Free things to do in Tokyo this weekend

The Kanda Furuhon (Used Book) Festival in Tokyo's booktown Jimbocho has been held annually since 1960, traditionally timed to coincide with the Culture Day national holiday on November 3. In addition to offering a vast array of used books, the festival also encompasses a number of other book-related offers and events, including an outdoor book market, the sale of a number of specially selected rare books, and a charity used-book auction. Though the majority of the tomes on display are in Japanese, it's still easy to lose a few hours in idle browsing.

Continuing Tokyo’s trend of dazzling nighttime projection-mapping events, digital creative company Hitohata is bringing back its Asakusa Culture & Lights show to Sensoji Temple. This projection mapping showcase celebrates the history and culture of the iconic temple in the heart of Asakusa. The nightly shows feature high-resolution digital animations created using cutting-edge technology and displayed at two locations within the temple grounds: the south side of Hozomon Gate facing Kaminarimon Gate, as well as Sensoji Temple's main hall. These light-ups are free to view, happening daily from October 30 to November 3 between 6pm and 9.30pm.  Alongside the brilliant light-ups, the temple is also offering paid daytime and nighttime viewings of the Denboin Garden; the daytime session includes exclusive access to the Ema Hall, home to Edo-era votive plaques by the likes of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Hasegawa Settan and Henmi Isshin. Be sure to book tickets in advance to attend these viewings.

2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year for jazz-fusion icon Masayoshi Takanaka, who has captured the hearts of young millennial and Gen Z fans around the globe with sold-out shows on his world tour. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of his solo debut, and what better way to celebrate than with a Super Takanaka pop-up taking over Harajuku’s Takeshita Street? Running from October 21 to November 1 at the Universal Music Store Harajuku, the curated exhibition features Takanaka’s iconic guitars, spectacular large-format photographs from his 2026 World Tour, and a host of displays showcasing the artistry, imagination and unmistakable style that have defined his illustrious career. Be sure to snap a photo with a replica of his iconic red surfboard guitar at one of the photo spots, then soak up his feel-good vibes with screenings of concert footage. The line-up of original merch includes album cover T-shirts and hoodies (from ¥6,000). Since it's expected to be packed, reservations (free) are essential.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government No 1 Building in Shinjuku serves as the backdrop for a jaw-dropping and record-breaking projection mapping show. Covering an area of a whopping 13,905sqm, the after-dark spectacle has been certified by Guinness World Records as the largest permanent display of its kind in the world. The nightly showcase features a range of visual wonders created by a mix of local and international artists. Some shows are inspired by Tokyo’s rich history, while others draw on themes like the lunar cycle.  Currently, on weeknights, you can catch striking visuals synchronised to ‘800’ and 'Zankyosanka' by hit Japanese pop singer and lyricist Aimer as well as ‘Pac-Man eats Tokyo’, ‘Lunar Cycle’, ‘Synergy’, ‘Tokyo Resonance’ and ‘Evolution’. On weekends, you can look forward to the aforementioned ‘Zankyosanka (Aimer)’, as well as ‘Godzilla: Attack on Tokyo’ and ‘TYO337’, a display featuring motifs of traditional Japanese performing arts such as Kabuki paired with electronic beats.  From March 20, Pokémon Trading Card Game ‘Tokyo Luminous Night’, a brand-new projection-mapping show featuring Pokémon cards on a massive scale, has been running on weekends and holidays from 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 9pm. Be sure to check the event website for more details. Shows take place every night at fifteen-minute intervals from 6pm (Mar from 6.30pm, 7pm from Apr, 7.30pm from May to Aug) to 9.45pm. For more details and to check the full programme of daily projection mapping shows,...

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.

Roppongi Art Night returns in full force from October 31 to November 1 2026, again transforming one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts into an all-night celebration of contemporary creativity. Launched in 2009, the festival has become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, inviting visitors to explore art installations, performances and multimedia projects from dusk until dawn. Spanning key venues including Roppongi Hills, the Mori Art Museum, Tokyo Midtown and the National Art Center, Tokyo, the event extends into public spaces and streets, creating a dynamic urban circuit where art and city life intersect. This year marks the festival’s 15th edition and a return to its original all-night format, restoring the immersive, nocturnal atmosphere that defines its appeal. The 2026 edition places a special focus on France, drawing inspiration from Nuit Blanche, the Parisian event that originally inspired Roppongi Art Night. Curated by José-Manuel Gonçalvès, the programme highlights a diverse selection of French artists through installations, video works and performances. Alongside this international spotlight, the Open Call Project once again invites public participation, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to accessibility and experimentation. For one night only, Roppongi becomes a sleepless stage where Tokyo’s urban landscape is reimagined through art.

Pull on your costume, bring the kids and stroll around Yokohama's Western historic quarter this October as seven of the dozen or so Western mansions in Yokohama's Yamate district are decorated in elaborate Halloween decorations.  If you're feeling active, pick up a stamp card at any of the designated spots to participate in a stamp rally adventure on Sunday, October 25 – the first 1,500 people collecting eight stamps or more will receive a prize at the end. The five must-visit venues to claim your prize are America Yama Park, the Osaragi Jiro Memorial Museum, Kanagawa Museum of Modern Literature, the Yokohama Doll Museum and the Yokohama Yamate Museum of Tennis (YITC). You can also fill up on festival food and take pictures at designated photo spots. Present your stamp rally card at the Home of a Diplomat, Ehrismann Residence or the British House to claim your toy prize. Check the official website and pamphlet for a detailed map and full event information.

Taking place every other weekend at the renovated Shibuya Municipal Kitaya Park, this outdoor vintage market is the place to pick up everything from American Levi's and handmade knit sweaters to candles and unique artisanal accessories. Boasting approximately 20-30 booths, the market offers a curated selection of shops selling on-trend vintage outfits and trinkets from local artists, making it an exciting day out for fashion fiends. Dates are subject to change. Check the event Instagram for more details.

Mt Takao is one of the most picturesque destinations in Tokyo to see autumn leaves. And one of the best ways to do that is by taking the scenic cable car ride, which brings you closer to the mountain’s Yakuoin temple. Here you can sample shojin ryori, a traditional Japanese Buddhist vegetarian meal. To secure a lunchtime seat, be sure to book a reservation for two or more people at least two days in advance via phone. The best time to see the autumn leaves for 2026 is mid-November to early December, when the foliage around the cable car tracks turns deep orange and red. Throughout the duration of the festival, you can also look forward to a host of free events at Kiyotaki Station, the cable car stop at the base of Mt Takao, including musical and dance performances by local university students. While details are yet to be announced for 2026, check the event's English website for the latest updates. As is the case every year, the base of Mt Takao will be crowded in autumn, so it’s best to arrive via public transport.

Get a glimpse of daily German life at the annual Deutschland Festival, held at Aoyama Park this year. Co-sponsored by the German Embassy, the event features a variety of live music performances, traditional German craft workshops, market stalls, and of course, food and drink. Try local delicacies such as German beer, wine, pretzels, sauerkraut and sausages. For 2026, you can also look forward to thrilling cage football matches on October 31 and November 1 as part of a mini Bundesliga Cup tournament—a fast-paced version of football played with fewer players on a compact 7-by-9-metre enclosed court. Anyone can join as a player in the adult, children’s, or adolescent teams, with registrations open until October 16.