Things to Do
Your comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Tokyo
Autumn 2018 issue out now: Your Tokyo eat-list featuring sushi, ramen, kaiseki and more
This autumn issue (October-December 2018) is proof that Tokyo is one of the greatest cities for food – and we’re not even talking about the Michelin stars. From the humble ramen to global food sensation sushi, from specialist cafés to elaborate kaiseki meals, you’re bound to have a feast here in the city. So grab a copy of our latest issue and get ready to eat your way around Tokyo. [You can get a copy of the magazine for FREE at these locations starting Sep 28. Don’t worry if you’re not in Tokyo; the digital edition is also available for download now.] Mention Japanese food and these dishes come to mind: udon, ramen, soba, tempura, tonkatsu… But did you know some dishes are more Tokyo than others? Here are ten dishes that are representative of the city, as they are either created or perfected here in the capital. Hope you brought a big appetite. In this issue, we’ve also listed the best kaiseki restaurants and specialist cafés (sesame ice cream, chiffon sandwich, fruit parfaits, etc) in Tokyo. Plus, as a homage to the city’s longstanding food culture, we take a look at both the old guards as well as the modern restaurants of the local food scene. Born in Tokyo, sushi has become a global hit. Did you know there are many different types of sushi? Can you tell a gunkan from a temari? And did you know that sushi is about the rice, more than the fish? You’ll be a pro in no time with our guide to sushi. So you’ve come to Tokyo to shop? Let us help you out with some of
Things to do in Tokyo
The best upcoming events in Tokyo
Smart Illumination Yokohama 2018
Held every autumn since 2011, Yokohama's Smart Illumination show makes use of the latest in energy-efficient lighting technology to turn the city's waterfront areas into a sea of colour. Workshops and interactive installations complete the lineup, so make sure to head south to Yokohama in late autumn and see this spectacle light up the evening. Note that although the main festival takes place from October 31 to November 4, the illuminations will remain in place until December 31.
TOKYOGRAPHIE
KYOTOGRAPHIE is a highly-acclaimed international photography festival held annually in Kyoto and for the first time, it’s organising an offshoot event in Tokyo. For this special Tokyo edition, the most popular works from KYOTOGRAPHIE 2018 (the sixth year of the festival) will be exhibited in Tokyo. Expect sensational works by the late Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase who’s widely known for images depicting his domestic married life; celebrated French graphic designer-photographer Jean-Paul Goude; and contemporary Chinese photographer Liu Colin, who incorporates camouflage tricks into his arresting visuals. Catch the exhibitions at multiple locations, such as Fuji Film Square, Chanel Nexus Hall, and the Institut français du Japon.
Mt Takao Maple Festival
Various happenings will be taking place around Mount Takao in November, including kokeshi doll demonstrations and sales of masuzake, the curious boxed beverage (on weekends and holidays). The main attraction is of course the autumn foliage, with the maple trees around the area turning fiery red and yellow. Primary event locations include the Takao Forest Center at the foot of the mountain, Kiyotaki Station and the Ju-Itchome tea house on the hillside. Check out the official website for further details, and consider heading over by train – finding parking here can be a nightmare.
Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival 2018
This festival begins as autumn turns the surrounding icho (ginkgo) leaves yellow. Adding to the event’s popularity are temporary stalls selling noted products from different regions of Japan – the food and drink stalls will be set up around the Jingu Gaien softball stadium and training grounds.
Raien Sumo Experience
Ever fancied yourself a sumo wrestler? You can try Japan's national sport for yourself at this tourist-friendly ʻdohyoʼ (ring) in Mitaka, where sumo newbies are taught the basic tricks of the trade – and with no fake sumo suit in sight. What's more, women are actually allowed in the ring here, contrary to professional sumo traditions. Equipment rental is included in the ¥9,500 fee (¥4,800 for children under 16), and all participants receive a short video of their efforts plus a card with a sumo-style handprint.
Tokyo Mega Illumination
The Oi Racecourse, aka the Tokyo City Keiba, is hopping on the illumination bandwagon with this new event, with the nighttime races set to be lit up. What's more, there will be a whopping eight million lights, making it the biggest illumination in the Kanto area. Making a detour to the racecourse has never been more worthwhile.
