Tokyo Events September 2024: Top 7 Not To Be Missed

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.

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1. September Grand Sumo Tournament

September 8–22

Ryogoku Kokugikan, Sumida

Watch the biggest wrestlers in Japan fight for the title

Sometimes even the smallest rikishi wins. | Photo by Alex Ziminski

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.

September Grand Sumo Tournament

Dates:8th Sep–22nd Sep, 2024

Entry:

¥3,500 – ¥40,000

Venue:

Ryogoku Kokugikan

2. Tokyo Game Show

September 26–29 (Public days 28–29)

Makuhari Messe, Chiba

The latest from the top games companies in Japan

Play it safe at TGS. | Photo by Victor Gonzalez

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.

Tokyo Game Show 2024

Dates:26th Sep–29th Sep, 2024

Price:

Adults:
Advance sales: ¥3,000

Venue:

Makuhari Messe

3. Akasaka Hikawa Matsuri

September 13–15

Hikawa Shrine, Minato

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.

Akasaka Hikawa Festival

Dates:13th Sep–15th Sep, 2024

Entry:Free

Venue:

Hikawa Shrine

Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy Lunch

Eat, train, and fight like a real Japanese sumo wrestler during this sumo demonstration and authentic 'Chanko Nabe' (hotpot) meal.

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4. Ikebukuro Fukuro Matsuri (Mikoshi)

September 28–29

Ikebukuro

Portable shrines in one of Tokyo’s busiest spots

*Mikoshi* parade at the Fukuro Festival. | Photo by iStock.com/winhorse

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.

Fukuro Festival (Mikoshi)

Dates:28th Sep–29th Sep, 2024

Entry:Free

5. Autumn flower festivals

September–October

All over Tokyo

The fall buds start to bloom

red spider lily flowers in Kinchakuda — Red Spider Lily flowers usually bloom mid- to late September. | Photo by Chris Kirkland

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.

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Cosmos Flower Festival

Red Spider Lily Festival

Hagi Festival

6. Chōfu City Fireworks Festival

September 21

Tamagawa Ryokuchi Park, Chōfu

Fireworks continue into September

Hear some of the biggest bangs in Tokyo. | Photo by Getty Images

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.

Chōfu City Fireworks Festival

Dates:21st Sep, 2024

Entry:Free

Venue:

Tamagawa Ryokuchi Park

7. Shibuya Konno Hachimangu Annual Festival

September 13–15

Shibuya 109

Shibuya gets rowdier

The center of Shibuya bursts with festivities. | Photo by Konno Hachimangu Reitaisai Festival

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.