The Kecak Festival is one of Shinjuku’s main summer events. This year, the festival will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Geino Yamashirogumi, a Japanese musical collective known for featuring on the anime movie AKIRA soundtrack.
What happens?
Across the five days, there will be a variety of dance and musical performances from all around the world but the main event is a Balinese choral dance drama known as Kecak. This dance drama is a sight to behold and makes you feel like you are in a trance. It is performed around a burning light, with dancers wearing traditional masks and costumes.
Watch the Balinese bamboo percussion orchestra, Jegog, and see human voices and electronic instruments combine in a live performance of Symphonic Suite Akira. There will also be a special taiko drum performance, a Georgian traditional chorus, a Bulgarian folk choir, and a dance performance of Bali’s Bronze Symphony.
Schedule 2024
No specific times are given for the performances but the Kecak dance will take place at dusk each day.
- July 31: From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- August 1–3: From 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- August 4: From 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
How to get there
This event is taking place at Shinjuku Mitsui Building. The easiest way to get there is to take the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station and then walk around 8 minutes, via the West Exit. Another option is to take the Odeo Line to Tochomae Station.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.- 283 m from Tochōmae Station Oedo Line (E28)
- 287 m from Nishi-shinjuku Station Marunouchi Line (M7)
- 0.5 km from Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station Oedo Line (E1)
