Things to do this week in Tokyo

Monday 30

Manseibashi Flash
Kanda's old Manseibashi station complex has undergone an impressive revival, and now hosts a collection of classy cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. Lit up beautifully for New Year's, this reborn structure is a must-see. Read more

Tuesday 31

Hanayashiki New Year
Asakusa's classic amusement park celebrates its 160th anniversary by holding this New Year's event, which will feature a variety of stage performances and a countdown to 2014. Sounds like some great family fun. Read more

New Year's Parties
Welcome 2014 in style at one of Tokyo's many New Year's parties. All the top clubs will host their own countdown events, while rockers might want to head over to Kabukicho for a night of punk attitude. Read more

Village Countdown
Couldn't find a suitable party from the list above? Try Village Countdown, where DJs Hokuto and Nuckey will battle it out in the run-up to 2014, joined by an impressive hip hop- and R&B-focused supporting cast. Read more

Wednesday 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 2014. Read more

Sensoji First Prayer
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

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 2

Ukiyo-e Exhibition
Opening today, this special exhibit features over 340 pieces by masters like Hokusai, Utamaro, and Sharaku, and takes visitors on a journey through the history of this endlessly attractive form of Japanese art. Read more

Hatsumode at the Museum
Celebrate the start of 2014 with hatsumode (first prayer of the year) at the National Museum. Visit the special exhibition on this year's Chinese zodiac character, the horse, and enjoy taiko drum and lion dance performances. Read more

Friday 3

'Kawaii' in Japanese Art
Study the roots of Japanese 'kawaii culture' at this exhibition, which opens today. Consisting of paintings, sculptures, and small items like cosmetics cases, the show will take you on a tour of the history of cuteness. Read more

Saturday 4

Ice Skating
The first weekend of the year is the perfect time to try out this healthy outdoor activity. Choose from rinks all over the city, including one on a Ginza rooftop and one inside the Toshimaen amusement park. Read more

The Mind of Fujio Akatsuka
Sportswear brand CW-X presents this exhibition (opens today) on the work of pioneering manga artist Fujio Akatsuka, creator of the 'Tensai Bakabon' classic and strange characters like the unagi-inu ('eel dog'). Read more

Sunday 5

The Art of Peanuts
Today's your last chance to visit this extensive exhibition that recounts the history of Charles M Schultz's classic comic strip Peanuts, which eventually made Snoopy and friends worldwide celebrities. Read more

Climb Tokyo Tower
Today's also your last chance in a while to climb the 600-step outdoor staircase at Tokyo Tower. Bring your coat and brave the winds on your ascent toward the Main Observatory, situated 150 metres above the ground. Read more

Mariko Goto
Actress and former Midori vocalist Mariko Goto returns to Liquidroom for this solo gig. Having taken up a lot of new projects in recent years, Goto has not performed extensively in a while - check out her 2014 form tonight. Read more