13th Japan Ballet Festival

In a bumper week for dance, local performers come together for two days at the ultra-modern and hugely impressive New National Theatre, Tokyo's premier showcase for the performing arts (check out our specials on Tokyo flights to catch the performance). The weekend is intended as much as an introduction to ballet for beginners as a special treat for aficionados, so the programme is sure to include excerpts from many famous works. Dancers, who are mainly local, include Tamiyo Kusakari, Dai Sasaki, Ben Huys, Mizuka Ueno, Sakai Hana and Misae Shiga.

New British Art

This exhibition, showcasing work by the likes of Julian Opie, Ross Sinclair, Rachel Lowe and Turner Prize winner Steve McQueen, presents a modern take on the classical landscape theme. Though lacking the breadth - and shock value - of the current 'Apocalypse' show at the Royal Academy, the paintings, sculpture, photographs and installations on display do possess that disturbing, neo-Gothic quality that defines contemporary Brit Art. Just don't expect mutilated miniature soldiers devouring each other.