Things to do in Tokyo today

A popular place for plum blossom fans since olden times, Yushima Tenmangu shrine still draws crowds every year. The plum blossoms might get less hype than the cherry blossoms that follow, but they still make for some gorgeous late-winter scenery. This year marks the 68th run of the Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri. The annual festival is one of Tokyo's most popular late-winter events, and it takes place for a month from February 8 until March 8. The shinto shrine is home to about 300 plum trees, and most of them are around 70 to 80 years old. Approximately 80 percent of them produce white plum blossoms.  On weekends and holidays – February 8-9, 11, 15-16, 22-24, March 1 – you can look forward to events such as live shamisen (Japanese lute) and taiko drumming as well as flamenco and belly dancing performances. You’ll also find a number of stalls selling souvenirs from Bunkyo ward as well as local products from Shimane (February 8-9, 11), Aomori (Feb 15-16), Kumamoto (February 22-24), and Ishikawa (March 1-2).

Step into the masterful world of Japan’s most celebrated woodblock print artist this spring at ‘Hokusai: Another Story’, held at Shibuya’s Tokyu Plaza. Utilising the latest in high-definition imaging, spatial audio and Sony’s state-of-the-art sensory technology, the exhibition promises to bring Hokusai’s iconic works to life. The main highlight of the exhibition is the vivid scenery of Hokusai's ‘Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji’, with ultra-high-definition visuals and Sony's Crystal LED displays recreating the intricate details of the work. Visualise, hear and feel the sensation of jumping on puddles or walking on dry sand, thanks in part to haptic floor technology developed by Sony PCL. Then, follow a path illuminated by bamboo lights to reach a room where you can browse master replicas of iconic ukiyo-e prints. Each replica is crafted using DTIP (3D Texture Image Processing) technology that scans every fibre of the traditional washi-paper originals to preserve the works digitally. This multisensory experience allows visitors to not only see, but truly feel, the world Hokusai depicted. Tickets must be purchased in advance through the event website.

The Japanese daruma doll is said to bring spiritual awakening, and Jindaiji Temple in Chofu is known as one of the country’s top three spots to get your hands on a daruma, with its annual Daruma Market boasting over 300 stalls. When you buy a daruma at the festival, know that the eyes of this round, hollow-headed talisman are left blank when you first buy it. Usually, you paint in one of the pupils after making a wish, and the other if your wish comes true. But for this special occasion, a monk will be stationed at the temple's Ganzandaishi Hall to paint the left eye of your daruma with an ancient Sanskrit character when you make your wish. The daruma market is open for just two days on March 3 and 4. Both days feature the oneri gyoretsu (from 1.45pm), a procession of portable shrines carried by the temple monks, who are outfitted in elegant ceremonial robes. Jindaiji, by the way, is the second-oldest temple in Tokyo. The temple and its surrounding area are famed for soba noodles, a national treasure-designated Buddha statue and, of course, this annual market for lucky dolls, which has been going on since Edo times.

What better way to warm up in winter than by savouring a hot bowl of noodles? Popular ramen restaurants from across Japan are gathering at Saitama Super Arena’s Keyaki Hiroba outdoor square for a massive ramen festival. The event is split into two parts, with each half showcasing a different selection of ramen. Don’t miss regional delights such as the ginger soy-sauce ramen of Menya Aishin from Niigata, or a ramen from Mie prefecture’s Nodogurotsukemen Smile that uses locally sourced Matsusaka pork slices, Kuwana mochi wheat noodles and Ise lobster for its broth. Closed on March 4th and 5th. Check the event website for more details. (Japanese only)

Step into a world where reality is reshaped at ‘A Miniature World x Hyakudan Kaidan’, an exhibition that invites you to explore Japan in its tiniest, most intricate forms. Held within the historic Hyakudan Kaidan, a designated tangible cultural property located at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, the event transforms seven rooms into enchanting realms of meticulously crafted miniatures.  Running until March 9, the exhibition showcases over 1,000 pieces that span a wide array of styles and periods, from Edo-period (1603–1867) dollhouses to contemporary hyper-realistic dioramas. A particular highlight is the Hinamatsuri collection, where Hina dolls and accessories evoke the refinement of Japan’s traditional Girls’ Day festival. In a dimly lit room, shimmering reflections from a still-water display enhance the exquisite details of these diminutive treasures. Going beyond traditional miniatures, the exhibition aims for an immersive experience that plays with perspective, inviting visitors to feel as if they have shrunk and entered a whimsical wonderland. By juxtaposing historical craftsmanship with modern mastery, ‘A Miniature World x Hyakudan Kaidan’ offers an extraordinary glimpse into the artistry of small-scale creations.

