Written by Patrick Balfe
Tokyo events for Monday, April 13, to Sunday, April 19, 2026.
It’s that time of year in Tokyo when there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy the weather. This week has a bit of everything, from horseback archery and portable shrine ceremonies to flower festivals, traditional music performances, and events for a good cause. Check out some of our favorites below.
Asakusa Yabusame
It’s quite difficult to hit a target from a moving horse. See the masters in action in Asakusa.
Kamakura Festival
The festival features a parade with mikoshi (portable shrines) carried down the famous Wakamiya Ōji Street towards Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine. Also expect performances such as traditional dancing.
Kokuryo Shrine Wisteria Festival
Usually held in late April, this festival celebrates the peak blooming period of the wisteria flowers, which form a canopy of pale purple over the grounds.
Saitama Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Viewing
Expect over 100 trees spread across the garden. The variety extends the bloom window considerably, keeping the hanami vibes going strong even as the flowers fade away elsewhere.
Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival
During the annual Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival, the wisteria is illuminated after dusk (during the height of the season). There are also food stalls and events, like tea ceremonies, taiko drumming, and ikebana displays.
Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival
There are food and drink stalls, a market, and performances. It’s usually extremely crowded on the weekends, so going on a weekday is recommended. The admission price changes according to the blooming of the flowers.
Free Shakuhachi Concert in Tokyo
The shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese bamboo flute with a history stretching back centuries. At this concert, you’ll hear performers from several major schools of shakuhachi, including Fuke Myōan-ryū, Kinko-ryū, and Tozan-ryū.
Kaze no Kai Shakuhachi Concert
This concert focuses on honkyoku, the solo shakuhachi repertoire once associated with wandering Zen Buddhist monks. It is free and requires no reservations.
Tokyo Poetry Week
This year’s events include poetry readings, talks, workshops, exhibitions, dance performances, painting, and parties.
Tokyo River Clean-Up
Tokyo River Friends organizes regular litter-picking events on the banks of the Arakawa and Edogawa rivers. No reservation required — just show up at the appointed meeting spot.
Earth Day Tokyo
You’ll find all kinds of environmental NPOs and charities, including plenty you may not even know exist in Tokyo, sharing their work and welcoming new supporters at Earth Day Tokyo. There will also be plenty of eco-friendly businesses selling their products, as well as various talks, workshops, and demos. Or you can just enjoy the free live music.
Vegan Gourmet Festival Spring
Japan is not known for having the best options for vegans and vegetarians. But times are changing, and events like the Vegan Gourmet Festival are making it easier to eat meat-free.
Hawarin Bayar Mongolia Spring Festival
The Hawarin Bayar is run by Mongolian exchange students to promote Mongolian art and culture. You can try on traditional Mongolian clothing or attend a lecture on Mongolian history.
Tokyo Handmade Marche Spring Edition
There will be booth upon booth of creators selling their crafts, including art, food, fashion, homeware, and kitchenware products. The booths will change each day.
| Advance sales: ¥1,000 | At the door: ¥1,200 | |
| At the door: ¥0 | ||
| At the door: ¥600 | ||
Kamakura Hase Market
The Hase Market brings together monks, indie vendors, and residents at Hasedera Temple. There’s a flea market, stamp rally, and plenty of food stalls.
Ajinomoto Stadium BIG Flea Market
You can find everything here, including, possibly, a kitchen sink. There are organic vegetables, crafts, secondhand clothes, toys, antiques, and much more.
Waseda Regatta
There will be several boating races throughout the day, but the main race will see Waseda and Keio push off from Shin-Ōhashi Bridge and head up to the finishing line at Sakurabashi Bridge, near Sumida Park.
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