# Tokyo neighbourhoods for events: where to go for what

Tokyo works less like one city than like a few dozen neighbourhoods, each with its own crowd and its own calendar. The old festivals live in the east around Asakusa, anime in Akihabara and Ikebukuro, live music in the narrow streets of Shimokitazawa and Koenji, and the giant conventions out on the bay. Here is where to go for what, with links to the events in each area.

## Shibuya and Harajuku: youth culture, clubs and pop-ups

Shibuya is the city's youth district and the place where new things show up first. Brand and anime pop-up shops open and close every few weeks around [Shibuya PARCO](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7PARCO%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%AE%87%E7%94%B0%E5%B7%9D%E7%94%BA15-1) (home to Nintendo Tokyo and Pokémon Center Shibuya), [Miyashita Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=MIYASHITA%20PARK%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%89%8D6-20-10&query_place_id=ChIJURWUIuaNGGARvtlnJNz-AFQ) and the backstreets of Harajuku and Omotesando. At night the clubs and live venues cluster on the slopes of Dogenzaka and Maruyamacho. In recent years the ward has banned drinking on the street around Shibuya Station every night from 6pm to 5am, so drink inside bars, not on the crossing.

[Yoyogi Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E7%A5%9E%E5%9C%92%E7%94%BA2-1), next to Meiji Jingu, is the city's big weekend stage. From spring to autumn its event plaza hosts festivals for different countries, food and music events, and in June the Tokyo Pride festival. [NHK Hall](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=NHK%E3%83%9B%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%8D%972-2-1&query_place_id=ChIJ____Dq6MGGARzPpfqRJA0iA) and [Yoyogi National Gymnasium](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%9B%BD%E7%AB%8B%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E7%AB%B6%E6%8A%80%E5%A0%B4%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%8D%972-1-1) sit at the edge of the park, so on concert days the walk from Harajuku Station gets crowded.

- Pop-ups often need a free online reservation or a numbered ticket on the first days. Check the shop's social account before going.
- Yoyogi Park festivals are busiest on Saturday afternoons. Go before noon for shorter food queues.

- → [Harajuku and Omotesando: pop-ups, shrine and park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/harajuku.md)
- → [Clubs and nightlife in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/nightlife.md)
- → [Tokyo Pride](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tokyo-pride.md)
- → [Getting home after late events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/late-night.md)
- → [Events in Shibuya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/shibuya.md)
- → [Pop-up stores in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/pop-up.md)
- → [Live music in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/music.md)

## Shinjuku: nightlife, Ni-chome and Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku is two cities stacked together: office towers and the [Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%BA%81%E7%AC%AC%E4%B8%80%E6%9C%AC%E5%BA%81%E8%88%8E%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E8%A5%BF%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF2-8-1) on the west side, with a free observation deck and evening projection mapping on its facade, and the nightlife of the east side. Kabukicho is the largest entertainment district in Japan, with cinemas, live venues in [Tokyu Kabukicho Tower](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E6%80%A5%E6%AD%8C%E8%88%9E%E4%BC%8E%E7%94%BA%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AF%E3%83%BC%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E6%AD%8C%E8%88%9E%E4%BC%8E%E7%94%BA1-29-1) and a Godzilla head over the street. It is safe to walk around, but ignore street touts: following one into a bar is the classic way to get a huge bill. [Golden Gai](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E3%82%B4%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%87%E3%83%B3%E8%A1%97%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E6%AD%8C%E8%88%9E%E4%BC%8E%E7%94%BA1%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE), a few lanes of tiny bars, and [Omoide Yokocho](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%80%9D%E3%81%84%E5%87%BA%E6%A8%AA%E4%B8%81%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E8%A5%BF%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF1%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE), a strip of yakitori stalls by the tracks, are calmer and more fun.

Shinjuku Ni-chome is the centre of Tokyo's LGBTQ nightlife, with hundreds of small bars, many open to everyone, and it gets lively around Tokyo Pride. In the daytime, [Shinjuku Gyoen](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%BE%A1%E8%8B%91%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E5%86%85%E8%97%A4%E7%94%BA11) is one of the best gardens in the city for cherry blossoms in spring and chrysanthemums in November. It charges an entry fee and alcohol is not allowed inside, so plan a different spot for a drinking hanami.

- Some Golden Gai bars charge a seat fee. It is usually written on the door; ask if you are not sure.
- [Hanazono Shrine](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E8%8A%B1%E5%9C%92%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF5-17-3), right next to Golden Gai, holds the Tori-no-ichi rake market in November.

