Free things to do in Tokyo this week

Go on a floral outing this summer to enjoy the sight of over 20,000 hydrangeas at the 25th annual Hakkeijima Hydrangea Festival. Held for roughly three weeks from June 7 to June 29, this free event lets you explore the island of Hakkeijima (about 30 minutes by train from Yokohama) and its eight hydrangea spots. Highlights include the indigenous Hakkei-blue hydrangea, a variety that was created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the island’s Hakkeijima Sea Paradise theme park. Collect stamps from at least five of the eight hydrangea spots, and you’ll receive a 50 percent discount off a ride on the Paradise Cruise as well as discounts at participating restaurants and shops within the island of Hakkeijima.   Whenever you need to rest your feet and recharge, restaurants across the island are serving special flower-themed drinks and desserts. The most eye-catching of them all is the hydrangea lemon tea (¥520) sold at Cable Car Coffee. Stamp rally is held daily from 10am-4pm

Zojoji Temple is most notable for its scenic location right in front of the brightly lit Tokyo Tower. And it’s about to look even more magical. For one night only on June 20, the stately temple is putting on its annual candlelight show – ongoing since 2003 – to help shake people off their dependence on electricity and enjoy a slow night. The lights go off at 8pm, and over 1,000 candles will illuminate the staircase and path approaching the shrine. The lights on Tokyo Tower will be switched off at the same time as well until 9pm. Of course, it will not just be about looking at candles at night. The event will start at 2pm with the Candle Night Marche, where you can shop for seasonal fruit and organic vegetables, and join special candle workshops. Later in the evening, there will be performances as well as a lights-out countdown. 

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.

For four days in June, Ueno Park's fountain square turns into a Taiwanese street food market. Marking the event's 11th return, there'll be plenty of crowd-pleasing dishes themed after Taiwanese mythical monsters from around 11 booths or so, including Taiwanese braised pork rice, dumplings, banana mochi, duck noodle soup, steamed buns, shaved ice desserts and tapioca bubble tea.  This festival will also feature a beer garden where you can enjoy Taiwanese beer and a tropical fruit fair with an ample supply of lychee and mango.  As well as keeping you well-fed, the festival will have you entertained with folk dances and other cultural performances, plus a range of shops selling Taiwanese fashion, handicrafts, traditional sweets and tea.