Written by Patrick Balfe
Tokyo events for Monday, July 13, to Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Slip on some comfy shoes ’cause this week is all about dancing. From bon odori in Jiyūgaoka to samba at Festival Brazil and Latino, events around the city invite you to feel the rhythm and the arrival of the summer heat.
Jiyūgaoka Bon Odori Dance Festival
Across three evenings, see talented bon odori dancers move to traditional and contemporary Japanese songs. If you want to join in the dance, you can learn some of the key steps via the practice videos on the official website.
Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival
Considered Japan’s biggest lantern festival, the Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival boasts everything you want from a classic summer festival — games, food stalls, live performances and a launch of glowing lanterns into the night sky.
| Advance sales: ¥6,500 | ||
Mitama Matsuri
Held at the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Kudanshita, 30,000 lanterns create a spectacular approach to the main building for one of Tokyo’s biggest Obon events.
Festival Brazil and Latino
Festival Brasil and Latino — also known as Brazilian Day Tokyo — pulls in an impressive crowd. Once again it will be held in Yoyogi Park’s Events Square and will feature all things Brazilian. Look forward to food, dancing, and vibrant performances.
awai vol.2: Shakuhachi, Modular Synth, Dance, and Visual Art
Drawing on the space between sound and silence central to the komuso (Zen monk) style of shakuhachi playing, artists will blend traditional Japanese music with contemporary modular synth, dance, and more.
| Advance sales: ¥2,500 | At the door: ¥2,500 | |
Omonma Summer Festival
The day-long festival will feature food stalls, hands-on workshops, and a performance stage set up on a dekotora, a brightly decorated truck often covered with lights, painted panels, and bold designs.
Mita Carnival
The Mita Carnival is known for its food and drink stalls, parades, dancing, and iconic view of Tokyo Tower in the background. 2026 marks its 52nd year.
Yokohama Night Flowers
This fireworks festival runs from summer through winter. A fireworks display lasting around 5 minutes will be set off from Osanbashi Pier and/or Shinko Pier, depending on the date. A great viewing spot is Yamashita Park.
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Fireworks
Digitally synchronized fireworks and music explode in perfect harmony. Approximately 2,500 fireworks will burst across the night sky in a 10-minute display happening on 10 nights from July to September.
Tokyo Tower Tanabata Festival
Tokyo Tower is ready for the Tanabata season, and that means lights, candles, and wishes. Several events are happening in and around Tokyo Tower during the event period. The tower also gets a special light show.
Fun Aloha Festival
Expect dozens of performances, workshops, and interactive demonstrations from Saturday through Monday. Look out for lei-making workshops, ukulele lessons, body painting, sun-catcher crafting, and Hawaiian tarot readings.
Ratha Yatra 2026
The Odisha Community of Japan, together with their sponsors and patrons, will celebrate the Ratha Yatra (also called Ratha Jatra). During the event, a 4-meter-tall chariot is pulled by participants on a road near Kawasaki Station along with spectacular dances and colorful plays.
Kawasaki Daishi Fūrin-Ichi
Craftsmen from all over Japan gather in Kawasaki to display and sell thousands of these chimes, which soothe your soul as they ring in the summer breeze.
Candlelight Concert: Magical Movie Soundtracks
A string quartet will take you on a journey through Disney hits such as Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid.
Tokyo River Clean-Up
Tokyo River Friends organizes regular litter-picking events on the banks of the Arakawa and Edogawa rivers. After a few hours of work, participants usually head out for a picnic or meal at a local restaurant.
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