# How to spend a weekend in Tokyo

Most of Tokyo's festivals, markets and pop-ups happen at the weekend, so two days can hold a surprising amount if you plan them by time of day and by area. This page is a practical plan for a Tokyo weekend: what to do in the morning, the afternoon and the evening, how to book, and what to do if it rains. The list below always shows the most notable events of the coming Saturday and Sunday and refreshes itself every day.

## How a Tokyo weekend works

Saturday is the big day. Neighbourhood festivals carry their mikoshi on Saturday and Sunday, markets and park festivals run both days, and Saturday afternoon is when every popular place is at its fullest. Sunday is a little calmer, and Sunday evening is noticeably quiet because people go home early for work on Monday.

Watch for three-day weekends. Several national holidays always fall on a Monday, and when they do, Tokyo fills up with day trippers and events often add a third day. Most museums close on Mondays, but when Monday is a holiday they usually open and close on Tuesday instead.

- → [Going to events in Tokyo: the basics](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/event-basics.md)
- → [A year of events in Tokyo, month by month](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tokyo-year.md)
- → [This weekend in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-weekend.md)
- → [This week in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-week.md)
- → [Next week in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/next-week.md)

## Saturday morning: markets and shrines

Mornings are the best part of a Tokyo weekend, before the crowds arrive. The [Farmer's Market](https://farmersmarkets.jp/) at the [United Nations University](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%9B%BD%E9%9A%9B%E9%80%A3%E5%90%88%E5%A4%A7%E5%AD%A6%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%8D5-53-70) in Aoyama, a short walk from Omotesando Station, runs every Saturday and Sunday with growers, coffee stands and food trucks. [Tsukiji Outer Market](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B0%E5%A0%B4%E5%A4%96%E5%B8%82%E5%A0%B4%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B04%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE) is better on Saturday than Sunday, because many of its shops close on Sundays and holidays. Antique and flea markets, such as the [Oedo Antique Market](https://www.antique-market.jp/) held about twice a month on the plaza of 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), are best early, when the good pieces are still there.

It is also the calmest time for the famous shrines and temples. [Meiji Jingu](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%98%8E%E6%B2%BB%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%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%BA1-1) and [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) are peaceful in the first hours after opening, and by late morning the approach to Sensoji is packed.

- Bring cash and a bag. Market stalls often do not take cards, and many do not give plastic bags.
- Check a market's calendar before going. Many are held only on certain weekends of the month.

- → [Flea, antique and craft markets in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/flea-markets.md)
- → [Traditional culture experiences in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/culture-experiences.md)
- → [Flea & Antique Markets events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/markets.md)
- → [Free events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/free.md)

## Afternoon: festivals and exhibitions

The afternoon is for the big outdoor events: food and country festivals in [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) and [Komazawa Olympic Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%A7%92%E6%B2%A2%E3%82%AA%E3%83%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%83%94%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E9%A7%92%E6%B2%A2%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%921-1), neighbourhood matsuri with portable shrines, fireworks evenings in summer. On weekend afternoons Chuo-dori in Ginza closes to cars, and in Akihabara the main street usually does the same on Sundays, which makes both pleasant to wander.

For a big exhibition in Ueno or Roppongi, book a timed ticket (日時指定) in advance, because weekend slots sell out first. If you have the choice, the last slot of the day or Sunday afternoon tends to be easier than Saturday around noon.

- → [Matsuri in Tokyo through the year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/matsuri.md)
- → [Food festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/food-festivals.md)
- → [Summer festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/summer-festivals.md)
- → [Matsuri & Festivals events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/matsuri.md)
- → [Art & Exhibitions events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/art.md)
- → [Food & Drink events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/food-drink.md)

## Evening: live music, lights and late nights

Tokyo evenings start early. Live house shows usually begin around 6:30 or 7pm and end before the last train, with a drink charge paid at the door on top of the ticket. Arena concerts end around 9pm, and the station afterwards is a crush, so either leave a few minutes before the encore or wait half an hour in a nearby cafe. In winter the illuminations are at their best right after dark, and in summer evening is the only comfortable time to be outside.

Book a table for dinner on Saturday night, as popular izakaya fill up. Last trains leave around midnight, and earlier on some lines. Clubs in Shibuya and Shinjuku run until the first trains at about 5am, which is how most people get home from a big night out.

- → [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)
- → [Winter illuminations in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/winter-illuminations.md)
- → [Fireworks festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/fireworks.md)
- → [Tonight in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/tonight.md)
- → [Live music in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/music.md)
- → [Concerts in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/concerts.md)

## Sunday: slower options

Sunday suits a gentler plan. Walk around [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) in Kichijoji, [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) or the gardens around Ueno, browse a flea market, or spend the morning in an old neighbourhood like Yanaka or Shibamata. Sunday is also the best day for families, with many children's events and workshops, and for going alone to something you would not drag friends to.

Events tend to finish earlier on Sunday, and on the last day of an exhibition or a convention the queues can be long. If something you want to see ends this weekend, go on Saturday or early Sunday.

