Tokyo events for Monday, August 12 to Sunday, August 18, 2019
This week, Shimokitazawa and Yokohama are host to odori festivals—traditional summer street parties focused around choreographed song and dance performances. Or enjoy a night of comedy, discussing (and swapping) books, or rocking out at Summer Sonic, one of Japan’s biggest music festivals.
Tokyo English Book Exchange #13
Meet up with fellow bibliophiles for Tokyo Cheapo’s 13th 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!
Shimokitazawa Awa Odori Festival
Awa Odori is a parade-like festival where choreographed groups perform traditional Japanese dances and songs throughout the streets. The ever-chic Shimokitazawa neighborhood is holding its own version of this summertime classic throughout the Ichibancho shopping district.
Craft Beer & Comedy
Good food, great beer and belly laugh-inducing English stand-up comedy is the perfect way to kick-start your Saturday evening in Roppongi.
| At the door: ¥2,000 | ||
Minato Mirai Bon Dance Festival
Swing by Rinko Park in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai area on Friday or Saturday evening for bon odori dancing, street food, a beer garden and beautiful views of the illuminated Yokohama Bay Bridge.
Summer Sonic 2019
Summer Sonic is one of the biggest music festivals of the summer. This year’s headliners include Weezer, Fall Out Boy, Rita Ora, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Chainsmokers and more. Get your tickets, then read our guide on how to get there from Tokyo.
“We Cool?”
A new art exhibition at Harajuku’s UltraSuperNew Gallery examines the culture around modern technology—it helps keep us connected, but has it brought us closer together?
For more top Tokyo events happening this month, see our August recommendations.
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