Written by Patrick Balfe
Tokyo events for Monday, June 15, to Sunday, June 21, 2026.
This week, head to Zōjōji Temple for Candle Night, enjoy Japanese music, art, and cuisine in Asakusa, then get a taste of international culture at Yoyogi Park. If that’s not enough, Global Citizen is putting on a gig for a good cause, and Shibuya is hosting Japan’s longest-running LGBTQ+ film fest.
Candle Night for 1 Million People
Taking place at Zōjōji Temple on the summer and winter solstice each year, this event calls for all lights to be turned off — including Tokyo Tower — from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Candles of all shapes (incl. vegetables), colors, and sizes will be lit just before.
Global Citizen Live: Tokyo
Global Citizen’s first-ever event in Japan will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which will provide children with access to quality education in over 150 countries. Performers include X Japan’s Yoshiki and pop outfit &TEAM, as well as AI and Yuki Chiba.
Moonrise: Neo-Traditional Japanese Art and Music in Asakusa
This Summer, Moonrise presents a series of shows combining Japanese music, spirituality, and cuisine in unique spaces in the heart of Asakusa. Three events in particular will offer a chance to experience this one-of-a-kind fusion of traditional culture and world-class musicianship up close.
Rainbow Reel Lesbian & Gay Film Festival
Rainbow Reel is Japan’s longest-running LGBTQ+ film festival and brings together an eclectic mix of queer cinema from around the globe. This year’s festival will screen eight feature films over four days across two Shibuya venues: EuroLive (June 20–21) and Tokyo Women’s Plaza Hall (July 11–12). Seven of the eight titles are Japanese premieres.
Nerd Nite Tokyo #79: Ten Years
Nerd Nite is a monthly event held at various locations throughout Tokyo where the nerds of the city gather to drink and ponder the big issues of the day. This month, Nerd Nite Tokyo marks ten years to the month since its first event.
Weekend Comedy at TCB
Just 1 minute from Shibuya Station, Tokyo Comedy Bar has built a name for itself as the home of comedy in Tokyo. Each week, Tokyo’s best comedians hit the stage to showcase their sets, and the local comedy community gathers for a laugh.
| Advance sales: ¥3,000 | ||
Portugal Festa Shimokitazawa
Portugal Festa brings one of Japan’s oldest European connections into present-day Shimokitazawa. There will be workshops, cooking sessions, and live performances. Between those, you can browse traditional handicrafts, dip into Portuguese wine, and enjoy traditional baked goods.
Jamaica Festival
Grab a spot and enjoy live folk and reggae from more than 25 acts, then explore a diverse lineup of Jamaican and Caribbean food vendors and market stalls. This year features reggae sound systems and music crews alongside fashion brands, food producers, craftspeople, community organizations, booksellers, and much more.
African Heritage Festival
Happening at the same time as the Jamaica Festival, the African Heritage Festival is an annual showcase of African food, music, dance, and fashion. Get in on the parade, try your hand at the djembe workshop, then browse the bazaar and enjoy a selection of food from the African continent and around the world.
Kamakura Hasedera Temple Hydrangea Path
Every June, Hasedera Temple in Kamakura draws visitors to its hillside Hydrangea Path. It’s home to over 2,500 hydrangeas in more than 40 varieties.
| Advance sales: ¥500 | ||
| Advance sales: ¥200 | ||
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 a meal at a local restaurant.
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