- → [Clubs and nightlife in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/nightlife.md)
- → [Getting home after late events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/late-night.md)
- → [Tokyo Pride](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tokyo-pride.md)
- → [Going to events alone in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/solo.md)
- → [Events in Shinjuku](https://eventstokyo.com/en/shinjuku.md)
- → [Tonight in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/tonight.md)
- → [Live music in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/music.md)

## Asakusa, Ueno and Yanaka: festivals, museums and temples

This is old Tokyo, and the best place for traditional festivals. [Sensoji](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E5%AF%BA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%892-3-1) in Asakusa hosts the Sanja Matsuri in May, the hozuki market in July and the battledore fair in December, and the Sumida River fireworks are launched just upstream. In late August the Asakusa Samba Carnival takes over the same streets. [Kappabashi](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%81%8B%E3%81%A3%E3%81%B1%E6%A9%8B%E9%81%93%E5%85%B7%E8%A1%97%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%9D%BE%E3%81%8C%E8%B0%B73%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE&query_place_id=ChIJXYV-6JWOGGAR85vIZbM1RCE), a street of kitchenware shops, is a short walk away.

[Ueno Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%8A%E9%87%8E%E6%81%A9%E8%B3%9C%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%8A%E9%87%8E%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%927-47) holds the biggest cluster of museums in the country: the [Tokyo National Museum](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E5%9B%BD%E7%AB%8B%E5%8D%9A%E7%89%A9%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%8A%E9%87%8E%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%9213-9), the [National Museum of Western Art](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%9B%BD%E7%AB%8B%E8%A5%BF%E6%B4%8B%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%8A%E9%87%8E%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%927-7), the National Museum of Nature and Science and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, plus Ueno Zoo and a famous hanami avenue. Big touring exhibitions usually land here. North of the park, Yanaka is a low-rise neighbourhood of temples, a shopping street, small galleries and a cemetery lined with cherry trees, and [Nezu Shrine](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%A0%B9%E6%B4%A5%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%87%E4%BA%AC%E5%8C%BA%E6%A0%B9%E6%B4%A51-28-9) next door holds an azalea festival in April.

- → [Asakusa: temple fairs, festivals and old Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/asakusa.md)
- → [Ueno and Yanaka: museums, parks and old streets](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/ueno.md)
- → [Matsuri in Tokyo through the year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/matsuri.md)
- → [Traditional culture experiences in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/culture-experiences.md)
- → [Cherry blossom season in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/sakura.md)
- → [Fireworks festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/fireworks.md)
- → [Events in Taito](https://eventstokyo.com/en/taito.md)
- → [Events in Bunkyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/bunkyo.md)
- → [Art & Exhibitions events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/art.md)
- → [Matsuri & Festivals events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/matsuri.md)

## Akihabara, Ikebukuro and Nakano: anime and games

Akihabara is the classic anime and electronics district: multi-storey figure and manga shops, retro game stores, arcades and maid cafes. On Sunday afternoons the main street, Chuo-dori, usually closes to cars. [Kanda Myojin](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%A5%9E%E7%94%B0%E6%98%8E%E7%A5%9E%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%A4%96%E7%A5%9E%E7%94%B02-16-2), a short walk up the hill, runs anime collaborations and is the home of the Kanda Matsuri in May.

Ikebukuro is the other anime capital, with the [Animate flagship store](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%82%A2%E3%83%8B%E3%83%A1%E3%82%A4%E3%83%88%E6%B1%A0%E8%A2%8B%E6%9C%AC%E5%BA%97%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E8%B1%8A%E5%B3%B6%E5%8C%BA%E6%9D%B1%E6%B1%A0%E8%A2%8B1-20-7&query_place_id=ChIJi0VhQ2-NGGARGsbajebyPVA), [Sunshine City](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%82%B5%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A3%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B7%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E8%B1%8A%E5%B3%B6%E5%8C%BA%E6%9D%B1%E6%B1%A0%E8%A2%8B3-1) (home to a big Pokémon Center) and [Otome Road](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B9%99%E5%A5%B3%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E8%B1%8A%E5%B3%B6%E5%8C%BA%E6%9D%B1%E6%B1%A0%E8%A2%8B3%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE), a row of shops aimed at female fans. It hosts the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival in late October and many character cafes and collaboration events through the year. [Nakano Broadway](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%AD%E9%87%8E%E3%83%96%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89%E3%82%A6%E3%82%A7%E3%82%A4%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E9%87%8E%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%AD%E9%87%8E5-52-15), a 1960s shopping arcade a few stops west of Shinjuku, is full of second-hand manga, figures and collectibles.

