July 2023 is ready to grow to be a memorable month for Tokyo, internet hosting varied occasions that showcase town’s vibrant tradition and charming traditions. From fireworks shows to cultural festivals, celebrating goldfish breeding to reliving Edo-period traditions, that can captivate each locals and vacationers alike; there’s one thing for everybody.
This information will aid you navigate by way of one of the best happenings organized by date, promising an unforgettable expertise going down in July 2023. So, mark your calendars and prepare to expertise Tokyo like by no means earlier than!
Tokyo Events in July 2023
Asakusa Awa Odori – Saturday, Jul 1st 2023
A Vibrant Dance Festival to Kick Off Your Tokyo Summer
Tokyo’sTokyo’s Asakusa district welcomes the return of the Asakusa Awa Odori, a vigorous conventional dance competition that took a 14-year hiatus. This mesmerizing dance occasion options ten teams of dancers, together with native workforce Asakusa Thunder Ren, enchanting audiences with their energetic performances and colourful costumes.
The atmospheric Asakusa Yokocho & Asakusa Rokku Broadway would be the venue for this spirited occasion on Jul 1, 2023.
Getting There: Attendees can attain the world through Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree Line, Toei Asakusa Line, or Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
Arabian Festival – Jul 1st – Jul 2nd 2023
Experience the Richness of Arabian Cultures at Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park shines with the colours and flavors of Arabia in a two-day occasion from Jul 1 to Jul 2, often called Arabian Fes. The competition showcases an intensive vary of Arabian cultures throughout the Middle East and North Africa by way of stomach dancing performances, a shisha competitors that includes seven companies vying for” “best shisha cafe”” recognition, and scrumptious Arabian meals accessible for buy.
Entry is free for attendees desperate to discover the market space promoting handicrafts and distinctive gadgets.
Getting There: Make your approach to the Yoyogi Park Events Square by a five-minute stroll from Harajuku Station, served by the JR Yamanote Line, or close by Tokyo Metro stations Meijijingumae and Yoyogi-Koen.
Flower Puroland: A Blooming Experience at Sanrio Puroland
April eighth – July 4th, 2023
Sanrio Puroland, Tokyo’s broadly beloved theme park, has give you a singular celebration to welcome the arrival of spring; the Flower Puroland occasion. It goals to remodel the amusement park right into a vibrant flower store brimming with life.
During this limited-time occasion, count on Sanrio character favorites akin to Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, and Dear Daniel to enchant guests in floral-themed costumes. The park may also have quite a few flower-filled photograph spots, together with particular flower-inspired menus provided all through the occasion. Ethically sourced flowers will likely be accessible for buy too.
Flower Puroland is ready to run from Saturday, Apr 8, by way of Tuesday, Jul 4, 2023.
Introducing Noh & Kyogen – Friday, Jul seventh 2023
A Fascinating Glimpse into the World’sWorld’s Oldest Theatre Art on the National Noh Theater
Discover the mesmerizing fantastic thing about Noh and Kyogen theater on Jul 7 on the National Noh Theater in Tokyo. With a historical past of over 700 years, this artwork kind combines storytelling, dance, music, and beautiful costumes to captivate audiences with its distinctive appeal.
Attendees can count on a particular Dissemination Performance that includes commentary on Fuji Matsu (The Fuji Pine) carried out by the Izumi School and Kosode Soga (The Soga Robe) by Kanze School. The availability of subtitles in each English and Japanese makes it accessible for guests of assorted backgrounds.
Tickets begin at JPY3,000, with reductions accessible for college kids.
Getting There: Reach the National Noh Theater with a brief stroll from Sendagaya Station on JR Chuo or Sobu strains or Kokuritsu-Kyogijo station’sstation’s A4 Exit on Toei Oedo Line.
Iriya Asagao Festival: Relive an Edo-era Tradition- July sixth – July eighth, 2023
The Iriya Asagao Festival, courting again to the late-Edo interval, is devoted to morning glories (asagao). Over 100 stalls promoting these flowers line the world round Kototoi-Dori Road and Iriya Kishimojin Temple. During the three-day occasion, greater than 400,000 guests collect to indulge on this historic expertise.
Iriya’s morning glories have been nationally famend between 1603 and 1867. Boasting over 1,000 varieties, these flowers grew to become common ornamental crops in the course of the mid-Meiji period. The short-lived departure of morning glories from Iriya in the course of the Taisho period was in the end reversed when locals and the Shitaya Tourism Association revived this distinctive custom after World War II.
Getting There: The competition is accessible inside minutes from both JR Uguisudani Station or Tokyo Metro Iriya Station.
Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri – Jul eighth – Jul ninth 2023
Dancing, Food, and Performances: A Journey Through Old Tokyo’sTokyo’s Rich Traditions
From Jul 8 to Jul 9, 2023, the streets of Ueno and Asakusa come alive with the Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri, certainly one of Tokyo’sTokyo’s most well-known celebrations of this star-crossed competition. Originating from the Chinese Qixi (Star) Festival, visitors can take pleasure in road performances, conventional acts like shamisen and taiko music on Saturday occasions like writing needs on paper and tying them to bamboo branches.
Finally, benefit from the spectacular parade on Sunday, replete with numerous decorations and charming dances.
Getting There: To take part on these unforgettable festivities, head to Asakusa Station or close by stations to entry the center of Old Tokyo.
Shinagawa Kids Family Terrace 2023: Learning Through Play- July eighth – July ninth, 2023
Shinagawa Season Terrace Event Plaza welcomes households for an academic but entertaining occasion known as Shinagawa Kids Family Terrace. This free two-day occasion focuses on encouraging baby growth by way of play and exploration.
Boasting seven completely different applications that promote studying creatively, youngsters can interact in varied actions like stacking life-size blocks within the creativeness playground and even an aqua play space. It guarantees a fun-filled bonding expertise that can be budget-friendly for households.
Getting There: The occasion venue is definitely accessible from Shinagawa Station in nearly seven minutes on foot.
Tanabata Festival in Fussa: A Spectacle of Colorful Lanterns- July eighth – July ninth, 2023
The Tanabata Festival, an annual Star Festival celebration, takes place in Fussa City. The streets come alive with an explosion of colours as lanterns of assorted shapes, sizes, and designs adorn the world.
Aside from the mesmerizing show, the occasion additionally options quite a few foods and drinks stalls and interactive lanterns that includes Japanese symbolism. It is a lovely spectacle that shouldn’t be missed.
Getting There: Fussa Station on the JR Ome line is nearly an hour west of Shinjuku.
Ocean Peoples Tokyo: A Unique Seaside Festival Experience (July 9-10, 2023)
This ocean-themed competition affords a exceptional retreat from city life at Yoyogi Park. Ocean Peoples Tokyo brings collectively surfboards, seafood, stay music performances by Michael Kaneko and Rickie-G, amongst others, , hula dance workshops led by Sandii, and a vibrant market providing seashore necessities like swimwear, sun shades, and handmade jewellery. Over 30 meals vehicles and stalls will guarantee nobody goes hungry at this vigorous occasion that celebrates one of the best parts of the ocean.
Japanese Lantern Plant Fair (Hozuki-Ichi): Tradition Meets Superstition- July ninth – tenth, 2023
The Hozuki Ichi has been a summertime custom at Sensoji Temple because the Edo interval. Held on the designated kudoku-nichi days of July ninth and tenth, it’s believed that prayers made on nowadays carry 46,000 instances their effectiveness. Over 100 stalls promote hozuki, or Japanese lantern crops, throughout the temple grounds.
Getting There: Access Sensoji Temple through Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express Line, Ginza Line, and Asakusa Line.
Wonderful Nature Village Hydrangea Festival: Enjoy Thousands of Hydrangeas in Akiruno (Jun 9 – Jul 16)
Blooming Beauty
Immerse your self in vibrant hues and pleasant scents at Wonderful Nature Village throughout their annual Hydrangea Festival. Taking place from Jun 9 to Jul 16 in Akiruno—a western suburb of Tokyo—this long-running occasion showcases about 15,000 flowers spanning 60 varieties.
Main Attraction and Admission
Visitors will particularly recognize the hillside coated with Annabelle snowball hydrangeas, identified for his or her fluffy white flower clusters. Keep in thoughts that the terrain is hilly, so put on snug footwear. Admission is ¥850 for adults, whereas youngsters in elementary faculty and under enter without cost.
Getting There: To attain Akiruno’s Wonderful Nature Village, both take a 10-minute taxi experience from Akigawa Station on the JR Itsukaichi Line or use a free shuttle bus service accessible on weekdays. The occasion website additionally affords paid parking areas at a price of ¥700.
Hibiya Oktoberfest: Embrace the German Beer Festival Spirit- Jul 7 – Jul 17, 2023
Experience a style of Germany on the Hibiya Oktoberfest held at Hibiya Park. Enjoy a wide array of German draft beers and gourmand meals whereas taking in stay stage performances over nearly two weeks.
