Your favorite summertime festivals are all on this weekend: fireworks, traditional Japanese dance festivals and Summer Sonic!
Minato Mirai Bon Dance Festival (Aug 18-19): Those in/near Yokohama might want to swing by Rinko Park in Minato Mirai on Friday or Saturday evening for bon odori dancing, a beer garden and beautiful views of the illuminated Yokohama Bay Bridge.
Shimokitazawa Awa Odori Festival (Aug 18-19): Shimokitazawa’s Ichibancho shopping district will come to life this weekend as the local Awa Odori festival parades through the streets. Awa Odori is a traditional dance festival made up of many groups of choreographed dancers. It’s a chance to see participants donning traditional Obon outfits, singing, chanting and dancing throughout the neighborhood—a summertime classic!
Tamagawa Fireworks Festival (Aug 19): This is the biggest fireworks festival in the Setagaya area (west Tokyo). This is a popular one, so be sure to get there early to snag some seat space!
The Tsurumi River Summer Festival 2017 (Aug 19): A small fireworks show of 1000 illuminations. Takes place over Tsurumi River in Yokohama—so this event can easily be paired with a visit to the Minato Mirai Bon Dance Festival (above).
Jingugaien Fireworks Festival (Aug 20): A display of 10,000 fireworks over Meiji Jingu Stadium, the most urban venue of Tokyo’s fireworks festivals. To avoid paying for a seat at the stadium, you can just set yourself up anywhere within a 1-kilometer radius for free and you’ll still get a great view.
Summer Sonic 2017 (Aug 19-20): Summer Sonic is one of the biggest music festivals of the summer. This year’s headliners include Calvin Harris, Sum 41, Kesha, 5 Seconds of Summer, Charli XCX, Circa Waves and Royal Blood. Plus Good Charlotte will be making an appearance as will Dua Lipa, Kungs, Zara Larsson and Pikotaro of Pen-Pineapple-apple-pen fame.
Live From The Kitchen Disco Vol. 39 (Aug 20): Live From the Kitchen Disco, “the most eclectic live show in Tokyo”, is a free monthly showcase of the capital’s melting pot of homegrown and international music in the intriguing setting of an Indian restaurant.
