Tokyo events for Monday, August 14 to Sunday, August 20, 2023.
The Obon holidays continue into this week and many residents of Tokyo have emptied the city to go on holiday. But that doesn’t mean there will be a lack of things to see and do.
A plethora of dance events, from Awa Odori to samba, appear throughout Tokyo — check out Shimokitazawa and Sangenjaya for the biggest. Along with that, you can see lanterns and even a mountain on fire.
W Hero Festival
These old-school, Japanese tokusatsu (not tonkatsu, the delicious pork cutlet dish) TV shows are very popular in Japan — for children and their parents — and this festival celebrates their outrageousness. The event features stage shows four or five times a day (the number of shows varies per day).
Minato Mirai Bon Dance Festival
Join the yukata-clad masses in the annual Bon dance tradition at Rinko Park — in the shade of the skyscrapers on the Yokohama port waterfront. If the dancing tires you out, there’s also plenty of stalls and beautiful views of the illuminated Yokohama Bay Bridge to keep you occupied.
Shimokitazawa Awa Odori Festival
Shimokitazawa’s Ichibanchō shopping district comes to life in mid-August as the local Awa Odori festival parades through the streets. The festival features dance teams from all over Tokyo, but expect big cheers for the local Shimokitazawa groups. In addition to the parades on Saturday and Sunday, there is a pre-event on the Friday called “Awa Night” with food and drink stalls filling the streets of the Ichibanchō shopping street.
Sancha Summer Festival and Latin Fest
Held in Sangenjaya (often called Sancha or Sanja for short), this two-day celebration features live performances, amazing costumes, and a great atmosphere. On Sunday, the Samba Parade (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) will march along the main road and there will be festivities on both days for the Sancha Summer Festival in Sangenjaya Fureai Square.
Manga Dive Shinjuku Summer 2023
Journey through the stories of Chainsaw Man, SPY×FAMILY, and Dandadan during an immersive movie screening that lasts between 30 to 40 minutes. This is similar to the art installations found at teamLab but with a manga twist.
Enoshima Lanterns
We’ve discussed Enoshima before, but for a month and a half in summer, this beautiful island transforms at night. Various locations, such as Enoshima Shrine, Iwaya Caves, Samuel Cocking Garden, and the Enoshima Sea Candle are illuminated with lanterns and light shows.
Hakone Daimonji-yaki
On Mt. Myojogatake, viewed from Goran Onsen in Hakone, 205 bamboo stalks will be lit one by one to reveal an enormous burning 大 (dai, meaning big or great). There will also be fireworks. Gōra Park will hold a special night-time viewing event, as well as cu-mo at Sōunzan Station on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car Line. You’ll need to arrive before 7:30 p.m.
Summer Sonic 2023
In an amazing location overlooking Tokyo Bay, the huge arena main stage and various other smaller stages are host to a wide range of acts spanning every genre. The festival is held simultaneously in Chiba and Osaka, with acts switching days — so you won’t miss out, whichever you choose.
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