Tokyo events for Monday, July 29 to Sunday, August 4 2019
If you didn’t catch the massive Sumida fireworks event last weekend, you have five more to choose from this week. Plus traditional Tanabata festivals, art events and the Sri Lanka Festival.
Firework festivals
- The Itabashi Fireworks Festival (northwest Tokyo)
- The Edogawa Fireworks Festival (east Tokyo)
- The Ome City Nohryo Fireworks Festival (west Tokyo)
- Koto Fireworks Festival (east Tokyo)
- The Akishima Citizen Whale Festival Yume Hanabi (west Tokyo)
The first two are fairly big productions (over 10,000 “fire flowers”, as translated from Japanese), with Ome, Koto, and Akishima being smaller affairs with just 4,001, 4,000 and 1,800 rockets respectively. They run for about 30 mins to 1.5 hours.
Fussa Tanabata Festival
Tanabata is a popular summer tradition where festival-goers write down a wish on a piece of colorful paper and hang it from bamboo trees. Accompanying that tradition are various parades including a folk dance parade, character shows, and 100 local-run stalls that line the street.
Asagaya Tanabata Festival
The Asagaya district is celebrating its version of the Tanabata festival. The festival is known for its large and colorful paper-mâché recreations of cartoon characters, which are hung from the ceiling in the Asagaya Pearl Center. The will also be traditional Japanese games and a plethora of food stalls.
Design Festa
One of the largest art and design events in all of Asia. The summer edition of Design Festa is back with works from 10,000 international artists, designers, musicians, actors. Read our full guide for a taste of what to expect at Design Festa.
| Advance sales: ¥800 | At the door: ¥1,800 | |
Tsukiji Honganji Bon Dance Festival
A Bon dance festival that takes things up a notch. There’s taiko drumming, traditional dancing and the focal yagura tower is strewn with beautiful lanterns. The festival is also known for the delicious street food on offer, so go hungry.
Chill Out Evening at Kyu Yasuda Teien
For a bit of peace and quiet, Kyu Yasuda Teien (a serene garden in the Ryogoku area close to the Sumida River) is having a “chill out evening” that includes illuminated gardens, tea ceremonies and traditional koto playing.
Sri Lanka Festival
A culture festival in Yoyogi Park showcasing Sri Lankan cuisine, arts and crafts, and traditional performances.
Museum of Modern Art – Free Admission Day
The MOMAT is free this Sunday. The museum houses mainly Japanese works of the 20th century including a number deemed ‘Important Cultural Properties’ or masterpieces.
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