Tokyo events for Monday, August 19 to Sunday, August 25, 2019
This week in Tokyo brings lively summer events including Yosakoi dance festivals, food festivals, a samba parade, comedy nights and more.
AITEN Pub Quiz
A fun quiz night in Shibuya where you can show off your trivia chops, win prizes and support Amnesty International in promoting and protecting human rights.
| At the door: ¥1,000 | ||
Hibiya Park Marunouchi Ondo Bon-odori Festival
Join some 40,000 participants at this traditional dance festival. It takes place at Hibiya Park and is one of the biggest events of its kind in the Tokyo area.
45th Kanazawa Fireworks
A small fireworks show of 3,200 illuminations against the beautiful Marine Park backdrop in Yokohama.
National Museum of Western Art – Free Admission Day
Check out the extensive permanent collection at the Museum of Western Art in Ueno Park for free. Works include paintings from the late Medieval period through to the 20th century and modern French sculpture.
Improv Comedy in English & Japanese
Enjoy a night of chuckles at this bilingual improv show put on by the Pirates of Tokyo Bay comedy group.
Golden Gai Chill Out Festival
Participating bars in the popular Golden Gai neighborhood are participating in a “summer chill out” evening. Typically, establishments in this area are not overly welcoming to outsiders, but this is your chance to explore and experience traditional Golden Gai nightlife. Drinks are ¥500.
Chofu Yosakoi 2019
Another dance-heavy parade, this one taking place in the west Tokyo area. In addition to the traditional jigs, there will be festival food and drinks on offer.
Azabu Juban Festival
This is a yearly food festival you won’t want to miss. Stop by the stalls to pick up some local prepared fare or a bag of produce. Along with the traditional festival food, you’ll have a chance to try local delicacies from across the country.
Roppongi Hills Bon Dance 2019
Watch or join in this unique dance festival in Roppongi. It spans three days, but Friday draws the biggest crowd. This bon festival boasts a unique dance—the Ropponjin Ondo—roughly translated as the Roppongi Workman’s Dance. All are invited to join in.
Harajuku Omotesando Super Yosakoi 2019
A huge team performance dance contest in the Omotesando/Harajuku area. Over 6,000 competitors hailing from all over Japan will take part. Parade takes place on the Sunday.
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Koenji Awa Odori Festival
An evening dance-off festival in Koenji with 10,000 participants and 1 million spectators. A cool way to spend a hot summer evening.
Sanja Latin Fest
A two-day Latin celebration featuring live performances, amazing costumes and a samba parade.
“We Cool?”
A new art exhibition at Harajuku’s UltraSuperNew Gallery examines the culture around modern technology—it helps keep us connected, but has it brought us closer together?
For more top Tokyo events happening this month, see our August recommendations.
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