The Mori Arts Center Gallery takes you on a journey into the heart of one of the most enigmatic civilisations in history through a selection of masterpieces from the prestigious Egyptian collection of the Brooklyn Museum. Around 150 artefacts will be on display, ranging from monumental sculptures to delicate jewellery, ornate sarcophagi, pottery, human and animal mummies, and precious papyri. Guided by renowned Egyptologist Yukinori Kawae, visitors are invited to explore three millennia of history through three thematic sections. The first focuses on the daily lives of the people of ancient Egypt, while the second section is devoted to the figure of the pharaoh, holder of absolute power. Works related to twelve iconic kings are presented, tracing the evolution of the dynasty and the representation of the rulers. The final section explores ancient Egyptians’ beliefs about life after death. Grave goods, ritual instruments and reliefs depicting deities are on display, providing insight into the reasons for and techniques of mummification.

Cutting-edge technologies such as AI and the merging of virtual and real worlds are reshaping our planet at an ever-faster pace. A wider look back at human history, meanwhile, reveals that art and technology have always progressed in parallel: computer art, where the two spheres become truly enmeshed with each other, is the latest example of this. This boldly future-facing exhibition presents a selection of contemporary art whose creators have utilised AI, VR and game engines, as well as works produced entirely by generative AI. Together, these diverse exhibits explore radical new aesthetics, and revolutionary approaches to image-making. Among works that alternate between digital and real space, highlights include enchanting video works by Japan's Asako Fujikura, in which she uses 3D graphic rendering to create virtual cities where industrial materials move around as if alive. Beeple, meanwhile, an alias of US artist, designer and animator Mike Winkelmann, presents 'Human one' (2021). This kinetic video sculpture is intended to represent the first 'human' born within the metaverse, as they travel through a changing digital landscape. This exhibition is open until 10pm on April 29 and May 6.

Experience traditional Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints in motion at Warehouse Terrada this winter, as digital creative company Hitohata returns to Tokyo with a dazzling exhibition of works by many of Japan’s most prized artists, including Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige. The exhibition is set to open on December 21 and will go on until March 31. Expect to see vibrant artworks come to life with surging waves, falling sakura petals and moving flowers and trees. In addition to the digital exhibits, the museum will display a selection of famous ukiyo-e from the Edo period (1603–1867), making for a perfect chance to learn more about the art form’s history and culture. Tickets are currently on sale online, with early-bird ticket discounts available from kkday, eplus and Lawson Ticket until Dec 20. 

Yebisu Brewery Tokyo is holding a collaborative art exhibit between Yebisu Beer and manga artist Hirohiko Araki, creator of the bestselling series Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. Widely known for his unique artistic style and poses, Araki was invited to collaborate with Yebisu Beer to draw bijin-ga portraits inspired by advertisements produced by the brewery in the early 1900s. Bijin-ga is a term used for portraits of beautiful women in Japanese art, and the style was often applied to beer advertisements back in the day.  The exhibit will display Araki’s two three-metre tall modern interpretations of bijin-ga, drawn in his signature vivid style: ‘Western’ and ‘Peach Patrol.’ Don’t forget to get the limited-edition Araki-designed Ebisu Beer cans and merch on your way out, as they’re being released in limited quantities.

Believe it or not, SpongeBob SquarePants is turning 25. The lovable yellow deep-sea dweller has delighted audiences worldwide with his infectious enthusiasm and underwater adventures since debuting back in 1999. In that time, the Nickelodeon character has become – hell, it’s true – a global cultural icon, inspiring generations with his quirky humor and unforgettable catchphrases. Set in the whimsical world of Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob’s misadventures with Patrick, Squidward and company have transcended TV to influence films, Broadway and an ever-expanding universe of merchandise. To celebrate a quarter-century of SpongeBob, Seibu Shibuya will host ‘SpongeBob Snapshot Square’ from February 19 to March 9. Snapping pics in front of numerous photo spots featuring vibrant pop art, visitors can capture moments that make them feel like they’ve entered a real SpongeBob episode.  In addition to interactive displays, the event will feature Japan’s largest-ever SpongeBob pop-up store, offering a wide selection of character merch. A special highlight will be a collaboration with renowned marine researcher and artist Sakana-kun, whose exclusive SpongeBob-inspired artwork will be available for purchase.  Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the joy of SpongeBob, the Snapshot Square promises a fun-filled dive into an animated classic that continues to amuse and gross out viewers across generations.