Tokyo events for Monday, September 16 to Sunday, September 22, 2024.
You’ll need to hop all over Tokyo this week to battle the FOMO.
On the menu: Plum wine and beer are the drinks of choice, fireworks are having an encore, and Hello Kitty turns 50. Farther afield in Chiba, join a Naked Festival (you can keep your clothes on) or catch an action sports competition.
Tokyo Performing Arts Festival in Ikebukuro
Dig deep into Japanese performing arts — including contemporary kabuki, dance, and music theater — at this international performing arts festival in Tokyo that includes English-language support before and during performances.
Tahiti Festa
A rare chance to enjoy Tahitian culture in Tokyo. Head to Musashi-Kosugi for good food, fresh pineapple juice, Tahitian beer, music, dance, clothing, and more. The festival has been running since 2008 (it used to take place at the now-closed Venus Fort in Odaiba) and is always Cheapo-friendly fun for the whole family.
Yushima Plum Wine Festival
Umeshu (plum wine) is one of Japan’s most popular drinks, known for its sweet and tart flavor. If you know your Suntory from your Shuzo, the Yushima Plum Wine Festival is a must-visit.
| Advance sales: ¥2,500 | At the door: ¥2,500 | |
Shiba Park Oktoberfest Autumn
Despite the name, Oktoberfest will take place this September in Shiba Park — featuring German music, food, and of course, beer. Across two weeks, you’ll be able to hang out in Shiba Park and get a taste of German culture.
| Advance sales: ¥500 | At the door: ¥500 | |
Ōhara Naked Festival
Before you get your pervy hopes up, the Ōhara Naked Festival (Ōhara hadaka matsuri) would be more aptly named the Ōhara “semi-naked” Festival. The dancers’ costumes are actually quite modest these days. On the first day of the festival, participants carry portable, shoulder-borne shrines (mikoshi) to the sea for a dunking.
Japan Soca Weekend
Japan Soca Weekend is Asia’s largest music festival dedicated to Soca, a type of Caribbean music. It usually takes place in September each year and is attended by many music fans from all over the world. It’s a great place to experience Caribbean culture.
Roppongi Matsuri
Even the office/nightlife district of Roppongi has its own local neighborhood festival. The official name of the festival is the Tensojinja Reitaisai. It’s small, but worth a look if you’re in the area.
Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Café
Come and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Japan’s cutest character, Hello Kitty, at this special pop-up café. The menu has a red theme, just like Hello Kitty’s bow. Notable dishes include a two-tiered afternoon tea (say that twice), a pancake plate that has Hello Kitty’s face on it, and savory items like sandwiches and pasta.
| Advance sales: ¥660 | ||
Tokyo National Museum – Free Admission Day
Tokyo National Museum’s regular exhibitions are free to the public on the third Monday of September, the Respect for the Aged Day national holiday. The museum exhibits around 600 works of art in fields such as painting, calligraphy, sculpture, and archaeology. Samurai fans should note that they also have arms and armor.
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. Sumo may be the national sport, but baseball is the most played and followed sport in the country.
Downtown Drinks #50: Checkmate
Join us, Tokyo Cheapo, for our 50th Downtown Drinks in September and get to networking, meeting new people, and enjoying a few hard-earned drinks. This event is meant for everyone — from readers to travelers to mysterious strangers. Whether you’re looking to network, meet new people, or just get outside into the open air.
Japan Robot Week
Japan Robot Week is a trade show focusing on “service robots”. If you’re wondering what a service robot is, the organizers give examples such as nursing robots, life support robots, and disaster response robots. Entry is free, but you need to register in advance.
Nakanobu Nebuta Festival
If you missed your chance to visit Aomori for its world-famous Nebuta Festival, there’s a mini-version taking place in Shinagawa that’s been running since 1989. The main parade with the iconic Nebuta floats will go from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Chōfu City Fireworks Festival
Chōfu City Fireworks Festival happens on the grassy banks of the Tama River (downstream from the bridge on the Keio Sagamihara Line). The organizers aren’t skimping on the number of fireworks. 10,000 individual fireworks will go up in flames in front of an estimated audience of 350,000 people.
Peace Day
Peace Day 2024 brings together like-minded individuals to promote peace and unity. It’s an outdoor festival held at Yoyogi Park that’s packed full of events and activities. You’ll hear from guest speakers, rock out to live music performances, and check out some unique art exhibits.
X Games Chiba
A classic skateboarding and BMX event comes to Japan with the X Games Chiba. Get ready for three days of slick tricks and air flips. The X Games are known for being the most high-profile events in BMX and skateboarding, so expect an elite lineup of athletes.
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