10 Best Must-See Events in Tokyo, November 2017 (w/Photos)

In November many events are held in Tokyo. In these events you can experience Traditional Japanese culture, satisfy yourself with wonderful cuisines and indulge yourself in fine arts, to mention a few. In this issue we introduce 10 best events. Let’s enjoy Tokyo in November!

Traditional Festivals

1. The Autumn Festival of “Meiji Jingu” Shrine, 29^th October – 3^rd November, 2017

Source: flickr

If you really want to enjoy a traditional Japanese festival, we would recommend popular “Autumn Festival” at “Meiji Jingu” Shrine held every year. “Meiji Jingu” Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Japan with a history of more than 100 years. It is worshipped so much that more than 3 million people visit to pray during 3 days of the New Year, called “Hatsumode” (the first visit to a shrine of the year). As for the Autumn Festival, “Yabusame” is the most popular attraction. A warrior riding a horse shoots an arrow to a target from a bow and this spectacle is dedicated to God. Even President Obama once enjoyed the spectacle. It will be your very exciting experience watching it so closely. Also you can watch other traditional spectacles dedicated to God such as “Momoteshiki” where people in traditional costume shoot arrows to a target, “Aiki-do” one of martial arts, and art performances called “No” and “Kyogen”. Why not go to the “Autumn Festival” at “Meiji Jingu” Shrine where you can watch various traditional ceremonial events held in the precinct with divine ambience?

Schedule

・Events dates

1^st November (Wed) – 3rd November (Fri), 2017

・Schedule of the events

1^st November: 12:00   “No” and “Kyogen”

2^nd November: 11:45  “Hougaku Houbu” (Japanese music and dance)

3^rd November: 9:00   Demonstration of “Aiki-do”

11:00  “Momoteshiki”

13:00  “Yabusame”

Access & Address

・Venue

In the precinct of “Meiji Jingu” Shrine

・Direction

10 minutes walk from “Harajuku” JR Station

10 minutes walk from “Yoyogi” subway station

・Travel time from main station

30 minutes from “Tokyo” Station (Train & Walk)

・Address

1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

・Map

Admission fee and reservation

Admission free

Reservation not required

Official site

Official site URL:  http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/news/171002.html

Events for Experiencing Traditional Culture and to Get to Know Histories

2. Exhibition of Ancient Andean Civilizations: 21^st October 2017 – 18^th February 2018

Source: Ancient Andean Civilizations of the ANDES

The National Museum of Nature and Science, the most historic museum in Japan, will hold an exhibition of Ancient Andean Civilization from October. It is highly recommended if you are interested in history. The museum was founded in 1877 and possesses more than 4.52 million valuable collections.

This exhibition especially draws your attention because wonder vestiges of 9 civilizations of Andes such as Machu Picchu and Nazuca Lines will be displayed in historical sequence. You will understand human settlement in Andes, evolvements of its religion, society and politics. English and Chinese guides are available for foreigners. Why not spend some time plunging into the ancient history?

Schedule

・Dates and Hours

21^st October 2017 – 18^th February 2018

9:00 – 17:00 (Fri. & Sat. till 20:00)

Commemorative lecture: at 13:00 on 22^nd October (Sun) and 26^th November (Sun)

Photo session of alpacas: 11:00 – 15:00 on 26^th December (Sun)

Access & Address

・Venue

The National Museum of Nature and Science

・Direction

5 minutes walk from Exit “Koen-guchi” of “Ueno” JR Station

・Travel time from main station

12 minutes from “Tokyo” Station by train & walk

・Address

7-20 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8718

・Map

Admission fee & Reservation

Adult & university students: Yen1,400 (advance ticket), Yen 1,600 (day’s ticket)

Students (elementary, junior-high, senior-high): Yen500 (advance ticket), Yen 600 (day’s ticket)

Night tickets for couple: Yen2,000 (available only on Fri & Sat)

Official site

http://andes2017-2019.main.jp/andes_web/index.html

Gourmet Events

3. “Tokyo ‘Ramen’ Show”: 26^th October – 5^th November, 2017

Source: 麺やこうじ

Among Japanese cuisines “Ramen” is getting more popular recently. We will introduce “Tokyo Ramen Show 2017” where you can enjoy varieties of “Ramen” as much as you want. This year it will be the 9^th show since 2009. The purpose of this event with many ideas is for people around the world to enjoy “Ramen”. Many popular “Ramens” with specialties of soup, noodles and toppings, from all over Japan will be brought to the show. There will be 36 shops altogether throughout the period of show by replacing the shops in the half of the period. It is one of the biggest events of this kind. This is your only chance to enjoy many popular “Ramens” from different regions in one day. Why not indulge yourself with “Ramen” for your memory of Japan at the show?

