Schools are opening and the flowers are blooming; spring is upon us! Here are six events in the Tokyo area that will help you make the most of the great weather, and a few indoor activities if the pollen is wreaking havoc on your allergies.
The Bunkyo Azalea Festival
- Date: April 11th – May 6th
- Time: All day
- Location: Nezu Shrine, 1 Chome-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo, Tokyo
- Admission ¥200
For three centuries Nezu shrine has been home to an extravagant azalea garden. It is home to 3,000 azalea plants from over 100 different species, including rarities like the black azalea. Once you’re done taking in 2,000 square meters of azalea heaven, you can also visit one of many street vendors and traditional craft exhibitions.
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo 20th Anniversary
- Date: Now – June 28th Closed Mondays (except May 4/7th)
- Time: 10:00 – 18:00 (ticket available until 17:30)
- Location: 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Admission ¥500, Students ¥400, High School & Over 65: ¥250
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year with a three phase exhibition examining the collection’s evolution through the years. The current phase, “Collection Becoming,” will “[cast] light on activities pertaining to works in the collection: acquisitions, preservation, and exhibiting.” Also showing at the museum: a retrospective on deceased model, actress, and icon Sayoko Yamaguchi as well as an exhibition by Mexican artist Gabriel Orozco.
Yoga in Yoyogi Park First Spring Session
- Date: Saturday, April 18th
- Time: Meeting time 9:15 am. Session 9:30 – 10:45 am
- Location: Yoyogi Park Harajuku Gate
- Admission: ¥1000 per person
Looking for a way to enjoy spring weather while shedding some of those winter pounds? Consider Yoga in Yoyogi Park. Class leader Aiko Sakurai says beginners are welcome, and promises students a release from the tensions of their hectic Tokyo lives.
‘90s Retro Party at Trump Room
- Date: Saturday, April 18th
- Time: 23:00 – 05:00
- Location: Trump Room Shibuya-ku Hinnan 1-12-14 Hoshi Bldg
- Admission: ¥2000. ‘90s Dress = ¥500 off
The X-Files is returning to TV and The Smashing Pumpkins are touring with Marilyn Manson; the ‘90s back! Trump Room will host a celebration of all things ‘90s with 13 DJ’s spinning classics from the decade of Kurt, Britney, Tupac, and Hootie. You get 500 yen off at the door if you come dressed in ‘90s fashion, and entry is free if your birthday is in April.
Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her live at Fever
- Date: Friday, April 17th
- Time: Doors 19:00, Show 19:30
- Location: Shindaita Bldg 1-1-14 Hanegi Setagaya-ku Tokyo
- Admission: ¥3500
Speaking of the ‘90s, Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her was one of Japan’s top alt-rock acts during that decade. They reunited in 2014 and have been touring extensively ahead of the release of their next album. Lead singer and guitarist Aiha Higurashi puts on a fantastic live show, and Friday night’s event at Fever will be no exception. Blues-punk band King Brothers will open.
Sumida Park Horseback Archery
- Date: Saturday, April 18th
- Time: From 11:00 am
- Location: Sumida Park, 1 Chome Mukojima, Sumida, Tokyo
- Admission: ¥3500
Yabusame is the Japanese art of horseback archery. Archers compete by shooting at three wooden targets while speeding past on the back of a horse. It’s an astonishing throwback to the Kamakura period, and you can see it live in Asakusa. Sumida Park hosts the huge annual Yabusame competition this Saturday. There will also be kusajishi, which is traditional archery aimed at wooden deer targets, and a parade.
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Thanks for the read up! Great info for the week. 🙂