- → [Akihabara: anime, games and events](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/akihabara.md)
- → [Ikebukuro: anime, Sunshine City and open-air stages](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/ikebukuro.md)
- → [Anime, manga and game events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/anime.md)
- → [Comiket (Comic Market) in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/comiket.md)
- → [Halloween in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/halloween.md)
- → [Events in Chiyoda](https://eventstokyo.com/en/chiyoda.md)
- → [Events in Toshima](https://eventstokyo.com/en/toshima.md)
- → [Events in Nakano](https://eventstokyo.com/en/nakano.md)
- → [Pop Culture & Conventions events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/pop-culture.md)
- → [Gaming & Game Shows events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/gaming.md)

## Roppongi, Ginza and Marunouchi: art, lights and polish

Roppongi is Tokyo's art district by day. The [Mori Art Museum](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%A3%AE%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A86-10-1) at Roppongi Hills, the [National Art Center](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%9B%BD%E7%AB%8B%E6%96%B0%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A87-22-2) and the [Suntory Museum of Art](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%82%B5%E3%83%B3%E3%83%88%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E8%B5%A4%E5%9D%829-7-4) at Tokyo Midtown sit within walking distance of each other, and [teamLab Borderless](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%83%81%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A0%E3%83%A9%E3%83%9C%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%80%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B9%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E9%BA%BB%E5%B8%83%E5%8F%B01-2-4) is at nearby Azabudai Hills. In winter, Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown run some of the best-known illuminations and a German-style Christmas market. At night Roppongi is a club district with a large international crowd, and the same caution about touts applies as in Kabukicho.

Ginza is the polished one: department stores, galleries, the [Kabukiza](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%AD%8C%E8%88%9E%E4%BC%8E%E5%BA%A7%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E9%8A%80%E5%BA%A74-12-15) theatre, and on weekend afternoons the main street, Chuo-dori, closes to cars and becomes a walking promenade. Marunouchi and Hibiya, between Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace, light up [Naka-dori](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%B8%E3%81%AE%E5%86%85%E4%BB%B2%E9%80%9A%E3%82%8A%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%B8%E3%81%AE%E5%86%852%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE) with trees full of lights in winter. [Hibiya Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%97%A5%E6%AF%94%E8%B0%B7%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E6%97%A5%E6%AF%94%E8%B0%B7%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%921-6) hosts food events and a Christmas market, and the [Tokyo International Forum](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E5%9B%BD%E9%9A%9B%E3%83%95%E3%82%A9%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A9%E3%83%A0%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%B8%E3%81%AE%E5%86%853-5-1) holds the Oedo Antique Market on its plaza about twice a month.

- → [Roppongi: art, winter lights and nights out](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/roppongi.md)
- → [Ginza, Yurakucho and Hibiya: events and tips](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/ginza.md)
- → [Winter illuminations in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/winter-illuminations.md)
- → [Christmas in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/christmas.md)
- → [Traditional culture experiences in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/culture-experiences.md)
- → [Flea, antique and craft markets in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/flea-markets.md)
- → [Events in Minato](https://eventstokyo.com/en/minato.md)
- → [Events in Chuo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/chuo.md)
- → [Events in Chiyoda](https://eventstokyo.com/en/chiyoda.md)
- → [Art & Exhibitions events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/art.md)

## Shimokitazawa, Koenji and Kichijoji: live houses and vintage

West of Shibuya and Shinjuku is where Tokyo's indie life happens. Shimokitazawa in Setagaya is a maze of vintage clothing shops, curry houses, small theatres led by the [Honda Theater](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9C%AC%E5%A4%9A%E5%8A%87%E5%A0%B4%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A22-10-15), and basement live houses where bands play almost every night. Koenji in Suginami is scruffier and proud of it: punk and indie live houses, more vintage shops and cheap bars, and on the last weekend of August the streets fill with the Koenji Awa Odori.

