Tokyo Cheapo Downtown Drinks #22  (Aug 25): Join the TC gang and fellow cheapos for a drink (or few) and casual mingling at Factoria in Ogikubo. This is our 22nd casual monthly meet-up and all are welcome—from readers to travelers to mysterious strangers.

Roppongi Obon Dance | Photo by Fugu Tabetai used under CC

Roppongi Hills Bon Dance 2017 (Aug 25-27): Watch or join in this unique dance festival in Roppongi. It spans three days, but Friday draws the biggest crowd. This bon festival boasts a unique dance—the Ropponjin Ondo—roughly translated as the Roppongi Workman’s Dance. All are invited to join in.

Suggested Activity
Sumo Morning Practice Tour at Stable in Tokyo
Try this insider’s experience at a sumo wrestler morning practice session. Enjoy exclusive access to a sumo stable, watching as these massive athletes put themselves through their daily training regimen and go head-to-head.
marunouchi ondo | Photo by Guilhem Vellut used under CC

Marunouchi Ondo Bon-odori Festival (Aug 25-26): Join some 40,000 participants at this traditional festival dancing to the tune of the most famous bon-odori song “Tokyo Ondo”. It takes pace at Hibiya Park on Aug 25-26 starting at 6pm. This is one of the biggest events of its kind in the Tokyo area.

Photo by Hetarllen Mumriken used under CC

2017 Asakusa Samba Carnival (Aug 26): The super sexy and popular Asakusa Samba Carnival is back and will be dazzling the streets of Asakusa this Saturday starting at 1pm and ending at 6pm. Be sure to bring your best moves as you’ll be inclined to join in and jive as you watch the stunning samba dancers parade by.

Hodogaya Candle Night (Aug 26): Celebrate the “last day” of the season in and around the plum garden at Kanagawa’s Hodogaya Park. There will be thousands of candles lining the pathways and DJs playing ambiance-appropriate summer chill-out music.

Photo by chris kirkland

Azabu Juban Festival (Aug 26-27): This is a yearly food festival you won’t want to miss. Stop by the stalls to pick up some local prepared fare or leave with a bag or few of produce from all over Japan. Along with the traditional festival food, you’ll have a chance to try local delicacies from Hokkaido in the north through to Kyushu in the south.

Yosakoi dance festival

Super Yosakoi 2017 (Aug 26-27): A huge team performance dance contest in the Omotesando/Harajuku area. Over 6,000 competitors hailing from all over Japan will take part. Parade takes place on the Sunday.

awa odori
Photo by Zengame used under CC

Koenji Awa Odori Festival (Aug 26-27): An evening dance-off festival in Koenji with 10,000 participants and 1 million spectators. A cool way to spend a hot summer evening.

yosakoi
Photo by elmimmo used under CC

Chofu Yosakoi 2017 (Aug 27): Another dance-heavy parade, this one taking place in the west Tokyo area. In addition to the traditional jigs, there will be festival food and drinks on offer.

Next week

Let’s Enjoy Rakugo in English (Aug 29): Next Tuesday, treat yourself to a uniquely Japanese traditional form of entertainment: rakugo. Rakugo (literally meaning “fallen words”) is a one-person show performing a multi-character act—with very minimal props and only a change in voice or slight change in body movement to distinguish between characters. This show is not often available to English audiences—making it a not-to-be-missed event!

Ask our local experts about Tokyo

Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox

Watch this next

Recommended hotels located nearby