Tokyo events for Monday, August 12 to Sunday, August 18, 2019

This week, Shimokitazawa and Yokohama are host to odori festivals—traditional summer street parties focused around choreographed song and dance performances. Or enjoy a night of comedy, discussing (and swapping) books, or rocking out at Summer Sonic, one of Japan’s biggest music festivals.

Awaodori dance in Shimokitazawa
Awaodori dancers in Shimokitazawa | Photo by Chris Kirkland

Tokyo English Book Exchange #13

Meet up with fellow bibliophiles for Tokyo Cheapo’s 13th English Book Exchange. Come with at least one book to swap, then grab a drink and mingle. Who knows what printed treasure you might find!

Suggested Activity
Official Street Go-Kart in Shibuya
Dress up in costume and drive through the famous Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku and Omotesando. You'll get a whole new view of the city. This is one of the most popular activities in Tokyo!

Shimokitazawa Awa Odori Festival

Awa Odori is a parade-like festival where choreographed groups perform traditional Japanese dances and songs throughout the streets. The ever-chic Shimokitazawa neighborhood is holding its own version of this summertime classic throughout the Ichibancho shopping district.

Craft Beer & Comedy

Good food, great beer and belly laugh-inducing English stand-up comedy is the perfect way to kick-start your Saturday evening in Roppongi.

Minato Mirai Bon Dance Festival

Swing by Rinko Park in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai area on Friday or Saturday evening for bon odori dancing, street food, a beer garden and beautiful views of the illuminated Yokohama Bay Bridge.

Summer Sonic 2019

Summer Sonic is one of the biggest music festivals of the summer. This year’s headliners include Weezer, Fall Out Boy, Rita Ora, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Chainsmokers and more. Get your tickets, then read our guide on how to get there from Tokyo.

“We Cool?”

A new art exhibition at Harajuku’s UltraSuperNew Gallery examines the culture around modern technology—it helps keep us connected, but has it brought us closer together?

For more top Tokyo events happening this month, see our August recommendations.

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Filed under: Events | Things to do in Tokyo
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