Tokyo events for Monday, July 22 to Sunday, July 28, 2019
The big enchilada of Tokyo fireworks festival—the Sumidagawa Festival—takes place this week, alongside some smaller fireworks events. There’s also plenty of traditional fetes and feasts, featuring taiko drums, dancers, street food and illuminations. For the pop culture fans, check out some concerts or visit the Wonder Festival figure exhibition.
Tokyo English Book Exchange #12
Meet up with fellow bibliophiles for Tokyo Cheapo’s 12th English Book Exchange. Come with at least one book to swap, then grab a drink and mingle. Who knows what printed treasure you might find!
Katsushika Fireworks Festival
A fireworks festival with 13,000 rockets and a 50-year history. Takes place at the Shibamata baseball ground near the Edogawa River.
Freedom Toast Café: “Climate Change – A Threat to our Human Rights”
Special guest speaker Chris Kozak joins this regular Amnesty International event to discuss how climate change impacts our lives now and in the future, and its relationship to human rights—all in a friendy environment.
| At the door: ¥1,000 | ||
Janelle Monae
International singer-songwriter superstar Janelle Monae is performing in Tokyo for one night in Odaiba.
| Advance sales: ¥7,500 | ||
Kagurazaka Matsuri
Kagurazaka Matsuri is a neighborhood festival with a market, street food and traditional Awaodori dances.
Shimbashi Koichi Festival
The Shimbashi Koichi festival is a traditional summer festival including taiko drummers, choreographed dancers, local bands and some more unusual options too. Highlights are the bon odori square and a beauty contest.
Ebisu Bon Odori Festival
One of central Tokyo’s biggest but lesser 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 tower at the center.
National Museum of Western Art – Free Admission Day
Check out the extensive permanent collection at the Museum of Western Art in Ueno Park for free. Works include paintings from the late Medieval period through to the 20th century and modern French sculpture.
Showa Kinen Park Fireworks Festival
For a different fireworks 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.
Shinjuku Eisa Festival 2019
The Shinjuku Eisa Festival takes place on the streets of Shinjuku and will showcase traditional costumes, eisa dancing and drumming. This is one of Tokyo’s popular summer festivals, so expect crowds gathering to watch the performances.
Hachioji Fireworks Festival
One of summer’s smaller fireworks festivals, a modest 100,000 people will gather at Fujimori Park for a show of 3,500 fireworks.
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.
Taiwan Festa 2019
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.
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.
| Advance sales: ¥3,000 | ||
Fuji Rock Festival 2019
There’s still time to get tickets to Japan’s hottest music festival. Headlining the event are The Chemical Brothers, The Cure, SIA, and more.
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