Schedule

・Dates & Hours

26^th October – 5^th November, 2017

10:00 – 21:00

Access & Address

・Venue

“Chuo-hiroba”, Komazawa Olympic Park

・Direction

4minutes by bus from “Komazawa Daigaku” Station, Tokyu “Den-en Toshi” Line

・Travel time from main station

About 10 minutes by train and bus from “Shibuya” Station

・Address

1-1 Komazawa-Koen, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

・Map

Admission fee & Reservation

Admission free

For eating “Ramen” buy a “Ramen” ticket at a shop: Yen 850 for one Ramen

Reservation not required

Official site

http://www.ramenshow.com/

Events to Enjoy the Nature

4. “Momiji-gari” (Autumnal Tints) in Mt. “Takao-san” 1^st – 30^th November, 2017

Source: Amusen

“Mt. “Takao-san” is reachable in around one hour by train from central Tokyo. It is famous for its autumnal tints and an event called “Momiji-gari” (to admire the autumnal tints) is held every year. In this issue we introduce “Momiji-gari” in Mt. “Takaosan” for those who want to enjoy the nature in Japan. Mt. “Takaosan” is 599m high and suitable for hiking. It is designated as quasi national park and there are 1,200 kinds of plants and 100 kinds of birds. Along the cable car railway there are various kinds of maple trees which enable you to enjoy very beautiful autumnal tints from the cable car.  The autumnal tints in the whole mountain last one month and as such we recommend you to visit the mountain if you visit Japan around this season. You surely can experience Japanese festivity with “Masu-zake” (“sake” served by small wooden cup) and music concerts. Highly recommended!

Schedule

・Dates and Hours

1^st – 30^th November, 2017

10:00 – 16:00

・Schedule of attractions

Local dances: 12:00 – 14:00 on 3^rd November, 2017

Concert of cello: 10:30 – 13:30 on 4^th November, 2017

“Yosakoi Soran”: (Local dance and music): 12:000-14:00 on 30^th November

Access & Address

・Venue

The station square of “Kiyotaki” cable car station, 11-chome “Chya-mae” and “Takao Shinrin Fureai Center”

・Direction

5 minutes walk from “Takaosan-guchi” Station, Keio Takao Line

・Travel time from main station

About one hour from “Shinjuku” Station, Keio Line

・Address

Takao-machi, Hachioji-city, Tokyo 193-0844

・Map

Admission fee & Reservation

Admission free

Reservation not required

Official site

http://www.city.hachioji.tokyo.jp/kankobunka/001/p003253.html

Sports Event

5. The 12^th “Setagaya” 246 Half Marathon – The 85^th Anniversary of Inauguration of “Setagaya” Ward: 12^th November, 2017

Source: flickr

The 12^th “Setagaya” Half Marathon will be held this year. It is highly recommended if you would like to enjoy sports in Tokyo in the autumn. Everybody can participate in this half marathon which will start from “Komazawa” Olympic Park Stadium and end at the same stadium. This event is also for charity purpose for the recovery of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The registration for participation starts July every year. Since there are so many applicants for participation in the event, they will be picked up by drawings. In the main venue of “Komazawa” Olympic Park, there are “Kenko” Marathon (a short course marathon for beginners and children) and other events which non runners can participate. In Japan the autumn is a season for sports. Why not enjoy the autumn in Japan and shed some sweat by participating in sports?

Schedule

・Dates & Hours

12^th November, 2017

From 8:05

・Schedule of the events

・5km(A)

Eligible: from Junior high school students up to 39 years old

Max. number of participants: 300

Time limit: 40 minutes

Fee for participation: Junior high school students; Yen300,

Senior high school students or above; Yen1,000

・5km(B)

Eligible: 40years old or above

Max. number of participants: 300

Time limit: 40 minutes

Fee for participation: Yen1,000

Access & Address

・Venue

“Komazawa” Olympic Park

・Direction

15 minutes walk from “Komazawa Daigaku” Station, Tokyu Den-en Toshi Line

・Travel time from main station

About 20 minutes from “Shibuya” Station by train and walk

・Address

1-1 Komazawa Koen, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0013

・Map

Admission fee & Reservation

Fee: 1,000 for each event

Reservation required

Official site

http://www.se-sports.or.jp/246/

Modern Art Event

6. “Kaii Higashiyama” : Exhibition of MOMAT Collections: 12^th September – 5^th November, 2017

Source: The National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) is the first museum to start a regular display of modern arts in Japan. You shouldn’t miss it if you visit museums in Japan. MOMAT possesses 17 works of “Kaii Higashiyama” for its collection, all of which are displayed in this exhibition. His works are much appreciated for representation of Japanese spirit and contemplation of nature. This is a rare opportunity to see the works of a top Japanese artist. A guided tour is available. This is a must-visit exhibition, if you are interested in Japanese cultures and arts.

