From Shinto festivals to candle nights to avant-garde performances, there’s something for everyone this week in Japan! If you’re doing something cool, leave us a comment or send us an email to have your event listed.
Monday: Continue the party
Deep Monday
For those who want to start the weekend early — or didn’t get enough last weekend — DJ and Unknown Season label honcho Yoshi Horino has a house party for you. Horino spins a blend of deep house, tech house, techno, disco, soul, jazz and Latin that’s just right for casual drinking and relaxing on a weeknight. Deep Monday is a monthly residency at the intimate Zubar in Shibuya now in its fifth year.
When & Where
- June 5
- 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
- Zubar Shibuya, Tokyo - Map
- ¥1,000 (incl. 1 drink)
Tuesday: Craft secrets
Japanese Woodworking Tools Exhibition
Japanese traditional woodworking — with its precision joinery and lack of nails — is a marvel. Now, there’s a chance to understand how the country’s master carpenters do their jobs. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Kitakyushu Innovation Gallery & Studio, this exhibition presents over 340 traditional and modern Japanese woodworking tools and a half-sized replica of the Toin Hall at Yakushiji Temple in Nara that provides insight into the builders’ methods.
When & Where
- June 6-July 9
- 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Kitakyushu Innovation Gallery, Kitakysuhu City, Fukuoka - Map
- ¥300
Wednesday: Candles for peace
Candle Night at Osaka City 2017 Summer
When & Where
- June 7
- 6-10 p.m.
- Nishi-Umeda Square, Osaka - Map
- Free
Thursday: Shinto celebration
Sanno Matsuri
One of Japan’s big three festivals is underway for the next nine days. The Sanno Matsuri is a major Shinto occasion and takes place in even-numbered years only. It became renowned in the 15th century when the procession was allowed to enter the grounds of the Edo Castle. In a new tradition, a 100-strong chorus will sing Japanese melodies at 12:15pm on June 8, while the “Jinkosai” procession is the daily parade that occurs during the festival.
When & Where
- June 8-17
- Various
- Hie Shrine, Tokyo - Map
- Free
Friday: Avant-garde explorations
Saturday: Lego builders unite
Japan Brickfest 2017
Japan's largest international fan-built Lego event brings over 200 domestic and international builders together for an event at the Canadian Academy on Kobe’s Rokko Island. The exhibition of brick-built models, games and fun activities for children and families is produced by Lego and the Kansai Lego User Group.
When & Where
- June 10 & 11
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Canadian Academy Rokko Island, Kobe - Map
- ¥500
Sunday: Dance with a lion
Tsukiji Lion Dance Festival
The “Tsukiji Shishi Matsuri,” or Tsukiji Lion Dance Festival, enlivens the Namiyoke Inari Shrine area near the fish market in full form only once in three years. Local businessmen and families have long visited the shrine to pray for prosperity and protection from disaster. The Lion Dance Festival has been passed down since the Edo era when locals faced difficulties completing reclamation work due to waves and winds. Nature apparently calmed down after people started worshiping the sacred body of a deity that was found on the ocean’s surface, leading locals to start a celebration carrying floats symbolizing a dragon that controls the clouds, a tiger that controls the wind and a huge lion head.
When & Where
- June 11
- 6-10 p.m.
- Namiyoke Inari Shrine, Tokyo - Map
- Free
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