Oedo Antique Market
Held twice a month, the Odeo outdoor antique market is a wonderland for vintage enthusiasts and design-minded shoppers.
Boasting over 250 dealers, the market is an all-encompassing cornucopia of antique Japanese home furnishings, artworks, books, jewellery, toys, movie memorabilia and much, much more.
Spread out over trestle tables and blankets, you’ll find Shōwa era (1926–1989) kokeshi (handmade wooden dolls), kimono, obi (long decorative belts) as well as kawaii (cute) wind-up tin toys and retro fashion magazines.
Bear in mind that most vendors are cash only and that bargaining is a total no-no.
It takes place outside the Tokyo International Forum in Marunouchi on the 7th and 29th of January from 8 am to 4 pm.
Art Fair Tokyo
One of the country’s largest art fairs, the Art Fair Tokyo, brings together international and Japanese art galleries to exhibit contemporary art, antiques, crafts, and Japanese-style paintings.
With over 140 participating galleries, this year’s fair will highlight video and moving-image works and feature some of our favourite Tokyo galleries like A Lighthouse called Kanata, Kaikai Kiki and Lurf.
The fair is held at the Tokyo International Forum in Marunouchi from the 13th to the 15th of March from 11 am to 5 pm.
The Golden Dragon Dance
This traditional festival held at Sensō-Ji Temple, sees an 18-metre-long, 88-kilogram dragon puppet, carried by eight men, seem to dance through the air, appearing to chase after a lotus-shaped golden ball.
The dragon’s dance (accompanied by singers and musicians) commemorates a legendary, golden scaled dragon appearing in the sky the moment the Kannon statue (the goddess of mercy) was pulled out of the Sumida River in 628 CE.
The festival is held at Sensō-Ji Temple in Asakusa on the 18th of March.
Anime Japan 2026
The largest anime convention in Japan is where industry heavies like Aniplex, Toei Animation and Tatsunoko exhibit their newly finished and upcoming anime projects.
Expect over 100 booths selling toys, games, software and cosplay merchandise as well as workshops, seminars and live shows.
Head to Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba on the 28th and 29th of March from 9 am to 5 pm.
Hanami (Cherry Blossom Festival)
If you’re in Tokyo during hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season—from late March to early April—pack a picnic and join thousands of Tokyoites celebrating under pink, flowering sakura (cherry blossom) trees in the city’s parks and gardens.
Hanami is celebrated from late March to early April at Inokashira Park (Kichijoji), Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku), Ueno Park (Ueno), Yoyogi Park (Harajuku).
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Every spring, over 830 cherry trees on both sides of the Meguro River come into full bloom, forming a 10-kilometer-long cherry blossom avenue.
There are illuminations, picnic spots and boat rides available, and on the weekends the promenades are lined with cherry-themed food stalls.
Visit the festival at the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade from late March to early April.
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