Yoyogi Square in the expansive Yoyogi Park is a sure-fire place to find cultural festivals, amazing performances and new experiences—and this summer has plenty to choose from.
If you ever find yourself wondering what to do on a weekend in Tokyo, the events square of Yoyogi Park will no doubt have something unusual to try. A regular host of international festivals, it’s a great place to learn about new cultures, try some traditional food, attend creative workshops, and more. While summer is great for traditional Japanese festivals, it also means a busy schedule summer events schedule at Yoyogi Park.
1. Ocean Peoples
If you’re stuck in the city and hankering some salty sea air, this festival will have all your beach cravings met. Taking the sea spirit to the park, the festivals brings the blue to you with ocean stalls, food and displays. From sunglasses to surfboards, seafood to shaved ice and stunning live singers to keep you entertained, it’s a nice break from city life.
| Advance sales: ¥8,000 | ||
2. Brazilian Day Japan
Forming the third-largest immigrant population in Japan, the Brazilian residents of Tokyo and beyond lead this bright, colorful and delicious festival. With food, performances and costumes, it’s an energetic and exciting event with plenty to catch your eye and keep you entertained. Over 100,000 people attend each year—so expect crowds and enjoy the busy atmosphere.
3. Taiwan Festa
This is the second of Tokyo’s two big Taiwanese festivals. This year it brings Tapioca Street to Tokyo—i.e. all the bubble tea you’ll ever need. Of course there’s more to Taiwan than those weirdly popular drinks, so you’ll also find street food, live performances and cultural displays to enjoy across the weekend. Only a short flight from Tokyo, Taiwain is fast becoming a popular holiday destination, so pop along and be inspired to book some budget flights over for a weekend!
4. Sri Lanka Festival
Named the top destination for 2019 tourists, Sri Lanka doesn’t exactly have to work too hard to draw people in—but if you need a final nudge to visit the beautiful country, then this festival will provide it. Offering up hoppers, cutlets, curry, roti and more, the food section should be more than enough to keep you occupied. While you graze, there will be a stage with live performances and stalls selling traditional and modern souvenirs as well as booths providing information on tours and trips to the country.
5. African American Caribbean Festival
One of Tokyo’s annual African-Caribbean events, this one fills Keyaki Street with music, food and great performances. Offering plenty of opportunities to get involved, the festival’s goal is to teach visitors about African-American Caribbean culture. There will be a busy market with street food, souvenirs and information booths as well as dance and music performances, a fashion show and hairstyling to complete the package.
6. Bonus event: The Harajuku/Omotesando Super Yosakoi
A huge dance performance running across two days, this is a fantastic summer event with countless eyecatching performances. Over 6,000 participants will parade through the streets performing traditional and contemporary dances, competeing for the top spot. While the main displays take place in front of NHK as well as in the park and in the Yoyogi Event Square.
Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox
-
New Video! Tokyo's Best Day Trip: Your Guide to Hiking Mount Takao
Why not spend a day exploring the (semi) wilds of one of Tokyo’s best-loved mountains?
-
18 Best Things To Do in Shibuya
Go say hi to Hachikō, then hunt for street art, check out the underground music scene—and more.
-
Tokyo Events This Week: Jump Festa and Traditional End-of-Year Festivals
Tokyo events for Monday, December 16 to Sunday, December 22, 2024.
-
Gashapon: Everything You Need To Know
Drop, turn, open — these capsules are full of surprises.
-
Womb: The Ultimate Night Out in Tokyo
If you haven't been to Womb, have you been clubbing in Tokyo at all?
-
How Much Data Do You Need for Your Trip to Japan?
We break down the daily data needs for a 7-day visit—with a bonus travel itinerary.
-
-
-
December 2024: 7 Events Not To Miss in Tokyo
Finish the year with a healthy dose of fun and festivity.
Recommended hotels located nearby
-
Shibuya 0.5 km
-
Shibuya 1.3 km
-
Shibuya 0.6 km
-
Shibuya 0.9 km