- → [Tokyo with kids](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/kids.md)
- → [Going to events alone in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/solo.md)
- → [Flea, antique and craft markets in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/flea-markets.md)
- → [Free events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/free.md)
- → [Events in Taito](https://eventstokyo.com/en/taito.md)
- → [This weekend in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-weekend.md)

## How to pick from the list and book

The list ranks the weekend's events by how notable they are, so the top of it is a good shortlist. Open the event and follow the link to its official page: that is where you will find tickets, the latest schedule and the rain policy. A few Japanese phrases help a lot. 要予約 means a reservation is required, 整理券 is a numbered ticket handed out on the day, 当日券 is a same-day ticket, and 抽選 means seats are given out by lottery.

Concert and theatre tickets are usually sold through ticket sites such as e+, Ticket Pia and Lawson Ticket, often paid and picked up at a convenience store. For popular pop-ups and limited goods, people queue before opening, and many shops now use an online booking instead, so check their social account the day before.

- → [How to buy event tickets in Japan](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tickets.md)
- → [Going to events in Tokyo: the basics](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/event-basics.md)
- → [This weekend in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-weekend.md)
- → [Pop-up stores in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/pop-up.md)

## Combine by area, and keep a rain plan

Trains are fast, but crossing the city several times in a day eats your weekend. Pick one area for each half day and stack events close together: a museum in Ueno with a walk through Yanaka, a pop-up in Shibuya with a festival in Yoyogi Park, a convention at [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) with [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.

Look at the forecast on Friday. Outdoor events say what they do in rain: 雨天中止 means cancelled in rain, 小雨決行 means it goes ahead in light rain, and 荒天中止 means it is cancelled only in storms. On the morning itself, check the event's site or social account. For a wet day, the safe choices are museums, Tokyo Big Sight, malls with events, theatres and indoor markets.

- → [What to do in Tokyo when it rains](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/rainy-day.md)
- → [Tokyo neighbourhoods for events: where to go for what](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/neighbourhoods.md)
- → [Events in Shibuya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/shibuya.md)
- → [Events in Taito](https://eventstokyo.com/en/taito.md)
- → [Events in Koto](https://eventstokyo.com/en/koto.md)

## What a weekend costs

A Tokyo weekend can be very cheap. Most festivals, markets, shrines, parks, illuminations and many small exhibitions are free, and your main costs are food at the stalls and trains. Paid things add up faster: big exhibitions, concerts, live houses with their drink charge, and themed cafes.

Pay for trains with a Suica or PASMO card, or a phone wallet. If you plan to ride the subway a lot, the [Tokyo Subway Ticket](https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html) for visitors covers Tokyo Metro and Toei lines for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Keep some cash anyway, as street stalls, small bars and some ticket counters do not take cards.

