Written by Patrick Balfe
Tokyo events for Monday, February 23, to Sunday, March 1, 2026.
This week, catch the 40th anniversary of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Yokohama and Nagatoro’s popular fire festival in Saitama. In central Tokyo, cheer on Tokyo Marathon’s runners and hunt for Showa-era retro goods in Machida.
Free Shakuhachi Concert
The shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese bamboo flute with a history stretching back centuries. At this concert, you’ll hear performers from several major schools of shakuhachi, including Fuke Myōan-ryū, Kinko-ryū, and Tozan-ryū.
Nagatoro Fire Festival
This is a fiery, thrilling festival in the beautiful setting of Nagatoro in Saitama. Expect dramatic performances as monks brave roaring flames to cleanse themselves and remove misfortune.
Katsuura Big Doll Festival
There will be three main event venues to see: about 2,000 dolls on the steps leading up to Tomisaki Shrine, a large display outside the Kakuoji Temple gate, and another display at the Sumina Intersection.
Kōnosu Surprise Doll Festival
Kōnosu City in Saitama has nearly 400 years of experience in the doll-making industry. Every year, a gigantic pyramid is erected to celebrate Hinamatsuri, a Japanese holiday otherwise known as Dolls’ or Girls’ Day.
Iwatsuki Hina Doll Festival
Iwatsuki is one of the few towns in Japan still renowned for its doll-making and craftsmanship. Hence, the Iwatsuki Hina Doll Festival — a multi-day festival with performances, parades, and of course, dolls of every type to buy.
Chinese Spring Festival
Of course, festivities in Hong Kong or elsewhere in China are just a short airplane ride away, but you can celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival in Tokyo’s own Chukagai (Chinatown) in Yokohama, the largest Chinese community in Japan.
Noto Art Line
This limited-time pop-up shines a light on the region’s rich artistic heritage. There are also interactive workshops where you can make something with your own hands — the ultimate souvenir.
NAKED meets Gaudi Exhibition
The digital toolbox of popular art collective NAKED brings to life the legacy of master architect Antoni Gaudí, 100 years after his death.
Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon is a major event. Even if you’re not cheering for anyone, check it out for the human-interest aspect. The marathon kicks off in Shinjuku at 9:10 a.m. and passes through Iidabashi, Ginza, and Shinagawa before coming to a finish near Tokyo Station.
Farmers and Kids Festa
Farmers will share their agricultural knowledge through experiences such as spinach harvesting, rice threshing, and peanut moulting. In 2025, there were around 50,000 visitors across both days.
Machida Tenmangu Antique Fair
Find Japanese antiques, as well as kimono, tableware, furniture, and decor from decades past, and all manner of other stuff you might expect to find at a flea market in Japan.
Koishikawa Plum Festival
The yearly Koishikawa Plum Festival takes place in Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, near Korakuen. The garden has a modest grove of plum trees that bloom from February to early March.
Setagaya Plum Blossom Festival
The Setagaya Plum Festival takes place at Hanegi Park, a small park located in a residential area. The park has about 670 plum trees, and the event features food and plant stalls, live performances, and giveaways.
Miura-kaigan Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Kawazu-zakura, the particular variety of sakura that proliferates around Miura-kaigan on the Kanagawa Prefecture coast, flower earlier than most other varieties of cherry. At this festival, more than 1,000 Kawazu-sakura line the road from Miura-kaigan station to Komatsugaike Park.
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