Written by Patrick Balfe
Tokyo events for Monday, September 28, to Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Food and music take center stage this week, with plenty of chances to dance and munch your way around the city. In particular, Chōfu Saisaisai Festival and Salsa Street Festival combine the best of both worlds. The Hokkaidō Fair in Yoyogi and Miura Night Market offer plenty of local delicacies, and the Vegan Gourmet Festival delivers meat-free options.
Chōfu Saisaisai Festival
Along with yosakoi dancing, this event has expanded to include dance performances, brass bands, choirs, art workshops, festival games, and food trucks. It brings together people of different ages, nationalities, and abilities, giving everyone a chance to enjoy performances, take part in activities, and connect with the local community.
Miura Night Market
Once a year, Misaki’s old-school shopping street in Miura City turns into a night market with a panoply of food stalls. Maguro or tuna is the town’s claim to fame, and no doubt there will be plenty of other seafood to go around, plus snacks, drinks, and family-friendly games.
Odasaga Road Festival
The Odasaga Road Festival is a community event that celebrates the area’s cultural diversity. The event features numerous stages showcasing local talent, including live music, traditional dance, costume parades, and more.
Sea Lights Lantern Festival in Odaiba
Formerly known as the Marine Day Lantern Festival, this event has volunteers set out 12,000 paper lanterns in bright, fancy designs. With the Rainbow Bridge in the background, it makes for a real Instagram-worthy sight. There will also be live music, hula, and plenty of stalls vending food and beverages.
Moon Art Night Shimokitazawa
The hip neighborhood of Shimokitazawa will celebrate the start of autumn and the Japanese tradition of tsukimi (moon viewing) by holding an art festival on its streets. Around 100 programs run across the festival, including gallery and street art exhibitions, live music, workshops, stargazing, a stamp rally, and limited-edition moon-themed menus at local cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Salsa Street Festival
Try your luck at some salsa dancing in Ueno. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro, the event will be so packed that no one is focusing on your moves. Once you’re all tuckered out, refuel at the Latin American food and drink stalls.
Vegan Gourmet Festival Autumn
Tokyo and Japan have been known for not having the best restaurants and food options for vegans and vegetarians. But times are changing, and events like the Vegan Gourmet Festival are making it easier to eat meat-free.
Diversity Park
Over two days, Diversity Park in Shinjuku creates a barrier-free space where you can try para-sports such as wheelchair basketball, blind soccer and boccia, take part in workshops and talks, and meet the people shaping a more accessible Tokyo.
Hokkaidō Fair in Yoyogi
The Hokkaidō Fair is a 4-day celebration of the food of Japan’s northernmost prefecture. Well known for potatoes, dairy, and meat, the region has enough specialty dishes to keep you busy for days, so make sure you arrive hungry.
Free Shakuhachi Concert in Tokyo
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.
Shibuya Anime Music Night
Tune into anime songs performed live by a real band in a Shibuya basement — then step up for wotagei, synchronized glow-stick choreography unique to Japanese idol and fandom culture. No experience needed.
Red Spider Lily Festival
If red is your favorite color, then mark this event on your calendar. The red spider lily, already a pretty little plant on its own, makes for an Instagram-winning blanket of color in the Kinchakuda fields in Hidaka, Saitama.
| At the door: ¥500 | ||
Tamagawa Fireworks Festival
This is Setagaya’s biggest fireworks festival. Around 6,000 fireworks will launch above the Tama River from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Stage shows and food stalls will also run throughout the day. You should get there early if you want to get a good spot.
Kawasaki Tama River Fireworks Festival
Kawasaki City and Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward join forces to stage their annual fireworks festival. From the right viewing spot, you can catch both shows at once.
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