Schedule

・Dates & Hours

12^th September – 5^th November, 2017

14:00 – 15:00

High-lights Tour

Dates: 1^st October 2017 (Sun)

5^th November 2017 (Sun)

Hours: 11:00 – 12:00

Assembly point: Gallery for the Collection (in front of elevator on 4^F)

Lectures by Curators

Date      : 27^th May (Sat)

Curator   : Kaori Tsurumi

Theme    : “100 years of ‘Kokuga Sosaku Kyokai’ (Organization of Japanese-style Paintings Creation)”

Hours     : 14:00 – 15:00

Venue     : Gallery of Collection at the elevator hall on 3F

Date      : 30^th June (Fri)

Curator   : Tomohiro Masuda

Theme    : “From a view sideways”

Hours     : 19:00 – 20:00

Venue     : at the elevator hall on 2F

Access & Address

・Venue

The Gallery of Collection, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (Please assemble at the entrance on 1F)

・Direction

3 minutes walk from Exit 1B at “Takebashi” Station, Tokyo Metro “Tozai” Line

・Travel time from main station

About 11 minutes from “Otemachi” Station by subway and walk

・Address

3-1 Kitanomaru-Koen, Chiyada-ku, Tokyo 102-8322

・Map

Admission fee and Reservation

Admission fee for Exhibition

Adult: Yen500 (Group Yen400)

University student: Yen250 (Group Yen200)

Discounted ticket available from 5:00p.m.:

Adult: Yen300

University student: Yen150

Reservation not required

Official site

http://www.momat.go.jp/am/exhibition/permanent20170912/#section1-1

7. The 45^th Tokyo Motor Show 2017: 27^th October – 5^th November, 2017

Source: flickr

“Japan” reminds you of famous motorcars. In this issue we introduce “Tokyo Motor Show 2017”, the biggest motor show in Japan held in Tokyo. Not only from Japan but also from all over the world, many auto makers participate in this event. It is one of 5 biggest shows in the world and attracts international attention. In addition to auto makers, tire manufacturers as well as parts producers participate. There are many events which you can participate and experience. Everybody, regardless of age, can enjoy the show because there are test-rides and playing-games, and a “Tomica” (miniature cars by “Tomy”) corner. Since the show is held only every two years, if you miss this chance this year, the next show will be in 2019. Highly recommended not only for car fans but also for those who want to see the latest technology, or are interested in Japanese cars!

Schedule

・Dates & Hours

27^th October – 5^th November, 2017

Mon – Sat (incl. national holidays): 10:00 – 20:00

Sun: 10:00 – 18:00

・Guided tour

5 days only: 27^th October (Fri), 30^th October (Mon) – 2^nd November (Thu)

4 tours a day (1^st: 10:00 – 12:00, 2^nd: 12:30 – 14:30, 3^rd: 15:00 – 17:00, 4^th: 17:30 – 19:30)

Note: Only 2 tours on 27^th October (Sun), (1^st: 12:30 – 14:30, 2nd: 15:00 – 17:00)

Access & Address

・Venue

Tokyo Big Sight

・Direction

7 minutes walk from “Kokusai Tenji-jo” Station, “Rinkai” Line

3 minutes walk from “Kokusai Tenjijo Seimon” Station, “Yurikamome” Line

・Travel time from main station

30 minutes from “Shinbashi” Station by train, “Yurikamome” Line

・Address

3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo

・Map

Admission fee & Reservation

Admission fee:

Adult: Yen1,800

(advance ticket: Yen1,600, after 16:00 Yen900 [day’s ticket except Sunday])

Senior high school student: Yen600

(advance ticket: Yen500, after 16:00 Yen300 [day’s ticket except Sunday])

Junior high school student or under: Free

Reservation not required

Official site

http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/

８．Exhibition of “Seji Togo’s” Paintings – “Secrets of his Lyricism and Beauty”: Commemoration of his 120^th Birthday: 16^th September – 12^th November, 2017

Source: Seiji Togo Memorial Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Museum of Art

“Seiji Togo” was the foremost western style painter in Japan. His special retrospective exhibition is being Birthday”, there are many of his works including private collections displayed for the first time to the public. In addition to 60 paintings you will find published materials and photos relating to his works and his period. You will see the historical background of volatile 1930’s through his works. You would appreciate western paintings by Japanese perceptions. Highly recommended to get to know the Japanese art!

