Tokyo events for Monday, August 12 to Sunday, August 18, 2024.
Sunflowers and flaming mountains brighten up the week.
Traditional dances still dominate the list, with both Shinjuku and Shimokitazawa taking charge. Most tickets for Summer Sonic are sold out, except for some one-day tickets, but there are plenty of other things to do this weekend if you have to give it a miss.
Shinjuku Kabukichō Bon Dance
Take part in a traditional Japanese festival, Bon Odori, in the middle of one of the most unconventional areas of Tokyo. If you don’t know how to dance, then no worries, there will be a teacher there to instruct the crowd.
Hakone Daimonji-yaki
On Mt. Myojogatake, viewed from Gora Onsen in Hakone, 205 bamboo stalks will be lit one by one to reveal an enormous burning 大 (dai, meaning big or great). There will also be fireworks and a Bon Odori dance event near Gora Station.
Thai Expo
Experience Thai culture without leaving Tokyo at one of Japan’s biggest Thai festivals, taking place in Yoyogi Park this August. There will be several booths selling Thai produce, providing massages, and advertising other local services.
NAKED “Omatsuri” Festival: Eat, Play, and Dance
The art collective NAKED has returned to Tokyo to put on an interactive matsuri (festival) like you’ve never seen before. Using projection mapping and AI, a large daruma doll communicates with passers-by and even becomes a DJ. Other tech ingenuity includes photo spots with changing backgrounds and props and a yakisoba stall that lets you choose toppings by “shooting” at them.
Shimokitazawa Awa Odori Festival
Shimokitazawa’s Ichibanchō shopping district comes to life in mid-August as the local Awa Odori festival parades through the streets. It’s a chance to see participants donning traditional Obon outfits, singing, chanting, and dancing throughout the neighborhood — a summertime classic!
Sonicmania
Sonicmania is the warm-up party for Summer Sonic, taking place the night before in the same location at Makuhari Messe. Acts include Major Lazer (also performing at Summer Sonic), Underworld, Phoenix, Nia Archives, Arca, Sakanaction, and more.
| Advance sales: ¥15,000 | ||
Fresh Meat
If you’re here for drag that shakes up the show, Fresh Meat is the place to go. Performers try their hand at the experimental, unique, and avant-garde, for a showstopping night. The actors come from all walks of life, and range from seasoned pros to first-timers.
| Advance sales: ¥2,500 | ||
Enoshima Summer Fireworks Festival
See a short fireworks show as part of the Miami Beach Show Summer Fireworks in Enoshima. A bonus if you’re already on a day trip from Tokyo. This 5-minute fireworks display takes place across a total of 5 days in August and July.
Zama Sunflower Festival
See 550,000 bright yellow sunflowers in all their glory at the Zama Sunflower Festival, one of Tokyo’s most famous. Make sure to look out for the special observation deck and photo spot as well.
Minato Mirai Bon Dance Festival
Join the yukata-clad masses in the annual Bon dance tradition at Rinko Park — in the shade of the skyscrapers on the Yokohama port waterfront. If the dancing tires you out, there are also plenty of stalls and beautiful views of the illuminated Yokohama Bay Bridge to keep you occupied.
Shimokitazawa Night Flea Market
Find your next hidden treasure at this trendy market in Shimokitazawa. The type of gems you’ll find at Shimokitazawa Flea Market include handmade crafts, secondhand clothes, jewelry, and other items.
Summer Sonic
Set in an amazing location overlooking Tokyo Bay, Summer Sonic’s huge arena is host to a wide range of acts spanning every genre. The festival is held simultaneously in Tokyo (Chiba) and Osaka, with acts switching days — so you won’t miss out, whichever you choose.
Tokyo Boat Race at Edogawa Stadium
Enjoy these thrilling boat races on the water. Six powerboats make three laps around a 600-meter course, racing to finish first. The boats are color-coded and numbered from 1 to 6. If they are too fast, they’re out, and if they are too slow, they’re also out (bets on these boats are refunded). After that, whoever finishes first, wins.
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