Odaiba Marine Park

Tokyo itself becomes both subject and stage in Tokyo Atlas, a new international art exhibition unfolding across the capital’s waterfront from October 10 to December 20. The ambitious project transforms parks, public spaces and urban infrastructure into an open-air cultural landscape, inviting attendees to rediscover the city through encounters with site-specific works. Drawing on the dual meaning of its title – both the mythological Atlas and an atlas of maps – the exhibition encourages audiences to navigate Tokyo as a living constellation of artistic discoveries. Anchored by major venues including Daiba Park and the Aomi Minami Port Park area, the exhibition explores how history, geography and global exchange continue to shape the metropolis. Daiba Park, originally constructed as an Edo-period (1603–1868) coastal battery, provides a striking backdrop where contemporary art meets one of the symbolic gateways to Japan’s modernisation. Nearby, the working waterfront of Aomi becomes a setting for projects that reflect on community, ecology and coexistence. French artist Abraham Poincheval presents La Bouteille, a performance in which he inhabits a giant bottle, while the collaborative initiative Goat’s Eyes transforms the site into a participatory environment examining sustainable creativity and new forms of collective living. Elsewhere, the atrium of the Telecom Center Building hosts a landmark installation by the recently passed Yayoi Kusama, bringing together her...

Set against the backdrop of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge, this is arguably the most picturesque fireworks festival in the capital – and it’s coming back for the first time in 11 years. Taking place on October 24 from 5.30pm, the pyrotechnics show is set to launch 12,000 fireworks over the course of 90 minutes. The local governments of Chuo and Minato wards decided to bring back this seasonal tradition to commemorate 80 years since the founding of both wards. Many of the official viewing spots, including Harumi Pier Park, Hinode Pier, Toyosu Gururi Park and Odaiba Marine Park, offer priority access to local ward residents. General admission tickets for these areas are now on sale, but availability is limited and prices start from ¥5,000, so be sure to grab yours quick while supplies last. For a cheaper and hassle-free way to enjoy the fireworks, head slightly farther away and take in the show from above, with Tokyo Tower and Roppongi Hills offering distant but impressive views. Or, for a more luxurious experience, book a yakatabune houseboat, with packages starting from ¥70,000 per person. The fireworks display is subject to cancellation in the event of severe weather.