With its many art exhibitions and museums, Tokyo is a fantastic place to experience culture. This weekend is especially artsy, as it welcomes the return of Design Festa, one of Asia's largest art events. The biannual event is on its 62nd iteration, and is estimated to welcome an eye-watering 140,000 attendees – or more – over its two-day run.
The event takes place at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan's largest exhibition centre, and boasts a dizzying array of creative expression from visual art fashion to live performances and creative workshops.
Read on for more info on what to expect at this massive event, and remember to prep your wallet to support the arts.
The layout
Design Festa takes place in four areas: West Hall 1 and South Hall 2 on the first floor, and West Hall 3 and South Hall 4 on the fourth floor. The four areas are jam-packed with thousands of booths – over 6,500 to be more precise – featuring all manner of creative works made by amateurs and professionals alike. Paintings, photographs, clothing, accessories and much more are on display, and nearly everything is available for purchase.
Low-light area
Some forms of art are better suited for the dark – that's where the low-light area comes in. Head to the fourth floor of West Hall 3 for the dimly lit portion of the exhibition (right around the corner from the food area). Here you can find artsy yet practical products like lamps, candles and other glowy items that are more impressive when the lights are off.
Live painting
Live painting takes place in two areas on the first floor of West Hall 1, and in one smaller section on the fourth floor of West Hall 3. In these sections you can find artists painting their works in real time on wall panels, with the largest measuring eight metres across and nearly four metres high. That's a lot of paint.
Given the panels' large size, some paintings are meant to be completed over a two-day period. If one of your faves is unfinished on Saturday, simply come back the next day to see the end result.
Workshops
This hands-on area on the first floor in South Hall 2 is great for kiddos and adults alike. A wide variety of booths await imaginative minds; you may end up doing anything from making your own mini-terrarium to constructing 3D puzzles. Wander about and find a table that tickles your fancy.
Stage performances
As if live painting wasn't enough. Right in the centre of the first floor, several forms of live performance from juggling to dance to acrobatics keep the crowd entertained. Don't miss the smaller performance area on the fourth floor of South Hall 4, near the café area, for more merriment.
Time Out tip: If you've come in costume or just want to show off your fit, join the 'One Coin Runway' for just ¥500 to strut your stuff for the crowd. Look for the 'One Coin Runway' poster near the red carpet on the first floor of South Hall 2, then scan the QR code to register your spot.
Food stalls
Each of the event's four areas has food and refreshments. Whether it's sweet treats like waffles or crepes, or savoury classics like hot dogs or ramen, you can find a wide range of foods to keep you fuelled while you browse the booths.
Tickets
Design Festa takes place November 15 and 16 from 10am to 6pm. One-day tickets are ¥800 in advance or ¥1,000 at the door; two-day tickets are only available in advance for ¥1,500. Purchase tickets online here, at Design Festa Gallery Harajuku or at convenience stores.
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