Free things to do in Tokyo this week

This September, Shimokitazawa welcomes the return of its annual lunar art festival that will coincide with the upcoming autumn moon. Back for its fourth edition, Moon Art Night Shimokita will span several venues in the neighbourhood, including the Shimokita Senrogai Open Space in front of Shimokitazawa Station’s east exit, the rooftop of Higashi-Kitazawa Station, and the Bonus Track complex. Exhibits include an outdoor moon installation by UK artist Luke Jerram, whose giant floating model features striking details of the moon’s surface as captured by Nasa. This particular installation – titled ‘Museum of the Moon’ – is set to be on show every day at the vacant lot of the Shimokita Senrogai complex.  The festival is also hosting London-based artist Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian, whose luminous blue cat inflatables will be on display at the Bonus Track complex. Inspired by the paradoxical Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment, which explores how a cat can be both alive and dead at once, the artist created the cats as a way to spark imagination and explore our relationship with the universe. A new addition this year, Japanese visual artist Takayuki Mori is participating with a three-dimensional installation titled ‘Uranometria’. The work depicts constellation motifs across a celestial dome using ultraviolet-responsive threads, which illuminate the invisible lines that connect the stars in glowing neon colours. His work, which invites viewers to reflect on how humanity has...

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.

Chofu is hosting its annual hanabi (fireworks) festival by the banks of the Tama River with massive fireworks (including starmines) synchronised to music. It sees around 10,000 rockets launched over the course of an hour starting at 6.15pm, with some fireworks being choreographed to pop songs using computer-controlled audio and launch systems. Reserved seating is still available at the Dentsu University Field, Fuda, and Keio Tamagawa locations, with prices starting at ¥6,000 for seats at Keio Tamagawa and ¥4,000 for floor seating at Dentsu University Field. Tickets can be purchased at Seven-Eleven multicopy machines or online via Seven Ticket, with pick-up at a convenience store required after purchase. If this all seems like a hassle, don’t worry, there are free non-reserved seating near Keio Tamagawa Station and next to Tamagawa Citizen Square. Just make sure to arrive a few hours early, as space is limited.  For the venue map and transport information, check the event page.

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)

Asics takes over Standby Gallery on Harajuku’s Cat Street with a one-day event that ties into their ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’ philosophy. Running from 11am to 9pm, the programme is a mix of music and culture with sets from Licaxxx, ShioriyBradshaw and Tokyo Vitamin’s Vick, alongside other local acts. It’s less a club night and more of a pop-up you can drop into throughout the day. Catch a set, walk the space, and slide back out before your evening plans.