Tokyo is transformed into a living and energetic collage of cultural events, natural beauty and exuberant merrymaking as August’s blistering heat sets in. There are many events on offer, ranging from the stunning displays at traditional Japanese festivals to the awe-inspiring summer flower blooms that will mesmerize Tokyo residents and visitors.
If you are into lively street processions, calm garden walks or tasty seasonal dishes, this city offers something for everyone. We will be exploring various activities, attractions that make Tokyo an ideal place to be during this summer.
Full List of Tokyo’s Lively August Events
Irumagawa Tanabata Festival: August 3 – August 4
Irumagawa Tanabata Festival which comes last is one of the three biggest in Kanto. Every year there are celebrations to herald the coming together of Orihime and Hikoboshi, who only meet once every year since they became lovers.
Enjoy various Japanese festival foods while immersing yourself within others in a lively atmosphere. Scour around for Tanabata decorations, include your vote by scanning each décor using the code attached until 8pm Saturday, August 3rd.
- Timings:
- Saturday: 12 am – 9 pm
- Sunday: 12 am – 8 pm
- Location:
- The area around the west exit of Sayama City Station, Civic Square, and Tanabata Shopping Street, 1-1 Irumagawa, Sayama City, Saitama
- Admission: Free
- Website: city.sayama.saitama.jp
Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri: August 7 – August 12
You can experience an Edo-era Tokyo atmosphere in Asagaya, which is just 8 minutes away by train from Shinjuku. Local residents craft paper-mache ornaments, banners, and streamers that are used to decorate the main shotengai (pedestrian shopping street) during the festival.
Traditional Japanese styles as well as modern figurines like dinosaurs or Chewbacca are among the decorations on display. Take a walk around the area or go for a shopping spree to appreciate this local festival’s charm.
- Timings: From 10 am
- Location: Asagaya Pearl Center Shopping Street, 1-36-7 Asagaya Minami, Suginami-ku
- Admission: Free
- Website: asagaya.or.jp (JP)
Asakusa Toro Nagashi Lantern Floating: August 10
Compared with bustling Sumida River fireworks, Floating Lantern Festival is quite peaceful. It was originally started in order to pray for those who had died in the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Tokyo Air Raids. It now serves as a quiet prayer meeting for peace and those who drowned in the river.
Join others at Waterfront Terrace of Sumida River to watch over 3,000 lanterns with handwritten messages placed into them being let off to light up its surface.
- Timings:
- Ceremony and first float: 6:30 pm
- Floating lanterns: 6:45 pm – 8 pm
- Location: Sumida River Waterfront Terrace, 1-1-1 Nihonbashi Nakasu, Chuo-ku
- Admission: Free
- Website: e-asakusa.jp
Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival: August 10
If you want to avoid searching for a good spot before enjoying fireworks, then attend Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival. This event takes place in two different stadiums so that all spectators can follow what’s going on without any difficulties.
There will be live music performances by a number of Japanese artists, which makes it an all-round activity. The festival takes place at both Jingu Stadium and Chichibunomiya Stadium, culminating in 10,000 fireworks illuminating the night sky now.
- Timings:
- Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium: Open at 3 pm, Performance starts at 3:30 pm
- Jingu Stadium: Open at 4 pm, Performance starts at 5 pm
- Fireworks Displays: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Locations:
- Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, 2-8-35 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku
- Jingu Stadium, 3-1 Kasumigaokacho, Shinjuku-ku
- Website: jinguhanabi.com
65th Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori (Suginami Ward): August 24 – August 25
The Koenji Awa Odori started as an effort to invigorate the local townscape. Initially held on the main shopping street near Koenji Station, it has since expanded, drawing around 930,000 visitors last year. 10,000 dancers parade through eight areas around Koenji Station, accompanied by flutes, chimes, and taiko drums.
Food stalls offer traditional Japanese festival food. Pick up a map to find the best vantage point and a fan to withstand the heat. The festivities begin in the afternoon and continue into the evening.
- Timings: 5 pm – 8 pm
- Location: JR Koenji Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: Tokyo Koenji Awaodori
Edogawa Fireworks Festival: August 24
Edogawa Fireworks Festival is another major annual fireworks’ festival in Tokyo. Enjoy the food stalls along the riverbanks, or pack your own snacks for a picnic.
The fireworks are synchronized with music and last for approximately 90 minutes. Arrive early to find a good spot, as it will be crowded. Picnic mats are permitted starting from the afternoon the day before the event.
- Timings: 7:15 pm – 8:30 pm
- Locations:
- Edogawa Ward Riverside Park, 2 Shinozakimachi, Edogawa-ku
- Edogawa Riverbed (Ichikawa), 3 Osu, Ichikawa, Chiba
- Admission: Free
- Website: city.edogawa.tokyo.jp
Harajuku Super Yosakoi: August 24 – August 25
Incorporating modern dance elements and styles into the classic awa odori dance, the festival is popular throughout Japan. Teams from across the country perform along the main avenue crossing Yoyogi Park and at Harajuku Station. The Yoyogi Park Event Square hosts stalls and an event stage. On August 25, there will be a parade down Omotesando Avenue from 11:10 am until 4:15 pm.
- Timings:
- Saturday: 10 am – 7 pm
- Sunday: 10 am – 5:30 pm
- Locations: Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku Omotesando, Yoyogi area
- Admission: Free
- Website: super-yosakoi.tokyo (JP)