Schedule

・Dates & Hours

16^th September – 12^th November, 2017

10:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. (admission by 5:30p.m.)

Access & Address

・Venue

The Seiji Togo Memorial, Sompo Japan Nippon Koa Museum of Art,

42F “Sonpo-Japan-Nihon-Kow” bldg

・Direction

5 minutes walk from Exit West at “Shinjuku” JR Station / “Shinjuku” Station or “Nishi-Shinjuku” Station of “Marunouchi” subway line / “Shinjuku Nishi-guchi” Station of “Oedo” subway line

・Travel time from main station

22 minutes from “Tokyo” Station by train

・Address

1-26-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8338

・Map

Admission fee & Hours

Adult: Yen1,200 *(Yen1,000)

Students senior high school or university: Yen800 *(Yen650)

65 years old or above: Yen1,000

Junior high school student or below: free

*Shown in the bracket ( ) Admission fee per person for a group more than 20 people and advance ticket

Reservation not required

Official site

http://www.sjnk-museum.org/program/current/4953.html

9. Special Exhibition “Chagall – the Third Dimension”: 16^th September – 3^rd December, 2017

Source: 星のつぶやき

Marc Chagall, renowned engraver created many sculptures in his later years. We introduce an exhibition held at “Tokyo Station Gallery” where you will find his unknown works of sculpture. Since the gallery is located close to “Tokyo” Station, you have a very convenient access to it. This is the first exhibition in Japan to display his sculptures. For better understanding his works, the display is arranged to guide his sculpture along with related his two dimensioned paintings and sketches. The exhibition is composed of 170 works including 70 oil and watercolor paintings, 60 sculptures and ceramics, and 40 sketches and prints. When you pass by “Tokyo” Station, why not drop by the museum as well?

Schedule

・Dates & Hours

16^th September – 3^rd December, 2017

10:00 – 18:00

• On Fridays open till 20:00

• Last admission: 30 minutes before the closing

Access & Address

・Venue

Tokyo Station Gallery

・Direction

Just next to Exit “Marunouchi Kitaguchi” at “Tokyo” Station

・Travel time from main station

15 minutes by train from “Shinjuku” Station

・Address

1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005

・Map

Admission fee & Reservation

Adult Yen: 1,300 (advance ticket Yen1,100),

Students senior high school and university: Yen1,100 (advance ticket 900)

Junior high school student or under: free

Reservation not required

Official site

http://www.ejrcf.or.jp/gallery/exhibition/201709_chagall.html

10. The 4^th Exhibition of Nitten (Newly Reorganied): 3^rd November – 10^th December, 2017

Source: 日展

If you want to enjoy arts in Japan, the 4^th Nitten (newly reorganized) Exhibition is highly recommended. The contest and exhibition commonly known as “Nitten” is an abbreviation of “Nippon Bijutsu Tenrankai” (Japan Arts Exhibition) and has a history of more than 100 years. There are 5 categories for contest open for the public to participate, namely Japanese Style Painting, Western Style Painting, Sculpture, Craft and Sho (calligraphy). The works selected by the judges are displayed. Around 6,000 entries are made. It is a good opportunity to enjoy various genres of Japanese arts at the same time. During the period of exhibition there are events such as “Enjoy arts by parents and children together”, symposiums and lectures of the works etc., and therefore everyone, regardless of age, can enjoy arts. It would also be interesting to compare Japanese arts with foreign arts.

Schedule

・Dates & Hours

3^rd November – 10^th December, 2017

10:00 – 18:00 (admission by 17:30)

Access & Address

・Venue

The National Art Center, Tokyo

・Direction

1 minute walk from “Nogizaka” Stataion, Tokyo Metro

・Travel time from main station

20 minutes by train & walk from “Tokyo” Station

・Address

7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8558

・Map

Admission fee and Reservation

Adult: Yen1,200

Students of senior high school and university: Yen700

Junior high school student or under: free

Official site

https://nitten.or.jp/

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