Written by Alexandra Ziminski
Tokyo events for Monday, June 2 to Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Festivals begin to celebrate the purple petals perfect for rain — hydrangeas.
In Shibuya, Pride is painting the town in rainbow colors and one of the biggest portable shrines in Tokyo makes its way through the streets south of Asakusa.
Yu Sakai Tour 2025 in Tokyo: PASADENA
Yu Sakai is making a name for himself after showing off his smooth vocals and vibrant energy on NPR’s famous Tiny Desk Concert. Make sure to hop on the Sakai train as he shoots to stardom.
| Advance sales: ¥7,000 | ||
National Orchestra of Canada Tour in Osaka and Mie
Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra makes a triumphant return to Japan, visiting Tokyo, Osaka, and Tsu (Mie). The Orchestra brings together world-class artistry and powerful musical storytelling, led by Music Director Alexander Shelley, and featuring pianist Olga Scheps and Concertmaster Yosuke Kawasaki.
Tokyo Pride
No matter your gender or sexual orientation, anyone can enjoy the parades and events. These include performances and booths in Yoyogi Park for LGBTQ+-friendly businesses as well as the annual parade. If you’ve never celebrated Pride in Japan, here’s your annual opportunity.
Philippine Expo
Experience a bit of Manila in Japan this June, when the Philippine Expo celebrates the country’s independence with a three-day festival in Ueno Park.
Torigoe Festival
The Torigoe Festival — or Torigoe Matsuri — in June is a big event if only for the main feature: the procession of Torigoe Shrine’s mikoshi (portable shrine) weighing in at 4 tons — the biggest in Tokyo. The streets surrounding the shrine are filled with yatai stalls selling the usual matsuri fare such as chocolate-dipped bananas, yakisoba, takoyaki, grilled fish, and copious amounts of beer.
Japanese Tea and Live Koto Music Party
A rare chance to see a live performance of the koto — a traditional Japanese instrument — at the café Tsukimasa in Tokyo, where guests can also casually enjoy authentic Japanese tea. The venue is a green tea shop and café that has been in business since 1978 and has a wide variety of teas to try.
| At the door: ¥2,000 | ||
Free Geisha Dances (Ozashiki Odori) in Asakusa
Geisha aren’t easy to find in Tokyo, so take this opportunity to see a free geisha dance performance in Tokyo’s traditional heart, Asakusa. At this event, you’ll get a chance to see them up close, as well as take part in games.
Ueno Plum Wine Festival
Umeshu (plum wine) is one of Japan’s most popular drinks, known for its sweet and tart flavor. If you’re a fan, everything from supermarket Suntory bottles to high-end artisan umeshu awaits at the Ueno Plum Wine Festival.
Kamakura Gosho Shrine Annual Festival
Kamakura is renowned for its beautiful mountain and sea landscapes. Get a taste of this beauty and tradition when you visit the Gosho Shrine Annual Festival. A small, portable shrine (mikoshi) will be paraded through the streets, followed by floats and residents, and dipped into the sea at Zaimokuza Beach.
Nekomachi: Erica Ward Solo Exhibition
The brilliant artist Erica Ward is once again treating us to another exhibition. This time the art will feature two of her (and our) favorite things — cats and cityscapes. See charming cats personify and watch over the nostalgic buildings of the ever-changing Tokyo.
Kamakura Hasedera Temple Hydrangea Path
See Kamakura’s seasonal star up close. The trail winds up through the temple grounds, lined with color-shifting blooms in blue, purple, and pink. The Hydrangea Path includes 80 steps to the entrance and around 130 more within, so be prepared for an uphill walk.
| Advance sales: ¥500 | ||
| Advance sales: ¥200 | ||
Takahata Fudōson Hydrangea Festival
Get that shot of hydrangeas (ajisai in Japanese) framing a pagoda while enjoying some typical matsuri (festival) food and events. Taking place in the rainy season, the event doesn’t always have the best weather, but hydrangea petals do shine after a rainstorm.
Yebisu Garden Place Picnic Cinema
This summer, enjoy the outdoors at Picnic Cinema, hosted by Yebisu Garden Place. Relax on the spacious artificial turf area and savor meals from top restaurants at Yebisu Garden Place, home to the famous Yebisu Brewery.
Summer Night Museums
As the temperature gets to ridiculous highs, it’s the perfect time to hide out at an air-conditioned museum — at night. Many museums in Tokyo will open their doors after hours on Friday nights from 5 p.m. to either 8 p.m. or 9 p.m.
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