12 Things to Do in Tokyo This April

Special Exhibition Commemorating the Opening of “Montakanawa: The Museum of Narratives.” Since ancient times, humanity has recognized the potential in the “spirals” hidden within the natural world, using them to develop society and civilization. The trajectory of transforming the laws of the Earth into human wisdom is the very “story of evolution” itself.From the origins of the universe as revealed by cutting-edge physics, to the ever-circulating flow of resources and money, to skills and festivals passed down across generations, and even to daily chores and finances—this exhibition brings together stories of “spirals” from all eras and corners of the world.

“Shibahama-tei,” a new yose experience where authentic rakugo intersects with a variety of performing arts, kicks off on April 4. By combining authentic rakugo with cross-genre performances—including music, manzai, magic, acrobatics, and voice impersonations—it creates a “new yose” where the charm of traditional yose meets a modern sensibility.Multilingual support is also provided, making it an attractive option for first-time rakugo audiences and international visitors alike, who can enjoy the experience with peace of mind.

Also worth checking out is the theatrical manga live performance held to commemorate the opening of “Mont Takana: The Museum of Narratives.” By projecting the manga itself onto a large screen and blending sound, lighting, technological effects, and live narration, the entire audience can immerse themselves in the world of the story.Be sure to pay attention to the direction, which treats the very act of turning the pages —rather than simply adapting Osamu Tezuka’s “Phoenix” manga, specially colored for this performance, into a video or stage production— as the core mechanism of the performance itself.

What sets this concert event apart from others is, as the name suggests, the opportunity to enjoy music surrounded by the glow of over 1,000 LED candles. Concerts featuring not only classical music but also jazz, soul, blues, and the latest pop hits have been held at venues around the world, and this unique experience—which even those unfamiliar with classical music can enjoy —has garnered a strong response.

The event brings together breweries —many with ties to Shimokitazawa— that specialize in brewing high-quality, trendy beers that meet global standards. Additionally, popular Shimokitazawa eateries will set up stalls, offering a variety of unique culinary delights such as spice-infused taco rice and authentic curry.

Featuring 28 brands from Akita’s sake breweries—including “Hiraizumi,” the oldest brewery in the prefecture and the third oldest in Japan—the event showcases a diverse selection of Akita sake, including each brewery’s signature offerings and new releases. In addition to sake tastings, the event will feature sake sales, as well as snacks and merchandise from Akita Prefecture’sアンテナショップ (promotional shops ).

“Mundo Pixar,” an exhibition that has toured 9 cities across 7 countries and attracted over 3.5 million visitors, will be held at CREVIA BASE Tokyo in Toyosu from March 20 to May 31. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Pixar through displays of over 24 life-size characters and areas that recreate scenes from films like “Toy Story” and “Inside Out” on a life-size scale.

“100% Doraemon & Friends,” which has toured various Asian cities including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok, and Taiwan, is making its debut in Japan. The main highlight is the “100% Doraemon Manga World Exhibition.”The exhibition consists of nine areas where you can fully immerse yourself in the world of Doraemon, including “The World of Black-and-White Original Art, ” which displays 20 black-and-white original illustrations alongside memorable scenes from “Uso 800,” and “Doraemon’s 100% Secret Gadget Room, ” a gathering of countless secret gadgets that have leapt out of Doraemon’s four-dimensional pocket.

An exhibition celebrating Heisei-era culture through the theme of “romance.” It fully recreates nostalgic Heisei-era spaces, such as classrooms where people spent their youth and rental CD shops. A wide array of items from the era—including flip phones, MD players, photo albums, pagers, and exchange diaries—are on display. Interactive features allow visitors to peek at the contents of a “flip phone screen” or a “pass-the-note” letter circulating during class.

The stars of this event are active “snack mamas” who currently run their own establishments, primarily in Tokyo. With a “Snack Experience Ticket” (3,000 yen per ticket, tax excluded; 2-hour session), visitors can freely wander among the 12 snack booths set up within the alley. Each booth features a different mama, a different atmosphere, and different conversations, allowing you to enjoy a “bar-hopping experience” where you carry the excitement from one spot right over to the next.