Written by Patrick Balfe
Tokyo events for Monday, September 14, to Sunday, September 20, 2026.
This week, Tokyo International Comedy Festival hosts some special guests and Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine holds its annual fall celebration. On top of that, Setagaya Hachimangū will get a visit from some sumo and Ultra Japan heads to Odaiba.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Grand Festival
Every year in September, Kamakura’s most famous shrine hosts a grand festival. Having started more than 800 years ago, this festival holds great significance and offers a rare opportunity to see Shinto traditions firsthand. The highlight is the yabusame (horseback archery) ritual on the final day, Wednesday.
The American Burlesque at Tokyo International Comedy Festival
Tokyo International Comedy Festival 2026 is teaming up with The American Burlesque for one night only in Tokyo. Frankie Fictitious and Matt Finish, crowned Queen and King of the world’s most prestigious burlesque competition, will share the stage with some of Tokyo Comedy Bar’s best and brightest comedians.
| Advance sales: ¥7,000 | ||
Nakanobu Nebuta Festival
If you missed your chance to visit Aomori for its world-famous Nebuta Festival, Shinagawa brings real Aomori nebuta floats to a shopping street instead — and here they pass right in front of you. It has run every other year since 1992, and 2026 is the 19th edition.
Shibuya Konnō Hachimangū Festival
There are several different events taking place over the weekend, including an all-day Sato Kagura (a folk style of Shinto dance and music) dedication on Sunday and the biggest of all: a large mikoshi (portable shrine) parade in Aoyama and Shibuya. The highlight is when 14 portable shrines from the local neighborhood associations converge in front of Shibuya 109 on Sunday afternoon.
Setagaya Hachimangū Fall Festival
The unique feature of the Setagaya Hachimangū Shrine Fall Festival is the ritual sumo that takes place on a dohyō sumo ring in front of the shrine, from 2 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday, the neighborhood mikoshi (portable shrines) are carried through the streets and then into the shrine grounds from noon. Food and drink stalls are open on both days.
Tokyo Game Show
The Tokyo Game Show remains one of the top gaming shows in the world — and 2026 is its biggest outing yet, running a record five days to mark 30 years since the first show. Thursday and Friday are trade-only business days, so the public days are Saturday to Monday. No tickets are sold at the venue, so buy in advance. Admission is free for children of elementary school age and younger.
| Advance sales: ¥3,000 | ||
Daradara Festival
Running from September 11 to 21 each year, the festival takes place at Shiba Daijingū (not to be confused with the more photogenic Zōjōji Temple) located next to Shiba Park.
Ōmiya Hachiman Festival (Autumn Grand Festival)
The Ōmiya Hachiman Festival, also known as the Autumn Grand Festival, is held every September at Ōmiya Hachiman Shrine and is one of the most important traditional festivals of the year.
Japan Soca Weekend
Japan Soca Weekend bills itself as Asia’s number one festival dedicated to Soca, a type of Caribbean music. Six events run from Friday to the following Wednesday, though only Soca Magic, J’ouvert in Japan, and Rum N Bass fall inside this week. It’s a great place to experience Caribbean culture.
Ultra Japan
The biggest EDM festival in the country takes over Ultra Park in Odaiba for two days, with Alesso, Peggy Gou, Sara Landry, The Martinez Brothers, Worship, and ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U among the names on the bill. Gates open at 10 a.m. and the music stops at 9 p.m. both nights, so you will not be crawling home at dawn.
Hie Shrine Annual Festival
Hie Shrine in Yokohama holds its annual festival across the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before Respect for the Aged Day. Sunday is the day to go: from 9 a.m., the neighborhood mikoshi are carried in a joint procession through the Yokohamabashi and Idai-dōri shopping streets.
Fiesta Mexicana
Three days of Mexican food, music, and crafts on the West Promenade in Odaiba, and it is free to walk in. Past years have brought around 20 stalls selling tacos, churros, and horchata, along with tequila and Mexican beer. Two of the three days are public holidays, so expect company.
Shiba Park Oktoberfest
German beer, sausages, and live music in Shiba Park — handy if you are already heading to the Daradara Festival at the shrine next door. Entry is ¥500 for junior high school age and up, and free for younger children. It runs 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and from 11 a.m. on weekends.
Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox
-
Tokyo Events This Week: Ghost Cats, Fireworks, and Free Outdoor Movies
Tokyo events for Monday, October 5, to Sunday, October 11, 2026.
-
Small-Town Sumo: How to Catch a Jungyō Roadshow Near Tokyo
Another, lesser-known chance to see sumo.
-
New Video! Don't Make These Mistakes in Your First Hour in Japan
Here’s how to conquer your first 60 minutes at Haneda or Narita.
-
Japan Arrival Checklist: 7 Things to Do When You First Arrive
Exactly what to do when you first land in Japan, from clearing customs and getting online to picking your route into the city.
-
Japan Travel Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before You Fly
Must-sort stuff, from Visit Japan Web to eSIMs, insurance, and Shinkansen tickets.
-
The Best Tokyo Discounts and Deals — Updated Regularly
Snag special offers on chopstick workshops, kintsugi, yakatabune boats, and more.
-
-
Tourist Taxes in Japan: What You Actually Pay in 2026
We've crunched the numbers, in case you're curious.
-
The Suica Penguin Vote Has Closed: The Winner Is Revealed November 18
Voting closed September 23. The winning character is unveiled November 18, and the penguin bows out March 31, 2027.
-
Where To Get a Tattoo in Tokyo
Japan Tattoo in Shinjuku is our top pick — and you can do everything in English.
-
Better Way to Stay In Tokyo: Flexible Furnished Apartment Rentals -
Grutto Pass: Your Ticket To Exploring Tokyo’s Museums, Parks, and Galleries -
The Best Pocket Wi-Fi for Visiting Japan — Compared -
Go-Karting in Tokyo: What To Know Before You Book -
Morning Sumo Practice in Tokyo—Everything You Need To Know -
First-Time Harajuku Itinerary: Fashion, Street Food, and More
