Meiji-Jingu Yabusame
Watching yabusame, a traditional demonstration of horseback archery that traces its roots back to the 12th century, is a thrilling experience.
Archers—dressed in ceremonial attire—steer their horses with just their knees as they gallop along a 255-metre track firing arrows at wooden targets in quick succession, all while passionately shouting in-yo (the word that means Yin and Yang).
Initially performed as a military exercise to train samurai for war, today yabusame demonstrations are purely ritualistic, taking place at Shintō shrines to pray for people’s health, a rich harvest and universal peace.
The festival takes place on the 3rd of November, from 1pm at Meiji Shrine in Harajuku.
Art Week Tokyo
Interested in contemporary art, the opportunity to schmooze with Tokyo’s coolest curators and quaffing flamboyant cocktails? Then you have to attend Art Week Tokyo.
The five day event takes place across the city at more than 50 galleries and museums with free shuttle buses connecting the venues.
Whilst the event is decentralised there are three focal points we think you should visit: the curated exhibition at the Okura Museum of Art which brings together 100 works by more than 50 artists, the pavilion in the lobby of SMBC East Tower in Marunouchi where art videos by Japanese and international artists will screen, and the Art Week Tokyo bar in Aoyama that will be serving artist-designed cocktails.
The event takes place between the 5th to 9th of November.
Design Festa
If you’re interested in seeing and purchasing contemporary Japanese creative arts—think handmade jewellery, cute ceramics and affordable paintings—then Design Festa, featuring upwards of 6,500 exhibitors, is where you want to be this weekend.
As well as all the unique arts and crafts for sale there are live painting events, dance and musical performances and hundreds of visitors dressed up in magnificent kawaii (cute) outfits.
Head to Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba on the 15th and 16th of November, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Sake Festival
Prepare to get a little bit boozy and then a touch snoozy at this festival featuring over 30 liquor stores serving up a selection of sake, shochu (grain liquor), wine and beer from all around Japan.
Thankfully there will also be food booths with tasty snacks to soak up all the booze and live musical and dance acts performing on a nearby stage to entertain you inbetween drinks.
Tickets are 500 yen each (and include a tasting experience where you can compare different types of sake).
The event takes place along the promenade near Starbucks Cafe in Ueno Park from the 14th to the 16th of November, from 10 am to 7 pm.
Tokyo Christmas Market
Embrace the spirit of gemütlichkeit (cosiness and good cheer) at Tokyo’s largest Christmas market, where you’ll find vendors offering stollen (fruit bread), mulled wine, artisanal gifts and European-style ornaments from cutely designed alpine-style stalls.
Add in handicraft workshops, musical performances, sparkly illuminations and a 14-metre-high wooden installation—depicting scenes from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales— imported from Seiffen, Germany and you’ll be in the yuletide spirit in a flash.
The market is held at the Meiji Jingū Gaien Rubber Baseball Field in Meiji Jingu Gaien from the 21st of November to the 25th of December, running from 11 am to 8.30 pm daily.
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