- → [Tokyo on a budget: free things to do](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/budget.md)
- → [Free events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/free.md)
- → [This weekend in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-weekend.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 2: Yokohama DeNA BayStars (First Base Side) vs. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (Third Base Side)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/smbc2026-2dena1-3)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 18:00 (JST) · Yokohama Stadium (Naka, Yokohama) · price on the official site
- **[20th Koenji Festival 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/20jpy2026)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Koenji Station North Exit Plaza, Koenji Shopping District & Participating Shops (Suginami) · Free entry
- **[Tokorozawa Citizens' Festival](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokorozawa-citizens-festival)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 10:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Tokorozawa Citizens' Festival · Free entry
- **[Jimbocho Book Festival (Autumn, 34th)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/jimbocho-book-festival-autumn-34th)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 10:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Kanda Suzuran Street, Sakura Street and Jimbocho Mitsui Building Open Space (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[Full Metal Japan 2026 Is Bringing Wacken’s Spirit to Yokohama This October](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/full-metal-japan-2026-is-bringing-wackens-spirit-to-yokohama-this-october)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 13:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · PIA Arena MM (西区) · ¥23,000
- **[Yokohama Marathon 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/yokohama-marathon-2026-7710)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 08:30 (JST) · Pacifico Yokohama Rinko Park (Finish Area. Full Marathon Start at Yokohama Landmark Tower) (Nishi, Yokohama) · ¥25,000〜
- **[SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 2: Yokohama DeNA BayStars (First Base Side) vs. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (Third Base Side)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/smbc2026-2dena13)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 18:00 (JST) · Yokohama Stadium (Naka, Yokohama) · price on the official site
- **[Pro Wrestling NOAH Getworks Presents WRESTLE ODYSSEY II](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/getworks-presents-wrestle-odyssey)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 15:00 (JST) · Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumida) · ¥5,000–¥25,000
- **[Yo-Yo Ma Suntory Hall 40th Anniversary Special Concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/yo-yo-ma-suntory-hall-40th-anniversary-special-concert)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Suntory Hall, Main Hall (Minato) · ¥3,000〜
- **[Tokyo City Flea Market at Oi Racecourse](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-city-flea-market-2)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 09:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Oi Racecourse Parking Lot 1 Monorail Entrance (Shinagawa) · Free entry
- **[NCT 127 — NEO CITY: THE REDLINE (Tokyo)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/nct-127-neo-city-the-redline-tokyo-7952)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Saitama Super Arena (Saitama) · ¥14,800
- **[FULL METAL JAPAN 2026 ~Powered by WACKEN~](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/full-metal-japan-2026-powered-by-wacken-2)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · PIA Arena MM (西区) · ¥20,000〜
- **[Hiromi Go Budokan concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hiromi-go-budokan-concert)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 16:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Nippon Budokan (Tokyo) · price on the official site
- **[Vietnam Food Festival 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/vietnam-food-festival-2026)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 10:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Metropolitan Shiba Park (Minato) · Free entry
- **[Naniwa Boys LIVE TOUR 2026 'ND⁵'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/live-tour-2026-nd5)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 13:00 – Wed, Oct 28, 2026 (JST) · Lala Arena Tokyo Bay (千葉県) · price on the official site
- **[Machida Historical Festival 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/machida-historical-festival-2026)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Serigaya Park · price on the official site
- **[Oktoberfest 2026 at Arakawa Amusement Park](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/oktoberfest-2026-at-arakawa-amusement-park)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 10:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Arakawa Yuen (Arakawa) · ¥800
- **[Nikuon Machida BASE '26](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/base-26)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 11:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Machida Shibahiro (Machida) · Free entry
- **[Nakano Central Park 'Mottainai' Event](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/mottainai-2)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 10:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Nakano Central Park (Nakano) · price on the official site
- **[16th Annual Suginami Curry Battle](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/16th-annual-suginami-curry-battle)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Flat Sugihachi 'Sugihachi Park' (Suginami) · price on the official site
- **[Super American Festival Odaiba VOL.33](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/vol33)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 09:00 (JST) · Odaiba DiverCity Ultra Park (Koto) · ¥1,000〜
- **[Keyaki Music Festival 2026: Jazz in Fuchu](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/2026-jazzinfuchu)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 11:00 (JST) · Balt Hall (Fuchu) · Free entry
- **[Haikyuu!! Nationwide Tour Pop-Up Store: Second Lap](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/pop-up-store-14)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 10:00 – Sun, Nov 8, 2026 (JST) · Aeon Mall Kawaguchi Maekawa 2F Cybo Hall (Kawaguchi) · Free entry
- **[Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony 2026 (Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-grand-tea-ceremony-2026-edo-tokyo-open-air)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 10:30 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum (Koganei) · ¥500〜
- **[ITABASHI×TANITA×Asian Gothic Label Present ITaFES](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/itabashitanitaasian-gothic-label-present-itafes)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 11:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Arakawa Todabashi Green Space Barbecue Area in Itabashi, Tokyo · ¥8,250
- **[Kiramune Presents READING LIVE 2026 'Phantom Beauty' – 15th Anniversary Production](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/kiramune-presents-reading-live-2026phantom-beauty-reading-live-15)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 14:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Shibuya LOVEZ · ¥7,500〜¥10,000
- **[New Japan Pro-Wrestling SUPER Jr. TAG LEAGUE 2026: Road to POWER STRUGGLE](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/super-jr-tag-league-2026-road-to-power-struggle)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 17:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Kumagaya Civic Gymnasium · price on the official site
- **[Super Tokimeki♡Publicity Club: Lock On to Your Heart Tour 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tour-2026)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 17:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Ariake Arena (Koto) · ¥9,800
- **[Robot Anime Symphonic Concert: Starchild 45th Anniversary](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/robot-anime-symphonic-concert-starchild-45th-anniversary)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 18:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Nippon Seinenkan Hall (Shinjuku) · ¥15,000
- **[THE ALFEE Autumn Celebration 2026 Moonlight Rhapsody II](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/the-alfee-autumn-celebration-2026-moonlight-rhapsody-ii)** — Sat, Oct 24, 2026 18:00 – Sun, Oct 25, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo International Forum (Chiyoda) · ¥9,900

Showing 30 of 106.

## Questions people ask

**What's on in Tokyo this weekend?**
The list on this page shows the most notable events of the coming Saturday and Sunday and updates itself every day. Each event links to its official page for tickets and times.

**Are outdoor events in Tokyo cancelled when it rains?**
It depends on the event. Look for 雨天中止 (cancelled in rain), 小雨決行 (goes ahead in light rain) or 荒天中止 (cancelled only in storms), and check the official site on the morning.

**Do I need to book weekend events in advance?**
Festivals, markets and park events usually need no booking. Big exhibitions, popular pop-ups, concerts and theatre usually do, often with timed or lottery tickets.

**What can I do in Tokyo on a weekend for free?**
Neighbourhood festivals, flea and farmers markets, shrines and temples, park festivals, the Ginza pedestrian street and, in winter, most illuminations are free.

**How late do trains run on weekends in Tokyo?**
Last trains leave around midnight, a little earlier on some lines, and the first trains start at about 5am. There is no regular all-night service, so plan the way home or stay out until morning.

**Are Tokyo museums open at the weekend?**
Yes, and weekends are their busiest days. Most close on Mondays, but when Monday is a public holiday they usually open and close on Tuesday instead.

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