Tokyo events for Monday, September 2 to Sunday, September 8, 2024.
Hopefully, this week is a little drier than last. September is a go and while the influx of summer events has died down, there are still a host of matsuri to see.
Asakusa has a Bon Odori dance just outside of Sensōji Temple and Yoyogi Park will be celebrating food, music, and traditions from China. Japan’s two favorite sports — baseball and sumo — also have matches and games on.
Asakusa Kaminarimon Bon Dance
What makes this festival different is that it takes place just in front of the iconic Kaminarimon Gate that leads up to Sensōji Temple. There will also be an outdoor art gallery. Paintings of ladies in kimono will be lit up on both Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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Ōtori Shrine Annual Festival
Not to be confused with the better-known shrine of the same name in Iriya, Taito Ward, the festival that takes place at this shrine near Meguro Station has a history that goes back more than 300 years — to the first year of the Edo period.
Geisai: Tokyo University of the Arts Festival
Talent is on display during this three-day festival at the Tokyo University of the Arits’ main Ueno campus. The festival traditionally ends with a huge, raucous samba band performance with both water and clothing being thrown freely.
China Festival
Celebrate the cultural exchange between Japan and China with food, music, and tradition. Around 80 booths and 150,000 are expected to attend, and there will be plenty of performances, including martial arts and erhu — a two-stringed musical instrument.
Yomiuri Giants Baseball Match at Tokyo Dome
Things heat up inside Tokyo Dome as the Yomiuri Giants are up to bat on their home turf. Baseball games in Japan are an experience in themselves, no matter who you’re watching. Choreographed cheers and hand movements make the stadium buzz.
Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine Festival
This family-oriented festival in Shimokitazawa is on the small side, but that doesn’t stop the revelers from joining in. The first few shrines will be carried in by children. Unlike other mikoshi festivals, you can get up close and personal with the shrines and onlookers will join in the clapping and chanting.
September Grand Sumo Tournament
Held every September, this is the penultimate of Japan’s six annual Sumo Tournaments, known as honbasho. With sumo rankings released a few weeks before, it’s a chance to see the traditional sport up close and personal.
Sanrio Puroland Halloween
As part of Halloween, several events will be taking place across Sanrio Puroland, including a new parade, an exclusive photo spot area, and the park’s first collaboration illumination show with the popular gaming app ‘The Wizard’s Promise’. There is also a chance to meet Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll, who will be dressed up as witches and wizards.
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