Summer festivals may be drawing to a close, but the autumnal equinox means there are plenty of events to check out in September.
The — hopefully — less humid weather makes BBQs and beer gardens bearable, and you’ll be itching to get out and see parades with floats, music, and dancers. There are also the unique flowers that pop up at this time of year. If you’d rather stay inside, you can watch the sumo wrestle to the top or play around at the Tokyo Game Show, one of the most anticipated gaming expos of the year.
For the top events in Tokyo throughout the year, check out our complete guide — organized by month.
1. September Grand Sumo Tournament
Watch the biggest wrestlers in Japan fight for the title
September sumo season is upon us. You could just catch the highlights on the TV, or you could take yourself down to Ryōgoku Kokugikan and get up close and personal with sumo’s biggest (literally) stars. The tournament will last for two weeks, but make sure to get your tickets early to secure a seat.
2. Tokyo Game Show
The latest from the top games companies in Japan
Japan’s largest gaming event (and one of the major entries on the global gaming calendar) continues to grow in scale and number of visitors each year, so be sure to arrive early to make the most of the day.
The who’s who of the gaming industry will participate in the Tokyo Game Show, as well as rising talent such as indie developers. Be prepared for long, long lines as exhibitors offer test-plays of upcoming games, release event-exclusive merchandise, and more.
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3. Akasaka Hikawa Matsuri
Large floats at a traditional local festival
If you like floats, you’ll love Akasaka Hikawa Matsuri. There will be many events held over three days in and around Akasaka, but the parades showing off the shrine’s traditional wheeled floats are a highlight. There will also be a Bon Odori dance festival and stalls over the long weekend, so you’ll find plenty to do.
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4. Ikebukuro Fukuro Matsuri (Mikoshi)
Portable shrines in one of Tokyo’s busiest spots
This two-part festival takes place over the entire neighborhood of Ikebukuro. The first section is known as the Owl Festival (Fukuro Matsuri), while the second half is known as the Tokyo Yosakoi Festival — and they usually take place around a month apart. The Owl Festival will take place from September 28 to 29, with the mikoshi (portable shrine) parade taking place on the 29th.
5. Autumn flower festivals
The fall buds start to bloom
As the season changes, autumn flowers start to bloom, and with them come a host of wonderful festivals to visit. Take a look at the ones starting in September.
6. Chōfu City Fireworks Festival
Fireworks continue into September
10,000 fireworks will burst into the sky above Tamagawa River in Chōfu this September. With both free and paid seating, this event sees hundreds of thousands of spectators. If you are looking for a free spot, make sure to get there early. You can start laying out a blanket from midnight on the day (yes, you read that right), but you may have to play tag team to secure it.
7. Shibuya Konno Hachimangu Annual Festival
Shibuya gets rowdier
Shibuya gets a bit more rowdier (if that’s possible) every September during the Konno Hachimangu Shrine Annual Festival. The biggest day is Sunday when 14 mikoshi (portable shrines) converge in front of Shibuya 109. There will also be food stalls and performances at the shrine and a general festive atmosphere.
Wondering what other festivals there are coming up this year? Take a look at our list of Tokyo festivals you shouldn’t miss.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
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