Tokyo events for Monday, July 10 to Sunday, July 16, 2023.
This long weekend is bright; you won’t need to go too far to see fireflies, lanterns, and thousands of sunflowers.
There are also a wide range of festivals blowing up the main parks of Tokyo, from beer to international, and plenty of music for those who like a party.
Setagaya Firefly Festival
The Setagaya Firefly Festival and Egret Market is a family-fun summer tradition held on Boroichi Street. The most popular event is the chance to see fireflies while walking through a dark, enclosed dome. Be prepared for long lines, and you’ll be asked to keep moving — but it is free to see.
Brazil Festival
Celebrating its 16th year, Festival Brasil 2023 — also known as Brazilian Day Tokyo — pulls in an impressive crowd. Once again it will be held in Yoyogi Park’s Events Square and will feature all things Brazilian. Look forward to food, dancing, and vibrant performances.
Mitama Matsuri
Traditionally, during the hottest months of summer, Japanese people honor the spirits of the dead. One such festival based around this idea is the Mitama Matsuri at the politically complex Yasukuni Shrine. 30,000 lanterns are strung from towers of metal scaffolding to create a spectacular approach along the promenade leading to the main shrine.
Hibiya Summer Oktoberfest
Outdoor drinking, German-style eats, and lively music — Oktoberfest is back in town, this time for summer! For 10 days, you and your boozehound friends can hit up Hibiya Park to try various local and German beers. The admission fee includes an original drinking glass that you can take home.
| Advance sales: ¥500 | At the door: ¥500 | |
Windmill Sunflower Garden
Bask in the sight of over 15,000 Vincent (named after the artist!) sunflowers in full bloom under the July sunshine. Blue skies, yellow fields, and maybe even a riverboat ride make for the perfect summer at Sakura’s Windmill Sunflower Garden. Despite the confusing name, Sakura doesn’t refer to cherry blossoms, instead it’s a city in Chiba Prefecture where you can find the Windmill Sunflower Garden.
Ueno Summer Festival
The Ueno Natsu Matsuri (summer festival) consists of various events and festivities over a two-week-long period. The festival includes a paper lantern-floating festival (July 17 in 2023), an antique market, and various musical and dance performances. There will also be a festival atmosphere with dancing and stalls from each Friday to Sunday (3 p.m. to 9 p.m.) during the event period.
Compass at Womb
Get ready for an overload of Techno and House beats from Tokyo-based label and creative collective HOLE AND HOLLAND. Their latest event, Compass at Womb Shibuya, has a mix of indie Japanese and international artists to rave to.
| Advance sales: ¥2,500 | ||
Sabin Rai & The Pharaoh Live in Tokyo
Sabin Rai & The Pharaoh are performing for the first time together at Shibuya Stream Hall. Known for his stage presence, energy, and raspy vocal presence, Sabin Rai is a household name for Nepalese all over the world. From nostalgic hits to modern-day bliss, he has been an unstoppable force.
| Advance sales: ¥4,500 | At the door: ¥5,000 | |
Homage Tokyo: Clothing Swap Vol. 5
Join Homage Tokyo at Alishan Park for their next event: Clothing Swap Vol. 5. The textile industry is one of the largest polluters in the world. One way to tackle these environmental issues is by extending the life of our clothes through participating in swapping events. Save the world and save some money.
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