Written by Patrick Balfe
Researched by Alexandra Ziminski
August marks the peak of the Japanese festival season. It offers the best opportunity to break out that yukata and get a dose of summer fun.
We can’t fit all the fantastic events into this article, so make sure to check out our full event listings for August to see what you’re missing (spoiler: includes dance parades and anime exhibitions).
For the top events in Tokyo throughout the year, check out our complete guide — organized by month.
1. Bon Odori festivals
Throughout AugustAll over Tokyo
Dance, dance, dance
According to Japanese Buddhism, Obon (also known as Bon, or the Bon Festival) in August is the time of year when the dead visit the living. Bon dances, or Bon Odori, are an offshoot of this belief, as these dances were traditionally held to welcome deceased ancestors.
While most Japanese people these days are not particularly religious, Bon dances live on, and that’s why August is filled with Bon festivals galore. Here are a few to check out:
- July 30–August 2: Tsukiji Honganji Bon Dance Festival
- August 2–3: Nakano Bon Dance Festival
- August 9–10: Shimokitazawa Bon Dance Festival
- August 29–30: Minato Mirai Bon Dance Festival
Can’t get enough Bon Odori? There’s heaps more to check out this month all over the city, including big events in Shibuya and Shinjuku. See our August event listings for more info.
2. Awa Odori festivals
August 16–17 and August 23–24Shimokitazawa and Kōenji
Everyone looks a little tipsy at this dance festival
Different regions have their take on the Bon dance, and one such variation is the Awa Odori, which originated in Tokushima Prefecture. The Awa Odori is characterized by frenzied movements, and the steps and music alternate between mellow and energetic. It’s a sight to behold not only because of the moves, but also because of the dancers’ colorful costumes.
- The most famous Awa Odori festival in Tokyo is the Kōenji Awa Odori Festival (August 23 to 24), which will be held right outside Koenji Station.
- Alternatively, Shimokitazawa’s Awa Odori (August 16 to 17) is another Awa Odori event with a slightly smaller crowd.
3. Asakusa Lantern Floating
August 16Sumida Park, Asakusa
See the lanterns reflect on the most famous river in Tokyo
Asakusa Tōrō Nagashi (lantern floating) is an event related to Obon in which lanterns are floated out on the Sumida River, lighting the way for the spirits of ancestors to return to the other side.
Around 2,500 lanterns covered in handwritten messages are sent out. You can buy a lantern at the event on the day, or pre-order one and ship it to a residence in Japan. Candles are given out at the venue on the day.
4. Fukagawa Hachiman Festival
August 17Tomioka Hachimangū Shrine, Fukagawa
Get wet!
Going all the way back to 1642, the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival is considered one of the three great festivals of Edo (the former name of Tokyo). Prepare to get wet here; this festival isn’t nicknamed the water-splashing festival for nothing!
The water is believed to have purifying purposes, but whether or not you believe that, the festival is a fun way to cool off and beat the summer heat.
5. Summer Comiket
August 16–17Tokyo Big Sight, Ariake
For anime and manga lovers
Summer Comiket is arguably Tokyo’s biggest and best-known pop-culture event in summer. Fans seeking to buy doujinshi (fan-made comics) or Comiket-exclusive official merchandise, cosplayers, photographers, and spectators all converge in Tokyo Big Sight for a few days of geekery.
Comiket being huge, it is not the place for window-shopping; be sure to check your favorite artists’ or series’ websites and/or social-media accounts to know where their booths will be located.
More importantly, stay hydrated — note that Comiket is extremely crowded, so as much as you may enjoy what Comiket has to offer, don’t forget that it’s still sweltering (and packed) outside and most likely stuffy (and just as packed) inside.
6. Tokyo Idol Festival
August 1-3Odaiba Central Square, Diver City
Annual event celebrating everything J-pop
Traditional summer celebrations aren’t the only festivals to get excited about this month. Tokyo Idol Festival (TIF) — the world’s biggest celebration of idol culture — will be celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
The event will feature around 200 idol acts — including some exciting reunions — as well as up-and-coming artist showcases, meet-and-greet opportunities, and limited-edition merch.
7. Fireworks festivals
Throughout AugustAll over Tokyo
See the summer out with a bang
July isn’t the only month to see goosebump-inducing fireworks in Tokyo (in fact, they go on into fall). A pyrotechnic show is a quintessential Japanese experience, as flocks of fireworks chasers don traditional summer outfits, and food stalls brim with festival fundamentals.
If we hadn’t mentioned before, August is hot, and so the relative “cool” of the night is when most Tokyoites take to the streets.
Here are some of our fireworks recommendations for August:
- August 2: Edogawa Fireworks Festival
- August 4: Minato Mirai Smart Fireworks Festival
- August 11: Kōtō Fireworks Festival
- August 16: Hakone Daimonji-yaki
- August 30: Kanazawa Fireworks
8. Summer Sonic Festival
Summer Sonic is one of Japan’s biggest summer music festivals. Taking place concurrently over one weekend in both Tokyo and Osaka, it’s known for its diverse mix of genres and inner-city vibe.
This year’s Tokyo event features headliners such as Alicia Keys, Fallout Boy, and The Prodigy, as well as other big names like Yung Blud and Baby Metal. In addition to the main event, there are also side parties like the Thursday night Sonicmania and Saturday night Midnight Sonic.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in July 2016. Last updated in July 2025, by Patrick Balfe.
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