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Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
See 20,000 fireworks light up the sky over the Sumida River this Saturday. This is Tokyo’s biggest fireworks festival—and a true summer staple—with close to a million spectators and a run of 90 minutes.
Shinjuku Eisa Festival 2018
The Shinjuku Eisa Festival takes place on the streets of Shinjuku and will showcase traditional costumes, eisa dancing and drumming that are quite different to what you’re likely to see in other festivals in Japan. This is one of Tokyo’s popular summer festivals, so expect crowds gathering to watch the performances.
Ebisu Bon Odori Festival
One of central Tokyo’s biggest but least-known ‘bon’ dance festivals. The area around the bus rotary on the west side of JR Ebisu Station is transformed into a giant yukata-clad dance circle around the lantern-strewn yagura tower at the center.
Hachioji Fireworks Festival
One of the smaller fireworks festivals this summer, a modest 100,000 will gather at this West Tokyo park for a show of 3,500 fireworks.
Showa Kinen Park Fireworks Festival
For a different setting and a medium-sized crowd (by Tokyo standards), head to Showa Kinen Park for a display of 5,000 illuminations. The park is the perfect venue for packing a picnic and going with a group.
Wonder Festival (Summer)
If you’re a fan of figurines, this event is for you. Makuhari Messe will be filled wall to wall with action figures and collectibles of all kinds. Famous characters from Japanese anime and other media, as well as Western titles, will be on display—with both professional manufacturers and amateurs doing the exhibiting.
| Advance sales: ¥3,000 | ||
Fuji Rock Festival 2018
There’s still time to get tickets to Japan’s hottest music festival. Headlining the event are Kendrick Lamar, Bob Dylan, N.E.R.D, Skrillex and more.
Kagurazaka Matsuri
Kagurazaka Matsuri is a neighborhood festival with a market, street food and traditional Awaodori dances.
Taiwan Festa 2018
Get a taste of a Taiwanese night market in the heart of Tokyo. More than just food, the festival will showcase aspects of Taiwanese culture, entertainment and tourism.
The Woman Who Washes the Blue Demon’s Loincloth
See a contemporary play on a traditional Noh stage. The Woman Who Washes the Blue Demon’s Loincloth is a story of a woman living in the chaotic climate of post-WWII Tokyo, highlighting themes of human desire, loneliness and the transience of human life.
Sarushima Tropical Disco: 10 Summer Days
Attend a summer rave on an uninhabited island in Tokyo Bay.
| Advance sales: ¥4,800 | ||
For more top Tokyo events happening this month, see our July recommendations.
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