Your weekend in Tokyo: Fri 27 Feb to Sun 01 Mar 2026

February 21, 2026
5 min read

Tokyo Weekend Guide: February 27 - March 1, 2026

By Yuki Tanaka, Tokyo Local Expert

Konnichiwa, friends!

As February draws to a close and March peeks around the corner, Tokyo finds itself in that magical transitional period where winter’s last illuminations still sparkle while the first whispers of spring begin to stir. This weekend offers a wonderful mix of contemporary art, glittering lights, international meetups, and active outdoor fun. Whether you’re a visitor exploring our incredible city or a local looking for fresh adventures, I’ve got you covered!

Weather Watch: Late Winter Chill with a Hint of Spring

Late February in Tokyo typically means crisp, cool days with temperatures hovering between 5-12°C (41-54°F). While the harshest winter cold is behind us, you’ll still want to layer up, especially for evening activities like illumination viewing.

My recommendations:

Bring a warm coat for evening outings, as temperatures can drop quickly after sunset
A light scarf and gloves are your friends for outdoor illumination walks
Comfortable walking shoes are essential (Tokyo is a walking city!)
Keep a compact umbrella handy, as late February can bring occasional rain showers
Indoor venues will be well-heated, so wear layers you can easily remove

Top 7 Events and Activities This Weekend

1. Roppongi Crossing 2025: “What Passes Is Time. We Are Eternal.”

📍 Roppongi | 🗓️ Friday onward | 🎨 Art Exhibition

This thought-provoking contemporary art exhibition is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The Mori Art Museum’s Roppongi Crossing series has been showcasing cutting-edge Japanese artists since 2004, and this edition explores themes of time, memory, and permanence through diverse artistic mediums.

Insider tip: Visit in the late afternoon and combine it with sunset views from the Mori Tower observation deck. The transition from daylight to Tokyo’s glittering nightscape is absolutely mesmerizing!

Practical info: Located in Roppongi Hills. General admission is typically around ¥1,800-2,000. Check the event page for exact hours and pricing.

2. Hibiya Magic Time Illumination 2025

📍 Hibiya | 🗓️ Friday - Sunday | ✨ Illumination

As winter illumination season winds down, this is one of your last chances to experience Tokyo’s magical light displays! Hibiya Park transforms into an enchanting wonderland with thousands of LED lights creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Insider tip: The illumination looks most spectacular about 30-45 minutes after sunset when there’s still a hint of blue in the sky. This “blue hour” creates perfect conditions for photos!

Practical info: Free admission. Best viewed after 5:30 PM. The park is a short walk from Hibiya Station. More details here.

3. NAKED Meets Gaudí

📍 Warehouse TERRADA G1 Building | 🗓️ Saturday | 🎭 Immersive Art Experience

This is genuinely exciting! NAKED’s immersive digital art experiences are legendary in Tokyo, and their collaboration celebrating Gaudí’s architectural genius promises to be spectacular. Using projection mapping and interactive technology, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped inside the master architect’s dreams.

Insider tip: Book your tickets in advance! NAKED events are incredibly popular and often sell out. Also, wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking and standing throughout the experience.

Practical info: Located at Warehouse TERRADA in Tennozu Isle. Sign up through the Meetup page for group tickets and potential discounts.

4. Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination

📍 Hongo/Korakuen | 🗓️ All weekend | ✨ Illumination

Tokyo Dome City’s illumination is perfect for families or anyone who wants to combine light-viewing with other entertainment. The area features an amusement park, restaurants, and shopping, making it easy to spend an entire evening here.

Insider tip: Grab some takoyaki or crepes from the food stalls and enjoy them while strolling through the lights. For the best photos, head to the area near LaQua where water features create beautiful reflections.

Practical info: Free to view. Accessible from Korakuen or Suidobashi stations. Details here.

5. Board Game Party at English Only Cafe

📍 Location TBD | 🗓️ Friday evening | 🎲 Social Meetup

At just ¥500 for 5 hours, this is hands-down one of the best value social events in Tokyo! Whether you’re a board game enthusiast or just looking to meet new people, this welcoming international gathering is perfect for solo travelers and residents alike.

Insider tip: Arrive a bit early to snag a spot at the more popular games. Don’t worry if you don’t know the rules; everyone’s super friendly and happy to teach newcomers.

Practical info: Only ¥500 for 5 hours of gaming! Check the Meetup page for the exact location and time.

6. Chilean Cuisine International Dinner

📍 Casa de Eduardo, Chile Restaurant | 🗓️ Friday evening | 🍽️ Food & Social

Looking for something different? This international dinner meetup at an authentic Chilean restaurant offers a unique chance to try empanadas, pastel de choclo, and other South American delights while making new friends from around the world.

Insider tip: Come hungry! Chilean portions tend to be generous. Also, try the pisco sour if you’re of drinking age; it’s Chile’s national cocktail and absolutely delicious.

Practical info: Check the Meetup page for pricing, timing, and to RSVP.

7. Sunday Futsal at Omotesando

📍 Seinan Elementary School, Omotesando | 🗓️ Sunday | ⚽ Sports

Burn off those weekend calories with a friendly game of 6-a-side futsal! This mixed-level session welcomes everyone from beginners to experienced players. It’s a fantastic way to meet active locals and expats while getting some exercise.

Insider tip: Bring plenty of water and arrive 10-15 minutes early to warm up. After the game, the group often heads to a nearby cafe for drinks and snacks, which is where the real friendships form!

Practical info: Check the Meetup page for participation fees and exact timing.

Bonus: Other Notable Events

Kioi Winter Illumination (Akasaka): A more intimate, elegant illumination perfect for couples
Ebisu Garden Place Illumination: Sophisticated European-style lights in upscale Ebisu
Saturday Futsal at MIFA Football Park: Another great option for sports lovers
Travel Lovers Meetup (Saturday 4 PM): Perfect for sharing and hearing travel stories

Yuki’s Local Tips

🍜 Eating: Late February means it’s still perfect ramen weather! Head to Fuunji in Shinjuku for their famous tsukemen (dipping noodles) to warm up after illumination viewing.

🚃 Getting around: Consider getting a 24-hour Tokyo Metro pass (¥600) if you’re planning to hit multiple illumination spots; it’ll save you money and hassle.

📸 Photography: For the best illumination photos, set your phone to night mode and hold steady for 2-3 seconds. Better yet, bring a small tripod!