokyo, notably Cinema Rise in Shibuya). If you haven't already seen it on an import DVD, catch it while you can – it's not perfect, but it's an enjoyable bit of fluff nonetheless. For our full review, click here

Saturday, April 30-Sunday, May 1

Koenji Bikkuri Daidogei
Sure, they pinched the idea from a regular shebang in Sangenjaya, but the Koenji Bikkuri Daidogei street performance festival is still heaps of fun. For two days during Golden Week, acrobats, musicians and costumed weirdos ply the streets of the neighborhood, dispensing free, family-friendly entertainment to all and sundry. For further details, click here

Tuesday, May 3-Thursday, May 5

Baji Park Horse Show
Baji Park is a well loved part of town, especially for those with equine leanings. Run by the JRA, the park stages two major horse shows each year, in spring and autumn. Taking place at the height of Golden Week, the spring show is set to include various jumping events, a ‘light cavalry’ display, plus more hands-on activities like horse and carriage tours and pony rides for the kids. For further details, click here

Wednesday, May 4

Welcome to the Saturn Theatre
Since 2001, the folks at the Ghibli Museum have made an annual habit of opening their screening room (Saturn Theatre) to the public, showing short films and allowing kids to get up close to cuddly versions of some of the characters. The films are typically Ghibli, with dog tales, underwater love stories, Japanese folk tales; one of them even follows the further adventures of Mei, star of My Neighbor Totoro. The current exhibition adds two more films the collection, bringing the total to nine. With plenty of hands-on activities, plus the chance to see Ghibli's latest work fresh, this event looks like an ideal way to stop the kids' Golden Week boredom from kicking in. For further details, click here

Tokyo Sea Life Park
Like Ueno Zoo, the Sea Life Park in Shinagawa opens its doors for free at certain times during Golden Week. May 4 sees the entrance fee waived for all ages, while the same happens for junior high school kids and younger on May 5. For further details, click here

Thursday, May 5

Children's Festival
The annual children's festival at Meiji Jingu Shrine offers a great chance for families and culture vultures alike. Fun and games abound, as do the obligatory koi-no-bori carp streamers and the chance to see Tokyo's younger generation in its kimono finery. Getting directly involved with the games requires reservation (call on 03 3370 9123; Japanese only), but anyone can go along and see this colourful event free of charge. For further details, click here

Saturday, May 7

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never
Opening today: Born to a teenage mother and raised in a single-parent household, the 16-year-old Bieber gained prominence through a series of YouTube videos that caught the attention of R&B sensation Usher and talent manager Scooter Braun. Both are among the many talking heads that testify to the megastar’s capacities, and the glowing assessments are understandable. Beneath the innocu-pop surface is a kid with a ton of musical aptitude. For further details, click here