Welcome, listeners, to Things to Do in Tokyo with your globetrotting, sports-loving guide, Oly Bennet! It's Sunday, September 28, 2025—so grab your best sneakers, pack your curiosity, and let’s bounce into the madness and magic of Tokyo today.

Right now, Tokyo is buzzing with mild autumn air, crystal-clear skies, and the kind of energy you only get when millions of people, dozens of festivals, and a dash of quirky adventure all collide. The weather is a perfect 23 degrees and the aroma of roasting chestnuts and sweet potato carts signals the city’s fall festival season in full swing. Streets are alive with music, and there’s a palpable sense that Tokyo is ready to celebrate just about anything—Sumo, sushi, or a portable shrine parade!

Speaking of festivities, today’s lineup is wilder than an international cheese-rolling championship. The Fukuro Matsuri is exploding outside Ikebukuro Station today from noon till 7:30 pm. Expect *mikoshi*—portable shrines—sloshing through crowds, lion dances, powerful taiko drum performances at 2:00, and the ohayashi festival band kicking off at 2:30. From 3:00 pm right through to 7:00 pm, local singers will bring the house down at the Global Ring Theatre. This festival’s been a Tokyo classic since 1968, so don’t miss the street food, the festive crowd, or that sweet moment when total strangers hand you a paper fan and a smile—just because you’re there.

But maybe you’re more into music than mikoshi. Good news—DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba is hosting BMSG FES’25, which means pop-up shops, special performances, and SKY-HI’s “GRAND CHAMP” blasting through the mall every hour on the hour. It’s a bonanza for J-Pop fans and merchandise hunters—plus, the pop-up is open from 10 am to 8 pm today. No judgment if you leave with a neon wig and a bag full of exclusive swag.

Culture buffs, catch the Takashi Kitada Exhibition “Flying Taxi of Memories” at Musashino City Kichijoji Museum of Art. This solo show promises dreamy surrealism with a Japanese twist, running throughout autumn but perfect for a contemplative break between festival frenzy and dinner.

Remember, tonight’s nightlife has some world-class beats—syudou takes the stage at Tokyo International Forum Hall A at 6:00 pm, and at the same time across town, Blue Note Jazz Festival is laying down smooth grooves at Ariake Arena. If all else fails, Tokyo’s bars and izakaya are ready to refuel your adventure with sake and stories till morning.

Quick city updates for you, never boring in Tokyo: The brand new Rainbow Line subway extension just opened, slicing ten minutes off your Odaiba commute and making that late-night ramen run even easier. Over in Shibuya, be on the lookout for the funky ramen fusion joint “Noodle Nirvana” which just opened its doors, serving wild combos like yuzu truffle miso and—wait for it—tuna tataki shoyu ramen.

Craving something uniquely Tokyo? Zip over to Shimokitazawa for secondhand treasure hunting or hop on a rented bike along the Meguro River, where early autumn leaves have just started to paint the city in gold. For families, Ueno Zoo is hosting a “Backstage Panda Tour”—today only—offering a rare peek at panda lunchtime antics.

Oly’s fun fact: If you get lost in Tokyo Station, don’t panic—locals call it “Tokyo Dungeon” for a reason! It has over 200 exits, so the real Tokyo experience is making it outside on your first try. Tip: Pick a landmark and follow the colored line on the floor—they’re not just there for decoration!

Before you dash off, here’s a sneak peek at tomorrow: Tokyo’s parks will come alive with “Sports Day” festivities, including a public sumo demo in Yoyogi Park—rumor has it, sumo in yukata, open challenge style! Plus, the much-anticipated Harajuku Vintage Fashion Pop-up promises some truly eclectic finds.

That’s a wrap! Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought...