Written by Patrick Balfe
Tokyo events for Monday, August 31, to Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Festivals of all shapes and sizes are on the cards this week, from traditional dance and portable shrines to art and Chinese street food. You can also pick up something special at the Tokyo Handmade Marche or head to Harajuku for a limited-time exhibition.
Asakusa Kaminarimon Bon Dance
While you’re visiting Sensōji Temple and the distinctive Kaminarimon Gate, why not join in an outdoor dance party? As with other Bon dances (odori) festivals, there will be a large yagura (festival tower float) for visitors to dance around. What makes this festival different is that it takes place just in front of the iconic Kaminarimon Gate that leads up to Sensōji Temple.
Ōtori Shrine Annual Festival
Ōtori Shrine has a history that goes back more than 300 years — to the first year of the Edo period. A performance of Satokagura, a traditional dance and music performance recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, will be offered as a dedication to the gods.
Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine Festival
This family-oriented festival in Shimokitazawa is on the small side, but that doesn’t stop the revelers from joining in. Although scheduled for two days, the main festival takes place on Sunday, when mikoshi (shoulder-borne shrines) are scheduled to be jostled through the streets.
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Enmusubi Wind Chime Festival
The Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Enmusubi Wind Chime Festival is an annual summer festival taking place on the outskirts of Kawagoe in Saitama. The event has been running since 2014 and draws around 100,000 attendees over its roughly 3-month duration.
China Festival
Taking place in Yoyogi Park Events Square, the China Festival isn’t one to miss — it has been going strong since 2017. The free two-day event includes traditional music, dance, C-pop, tea, hanfu, calligraphy, crafts, panda-themed displays, and tourism booths
Geisai: Tokyo University of the Arts Festival
The Tokyo University of the Arts in Ueno (commonly known as Geidai) is one of the most prestigious arts universities in Japan — and a hotbed for creative talent. All that talent is on display during this three-day festival at their main Ueno campus.
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.
Tokyo Handmade Marche
There will be booth after booth of creators selling their crafts, including art, food, fashion, homeware, and kitchenware. Along with the unique items to buy, you can also attend workshops and classes and become a handmade artist yourself.
| Advance sales: ¥1,000 | At the door: ¥1,200 | |
Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary Exhibition
Ride a Killer Panther, battle monsters in VR, hug a giant King Slime, and explore 40 years of Dragon Quest history at this limited-time Dragon Quest exhibition in Harajuku.
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