Tokyo events for Monday, September 18 to Sunday, September 24, 2023.
Fall fireworks, autumn flowers, and naked festivals — oh my! As the nights get cooler, the events heat up.
Another week filled with things to do, with some continuing on from last week into the Monday holiday. We can’t fit it all in one list, so check out some more ideas on our events page.
Moon Art Night Shimokitazawa
Once again, the whole of Shimokitazawa is going moon-mad. The hip neighborhood will celebrate the start of autumn and the Japanese tradition of tsukimi (moon viewing) by holding an art festival on its streets. You can expect powerful installations, including a gigantic moon and a fluffle of lit-up bunnies.
JOLT Showcase Yokohama 2023
JOLT Arts, a prominent Australian arts organization, returns to Japan with an eclectic showcase of avant-garde sound and video artists from Japan and Australia. This free event transcends mere entertainment; it’s an opportunity to witness a unique lineup of artists who redefine conventional perceptions of art and sound.
Ohara Naked Festival
Before you get your pervy hopes up, the Ohara Naked Festival (Ohara hadaka matsuri) would be more aptly named the Ohara “semi-naked” Festival. The dancers costumes are actually quite modest with only (male) chests, shoulders, and buttocks bared.
Tokyo Game Show
The Tokyo Game Show remains one of the top gaming shows in the world. While the first two days of the event are industry, influencers, and press only, days three and four (Sep. 23 and 24) are open to the sweaty masses. The show is on a huge scale with booths from all the major game publishers, console makers, and mobile gaming platforms with a few indies and international booths thrown in as well.
| Advance sales: ¥2,300 | ||
Chōfu City Fireworks Festival
Chōfu City Fireworks Festival happens on the grassy banks of the Tama River (downstream from the bridge on the Keio Sagamihara Line). The opening ceremony begins at 6:10 p.m. and the explosions start from 6:30 p.m. The organizers aren’t skimping on the number of fireworks. 10,000 individual fireworks will go up in flames in front of an estimated audience of 350,000 people.
Tokugawa Hundred-Member Gun Squad Fair
Hyakuninchō is home to the Kaichuinari-jinja Shrine, where many vassals of the squad visited to pray that their shot would always hit its target. People later created the shustujin-shiki fair to commemorate the gun squad and also to give thanks for the luck bestowed by the shrine.
September Grand Sumo Tournament
Most sumo tournament tickets have sold out for this tournament, but there are some still some left with a guide. It’s a chance to see the traditional sport up close and personal. While the fights are broadcast on NHK, nothing beats the atmosphere of the tense final matches of the day, complete with cushion-throwing and cheers.
The Pirates of Tokyo Bay Bilingual Improv Show
For over a decade, the Pirates of Tokyo Bay have been making audiences laugh with short-form improv comedy shows in English and Japanese. Join them as their performers create scenes, stories, and songs inspired by you, the audience. Whatever language you speak, they’ll make you laugh at their monthly show at What the Dickens in Ebisu.
| Advance sales: ¥2,000 | At the door: ¥2,000 | |
Fukuro Festival (Mikoshi)
The Fukuro Festival began in 1968 as a promotional event for four local shopping districts on the west side of Ikebukuro Station. Since then, it has grown to be one of the largest events in the area. The Owl Festival will take place from September 23 to 24, with the mikoshi (portable shrine) parade taking place on the 24th.
Tokyo Extraction: Tokyo as Art and Fragrance Exhibition
This is your chance to see the works of a talented illustrator and perfumer in a unique collaborative exhibition that heightens all the senses. Illustrator Erica and Perfumer Ko have pulled their creative powers to design eight original works inspired by eight areas of Tokyo. Erica Ward has created the watercolor paintings and Perfumer Ko the fragrances.
Tokyo Handmade Marche
If you are tired of generic, badly made gifts, it might be time to try something new (and handmade). Inspired by the gigantic Yokohama Handmade Marche, Tokyo is putting on the largest handmade event in the city. There will be booth upon booth of creators selling their crafts, including art, food, fashion, homeware, and kitchenware products.
| Advance sales: ¥1,000 | At the door: ¥1,200 | |
Tokyo National Museum – Free Admission Day
Tokyo National Museum’s regular exhibitions are free to the public on the third Monday of September, the Respect for the Aged Day national holiday. This is one of only two days of the year that you can get in for free — the other being International Museum Day — so it’s worth noting in your cheapo calendar.
Toyokawa Inari Ooka-Echizen Festival
Toyokawa Inari Ooka-Echizen Matsuri is an annual festival at Toyokawa Inari shrine. Taking place close to Akasaka-Mitsuke Station, this event celebrates the renowned middle Edo period samurai, judge, and feudal lord Ooka Tadasuke.
Namaste India
The Namaste India Festival returns to the event square at Yoyogi Park. There will be a large number of different food and drink stalls, musical performances, lectures, and other displays. There are scheduled performances all day on both Saturday and Sunday and around 200,000 visitors are expected.
Oedo Beer Festival Autumn 2023
If you’re interested in trying a wide range of craft beer, then this is for you. Most of the beers on sale will be local, but there will also be American, Belgian, and German beers available. Entry to the festival is free. Beer tickets start at around ¥600 each.
Shiba Park Oktoberfest
Despite the name, Oktoberfest will be in Shiba Park this September with German music, food, and of course, beer! Get tickets here.
| Advance sales: ¥500 | At the door: ¥500 | |
M Festival 2023
Over the two days at M Festival, you’ll discover heart-pounding live performances and experiences. There isn’t just one genre to groove to — get ready for reggae, rock, ska, electronic beats, and everything in between. Along with the fantastic sets and DJs, the festival invites you to explore its natural surroundings, from small babbling creeks to imposing wild mountains.
Early autumn flower festivals
- Red Spider Lily Festival (Sep. 16–Oct. 1)
- Hagi Festival (Sep. 16–Oct. 1)
- Cosmos Flower Festival (Sep. 16–Oct. 22)
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