Tokyo Midtown Yaesu Unveils “YAESU BIG HOLIDAY 2026” for Golden Week Festivities
Families Invited to a Dynamic Blend of Culture, Science, and Play in the Heart of Tokyo
Tokyo Midtown Yaesu is set to host “YAESU BIG HOLIDAY 2026,” a vibrant family-focused event running from April 29 (Wednesday/Holiday) to May 6 (Wednesday/Holiday Substitute), 2026. Leveraging its prime location directly connected to Tokyo Station, this event is designed as a convenient and engaging stop for families traveling during Japan’s extended Golden Week holiday. The core theme, “Grow Big,” intertwines with the spirit of “Tango no Sekku” (Children’s Day), a Japanese cultural celebration wishing for the healthy growth of children.
At the heart of the festivities is the “BIG HOLIDAY Koinobori Tunnel,” returning to the 1F Galleria. This impressive installation features a giant carp streamer, approximately 25 meters long and 2.5 meters in diameter, that visitors can walk through. Koinobori, or carp streamers, are a cherished symbol in Japan, traditionally flown during Children’s Day to represent strength, perseverance, and success, much like a carp swimming upstream. The experience offers a playful way for both adults and children to engage with this rich cultural tradition. The tunnel is open from 11:00 to 17:30 on select dates during the event period and is free of charge.
Engage and Discover: Educational Workshops and Play Areas
The event also features “BIG HOLIDAY Kids Workshops,” developed with the special cooperation of the University of Tokyo Yaesu Academic Commons and the University of Tokyo’s Science Communication Circle CAST. These hands-on workshops transform complex scientific principles into fun, accessible learning experiences. Children can explore the mysteries of gyroscopic effects by building a hand spinner resembling a bicycle wheel or construct a “telekinetic pendulum” to understand the principles of vibration. A unique “Mysterious Building Design Workshop” allows children to design structures and then use cutting-edge eye-tracking technology to see how others perceive their creations, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
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Science Experiment Class: “The Wonder of Rotation. How Can a Bicycle Run?”
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Dates: April 29 (Wed/Holiday), May 2 (Sat), 3 (Sun), 2026
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Time: 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:30, 16:30 (approx. 45 min per session)
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Location: 1F Atrium
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Target: 4 years old to early elementary school (one guardian required)
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Capacity: 10 groups (20 people) per session
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Fee: 300 yen (tax included)
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Cooperation: University of Tokyo Science Communication Circle CAST
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Science Experiment Class: “The Secret of Vibration. Let’s Make a Pendulum Move with Telekinesis!”
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Dates: May 4 (Mon/Holiday), 5 (Tue/Holiday), 6 (Wed/Holiday Substitute), 2026
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Time: 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:30, 16:30 (approx. 45 min per session)
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Location: 1F Atrium
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Target: 4 years old to early elementary school (one guardian required)
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Capacity: 10 groups (20 people) per session
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Fee: 300 yen (tax included)
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Cooperation: University of Tokyo Science Communication Circle CAST
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“Mysterious Building Design Workshop: Visualizing Gaze with Latest Technology!”
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Dates: May 4 (Mon/Holiday), 5 (Tue/Holiday), 6 (Wed/Holiday Substitute), 2026
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Time: 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:30, 16:30 (approx. 30 min per session)
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Location: B1 YAESU BASE
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Target: 4 years old to early elementary school (one guardian required)
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Capacity: 5 groups (10 people) per session
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Fee: 300 yen (tax included)
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Cooperation: University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science, Kentaro Honma Laboratory, Kazuki Misaki and others
Pre-reservations for all “BIG HOLIDAY Kids Workshops” are required via PEATIX (starting early April). Please check the official website for updates: https://www.yaesu.tokyo-midtown.com/news-topics/detail/2754391
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Beyond the workshops, the “BIG HOLIDAY Kids Play Park” offers an outdoor haven for children. Colorful play cars and various playground equipment transform the 1F Galleria into a temporary open-air play space where children can freely explore and engage with different materials and toys.
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Dates: April 29 (Wed/Holiday), May 2 (Sat) – 6 (Wed/Holiday Substitute), 2026
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Time: 11:00 – 17:30 (Cancelled in case of heavy rain or storms)
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Location: 1F Galleria
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Target: Preschoolers to early elementary school
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Fee: Free
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Cooperation: Mobile Playground National Network
A Symphony of Sounds: Live Music Experiences
For a sensory treat, the “BIG HOLIDAY Kids Music Square” invites families to experience live music. As part of “La Folle Journée,” a renowned classical music festival that aims to make classical music accessible, free concerts will be held featuring talented students from the Tokyo College of Music. Attendees can enjoy authentic musical performances and even participate in percussion workshops, offering a joyful introduction to the world of live music.
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Date: May 3 (Sun), 2026
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Time: 13:00, 15:00 (Percussion workshop at 14:00)
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Location: 1F Galleria (Outer Moat Street side sidewalk) (B1 YAESU BASE in case of rain)
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Fee: Free
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Cooperation: Tokyo College of Music
Learn more about La Folle Journée: https://www.lfj.jp/lfj_2026/
Family-Friendly Dining and Special Gifts
Tokyo Midtown Yaesu also offers a variety of family-friendly dining options. During the event, children who order designated menu items at participating restaurants will receive an original Tokyo Midtown Yaesu pinwheel, while supplies last.
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Tatekui Sakaba Kinjishi (2F): Kids Lunch 990 yen (tax included)
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POPUP Ramen (2F): Kids Ramen Set 550 yen (tax included)
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POINT ET LIGNE (Yaesu Central Square 1F): Petit Point 1,210 yen (tax included)
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Frijoles (B1F): Kids Bowl 700 yen (tax included)
The “YAESU BIG HOLIDAY 2026” event provides a fantastic opportunity for families to create lasting memories during Golden Week. This focus on family-friendly engagement in a major urban hub highlights a growing trend in Japan to create inclusive, enriching spaces for all generations. As one visitor remarked last year, “It’s wonderful to see so many activities that combine fun with learning, right here in the city!” The event truly embodies the spirit of Japanese “Kawaii” culture, not just in cute aesthetics, but in the heartwarming, playful, and educational experiences it offers, celebrating childhood and strengthening family bonds.
For more information, visit the official Tokyo Midtown Yaesu website: https://www.yaesu.tokyo-midtown.com/
