Free things to do in Tokyo this week

Enjoy the lovely spring weather at the Tokyo Night Market near Shibuya Crossing. Here you can expect a variety of street food alongside live performances and art exhibitions, with DJs on deck to set the mood all day till 10pm. Held at Yoyogi Park’s Keyaki event space for five consecutive nights from May 21 to May 25, the fourth iteration of this event is expected to be bigger than before. As for music, you can look forward to an impressive number of Shibuya-based bars and nightclubs taking over the DJ booth including Ruby Room, The Churb, Club Malcolm and more. Keep tabs on the event's Instagram for the latest updates. Tokyo Night Market runs from 4pm to 10pm on Wednesday through Friday, and from 2pm to 10pm over the weekend.

Taking place around Yokohama Port, Yokohama Night Flowers (formerly Yokohama Sparkling Twilight) lights up not only the city but also the sky above it. It's a stunning sight as the fireworks are set off above the illuminated boats crisscrossing the sea in front of Yamashita Park.  This time around, there are 16 five-minute fireworks displays scheduled from February to September. Depending on the date, the fireworks are launched from either Osanbashi Pier and/or Shinko Pier. This makes the seaside Yamashita Park an ideal vantage point to catch all the explosive action. Along with the fireworks, Yokohama is also hosting several food events nearby, including the Yokohama Strawberry Festival (February 6-March 2), Yokohama Bread Festival (March 7-9), Belgian Beer Weekend Yokohama and more. See the event website for updates. Fireworks displays are held on February 1, 8 and 22, March 1 and 29, April 5, 6 and 19, May 17 and 24, June 21, July 5 and 12, August 10, and September 6 and 14. (2025)

Held annually on the weekend closest to May 28, this traditional festival at Shinjuku's Hanazono Shrine has been going on since before the Edo era (1603-1867). You can look forward to an array of food stalls and lively ceremonial rites, but the highlight is the Sunday parade which starts at around noon. For this special event, the shrine's handsome 1.5-tonne mikoshi (portable shrine) is taken on a procession through the surrounding neighbourhoods.

The UNU farmers’ market is one of Tokyo’s longest running and best-attended markets. Taking place every weekend in front of the university’s Aoyama headquarters, this one always attracts a knowledgeable crowd. Organic and local fare is readily available every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, with the farmers themselves happy to provide details about their wares. Plus, there's always a few food trucks on hand if you wish to enjoy a quick meal.

The biggest Italian festival in Japan is now in its ninth edition. Held at Roppongi Hills Arena, this weekend fiesta will feature a host of outdoor activities, exhibitions, guest appearances by Japanese and Italian personalities, food and wine, as well as shopping opportunities. Themed 'Life is Beautiful,' this year's event will host live performances by guest artists from Italy and Japan, as well as booths showcasing Italian brands of outdoor furniture, fashion and food. There’s Maserati, Vespa and Pirelli exhibiting alongside Acetaia Sereni balsamic vinegar, Birrificio dei Castelli craft beer, Modica Chocolate, Delle Venezie wine, and more. Be sure to check the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan's Instagram for the latest updates on performance schedules.