Kichijoji, technically just outside the wards, is calmer. [Inokashira Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BA%95%E3%81%AE%E9%A0%AD%E6%81%A9%E8%B3%9C%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E9%87%8E%E5%B8%82%E5%BE%A1%E6%AE%BF%E5%B1%B11-18-31) has buskers and swan boats on its pond, and the [Ghibli Museum](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%89%E9%B7%B9%E3%81%AE%E6%A3%AE%E3%82%B8%E3%83%96%E3%83%AA%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%89%E9%B7%B9%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%8B%E9%80%A3%E9%9B%801-1-83) is a walk away in Mitaka ([tickets](https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/tickets/) are sold in advance for timed entry only). At live houses everywhere, expect to pay a drink charge at the door on top of the ticket, often in cash.

- On weekends and holidays, JR Chuo Line rapid trains skip Koenji. Take the yellow Chuo-Sobu Line local instead.
- Most live house shows start early, around 6:30 or 7pm, and finish before the last train.

- → [Shimokitazawa: live houses, small theatres and vintage](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shimokitazawa.md)
- → [Koenji: punk live houses, vintage and Awa Odori](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/koenji.md)
- → [Kichijoji: Inokashira Park, live music and yokocho](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/kichijoji.md)
- → [Clubs and nightlife in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/nightlife.md)
- → [Tokyo on a budget: free things to do](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/budget.md)
- → [Going to events alone in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/solo.md)
- → [Events in Setagaya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/setagaya.md)
- → [Events in Suginami](https://eventstokyo.com/en/suginami.md)
- → [Live music in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/music.md)
- → [Concerts in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/concerts.md)

## Odaiba, Ariake and Toyosu: conventions and the waterfront

The reclaimed islands in Tokyo Bay host the city's biggest indoor events. [Tokyo Big Sight](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%83%93%E3%83%83%E3%82%B0%E3%82%B5%E3%82%A4%E3%83%88%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B1%9F%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%9C%89%E6%98%8E3-11-1) in Ariake is the home of Comiket, Design Festa and many trade fairs, and [Ariake Arena](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9C%89%E6%98%8E%E3%82%A2%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%8A%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B1%9F%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%9C%89%E6%98%8E1-11-1) and [Tokyo Garden Theater](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%82%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%83%87%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B7%E3%82%A2%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B1%9F%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%9C%89%E6%98%8E2-1-6) nearby are major concert halls. [teamLab Planets](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%83%81%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A0%E3%83%A9%E3%83%9C%E3%83%97%E3%83%A9%E3%83%8D%E3%83%83%E3%83%84%20TOKYO%20DMM%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B1%9F%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E8%B1%8A%E6%B4%B26-1-16) in Toyosu, where you walk barefoot through water and mirrored rooms, is one of the most visited art spaces in the city.

Odaiba itself is a seaside leisure area with shopping malls, the [Zepp DiverCity](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Zepp%20DiverCity%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B1%9F%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E9%9D%92%E6%B5%B71-1-10&query_place_id=ChIJ9asxJPiJGGARYejRf2YfJHg) live house and views of the Rainbow Bridge from the [artificial beach](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%81%8A%E5%8F%B0%E5%A0%B4%E6%B5%B7%E6%B5%9C%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E5%8F%B0%E5%A0%B41-4&query_place_id=ChIJ18IK6x2KGGARKTc2yLS-030). The automated Yurikamome line and the Rinkai line connect the area. On big convention days both get packed in the morning, so leave early or walk from a station one stop away.

- → [Odaiba, Ariake and Toyosu: events on the bay](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/odaiba.md)
- → [Comiket (Comic Market) in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/comiket.md)
- → [Anime, manga and game events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/anime.md)
- → [Tokyo with kids](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/kids.md)
- → [What to do in Tokyo when it rains](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/rainy-day.md)
- → [Events in Koto](https://eventstokyo.com/en/koto.md)
- → [Events in Minato](https://eventstokyo.com/en/minato.md)
- → [Pop Culture & Conventions events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/pop-culture.md)
- → [Concerts in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/concerts.md)

## Ryogoku: the home of sumo

Ryogoku in Sumida ward, just across the river from Asakusa, is where three of the six yearly sumo tournaments take place, at [Ryogoku Kokugikan](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%A1%E5%9B%BD%E5%9B%BD%E6%8A%80%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%A2%A8%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E6%A8%AA%E7%B6%B21-3-28) in January, May and September. Several sumo stables are in the area, so it is common to see wrestlers in yukata walking to the station, and the streets are lined with restaurants serving chanko nabe, the wrestlers' hot pot. Outside tournament weeks the arena hosts concerts and pro wrestling.

Next door, the [Edo-Tokyo Museum](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B1%9F%E6%88%B8%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E5%8D%9A%E7%89%A9%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%A2%A8%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E6%A8%AA%E7%B6%B21-4-1) reopened in March 2026 after a renovation of about four years, with full-size reconstructions of old Tokyo. The [Sumida Hokusai Museum](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%81%99%E3%81%BF%E3%81%A0%E5%8C%97%E6%96%8E%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%A2%A8%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E4%BA%80%E6%B2%A22-7-2&query_place_id=ChIJgRjTtzOJGGARqoKBtB8BAno) and the small [Kyu-Yasuda Garden](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%97%A7%E5%AE%89%E7%94%B0%E5%BA%AD%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%A2%A8%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E6%A8%AA%E7%B6%B21-12-1) are a short walk away, which makes Ryogoku an easy half day even without a tournament.

- → [Sumo in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/sumo.md)
- → [Watching sports in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/sports.md)
- → [Traditional culture experiences in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/culture-experiences.md)
- → [Events in Sumida](https://eventstokyo.com/en/sumida.md)
- → [Sports in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/sports.md)

## Day trips: Yokohama, Kamakura and Makuhari

Some big events are just outside the city. Yokohama, about half an hour from Shibuya or Tokyo Station, has the [Red Brick Warehouse](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%A8%AA%E6%B5%9C%E8%B5%A4%E3%83%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%AC%E5%80%89%E5%BA%AB%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E6%A8%AA%E6%B5%9C%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%8C%BA%E6%96%B0%E6%B8%AF1-1) with seasonal festivals and a Christmas market, [Chinatown](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%A8%AA%E6%B5%9C%E4%B8%AD%E8%8F%AF%E8%A1%97%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E6%A8%AA%E6%B5%9C%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%8C%BA%E5%B1%B1%E4%B8%8B%E7%94%BA) and large concert halls in Minato Mirai. Kamakura, about an hour away by JR, is the classic temple town, at its busiest in June when the hydrangeas bloom at [Meigetsuin](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%98%8E%E6%9C%88%E9%99%A2%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E5%B1%B1%E3%83%8E%E5%86%85189) and [Hasedera](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%95%B7%E8%B0%B7%E5%AF%BA%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E9%95%B7%E8%B0%B73-11-2).

[Makuhari Messe](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%B9%95%E5%BC%B5%E3%83%A1%E3%83%83%E3%82%BB%20%E5%8D%83%E8%91%89%E7%9C%8C%E5%8D%83%E8%91%89%E5%B8%82%E7%BE%8E%E6%B5%9C%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%AD%E7%80%AC2-1) in Chiba, about half an hour from Tokyo Station on the JR Keiyo Line, hosts Tokyo Game Show, Jump Festa and the COUNTDOWN JAPAN festival, and Summer Sonic plays the stadium and halls next door. Our listings include these greater Tokyo venues, so check the area before you buy a ticket.

- → [Yokohama as a day trip: concerts, Chinatown, harbour](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/yokohama.md)
- → [Festival day trips from Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/day-trips.md)
- → [How to buy event tickets in Japan](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tickets.md)
- → [Anime, manga and game events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/anime.md)
- → [Flower festivals in Tokyo through the year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/flowers.md)
- → [Concerts in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/concerts.md)
- → [Gaming & Game Shows events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/gaming.md)

## Questions people ask

**Which Tokyo neighbourhood is best for first-time visitors?**
Asakusa and Ueno for traditional Tokyo and museums, Shibuya and Harajuku for youth culture and shopping. Both are easy to reach and have events almost every weekend.

**Where is the best nightlife in Tokyo?**
Shinjuku (Golden Gai, Kabukicho, Ni-chome) and Shibuya have the most going on, Roppongi has the biggest international club scene, and Shimokitazawa and Koenji are best for small live music venues.

**Is Kabukicho safe?**
Walking around is generally safe and the area is busy late into the night. The real risk is overcharging: ignore street touts and only go into bars that show their prices.

**Where do anime events take place in Tokyo?**
Shops, cafes and pop-ups are in Akihabara, Ikebukuro and Nakano, while the big fairs such as Comiket and Design Festa are held at Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake.

**Is Makuhari Messe in Tokyo?**
No, it is in Chiba, about half an hour from Tokyo Station on the JR Keiyo Line. Tokyo Game Show and several big music festivals are held there.

**Where should I stay to get to events easily?**
Anywhere near a Yamanote Line station, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno or Tokyo Station, keeps most areas within half an hour. If you plan late nights out, stay close to where you will be, as trains stop around midnight.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/neighbourhoods