Adult admission prices ¥500, with foods and drinks charged individually. Both bank cards and digital cash playing cards (akin to PASMO and Suica) can be utilized. Event hours differ on weekdays and weekends: 4 pm to 10 pm on weekdays, whereas weekends open from 11 am to 10 pm.
Getting There: Reach Hibiya Park inside a minute’s stroll from Kasumigaseki Station’s C3 Exit. For guests driving, the Times Hibiya parking zone costs ¥300 per 30-minute increment.
Mizudome-no-mai – Monday, Jul tenth 2023
A Rain-Stopping Dance Ritual at Gonshoji Temple
On Jul 10, marvel on the religious Mizudome-no-mai occasion at Gonshoji Temple in Ota, with a historical past of practically 680 years. The dance ritually stops rain in the course of the moist season and marks the top of Japan’sJapan’s wet season.
The vibrant ceremony commences at 1 pm as two contributors in straw blow into conch shells after being sprinkled with water. Then comes the spectacle: Three performers dressed as shishi lions take the stage and carry out the charming Mizudome no Mai dance on the temple.
Natsu Biraki Music Festival: Family-Friendly Fun in Tachikawa- Mid-July, 2023
Hosted at Arena Tachikawa Tachihi, the Natsu Biraki Music Festival showcases participating performances from Japan’s unbiased artists over three days. Designed to accommodate each children and adults, it affords fun-filled actions like yoga and portray for your entire household.
Parents with younger youngsters will definitely recognize amenities akin to nursing and altering rooms offered on the occasion. Admission is free for kids underneath 12 years and single in addition to a number of day passes can be found for buy.
Getting There: Tachikawa Station through JR Chuo Line is a handy choice to achieve the venue.
Edogawa Goldfish Festival: A Summer Goldfish-Scooping Adventure- Third weekend of July 2023
The Edogawa Goldfish Festival at Edogawa Municipal Gyosen Park commemorates town’s wealthy goldfish breeding historical past because the late 1800s. The predominant focus of the competition is the Kingyo-suki event, the place contributors try and scoop up goldfish utilizing delicate paper scoopers known as poi.
Goldfish consultants can be found for recommendation on beginning your individual aquarium, whereas different actions embody aquarium shows and a big selection of conventional stalls promoting foods and drinks.
Getting There: Access the park close to Nishi-kasai Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line or Funabori Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line.
Mitama Festival – Jul thirteenth – Jul sixteenth 2023
Honoring Japanese Ancestors’Ancestors’ Souls at Yasukuni Shrine
From Jul 13 to sixteenth, expertise the highly effective environment of Mitama Festival at Yasukuni Shrine. This “”Soul Festival”” aligns with Japan’sJapan’s Obon vacation season, wherein the spirits of ancestors are honored. Daytime festivities function a number of performances, meals stands, recreation cubicles like taiko drumming, and an exhilarating haunted home.
The true magic unfolds in the course of the nights as greater than 30,000 enchanting lanterns illuminate the shrine entrance roads underneath torii gates stuffed with delight and respect for Japan’sJapan’s legacy. Take benefit of this distinctive encounter at certainly one of Tokyo’sTokyo’s largest Obon occasions.
Hachijojima Summer Festival: Island Festivities underneath Starry Skies- Jul 22 – Jul 23, 2023
Immerse your self in island life on the Hachijojima Summer Festival, hosted this yr round its new city corridor. The competition begins with a town-wide parade and a prayer ceremony for neighborhood security. Additional occasion highlights embody participating actions, raffles, and an genuine island environment with welcoming locals.
Adachi Fireworks: A Blazing Sky Over the Arakawa River (Jul 22)
Spectacular Fireworks Display
On Jul 22, watch the sky over the Arakawa River come alive with colours in the course of the extremely anticipated Adachi Fireworks Festival. Annually attracting over 600,000 spectators, this common occasion launches a staggering 13,600 fireworks inside an hour. Each firework show options creative designs and is accompanied by vigorous music, making a memorable expertise for all.
Finale and Viewing Tips
The competition’s finale boasts an explosion of golden fireworks illuminating the nighttime sky like daylight. Popular viewing spots alongside the riverbank replenish shortly, so it’s endorsed to reach early to safe a superb vantage level.
Getting There: To entry the Adachi Fireworks Festival venue, both alight at Kita Senju station or Kosuge station and stroll in direction of the Arakawa River banks. Viewing spots #10, #11, #19, and #20 provide prime views of the spectacular show.
Odaiba Lantern Festival: A Time to Celebrate the Sea (Jul 23)
Umi no Hi: Marine Day Celebration
Japan’s Marine Day—domestically known as “umi no hi”—is widely known each third Monday of July, and Odaiba’s Marine Park hosts an annual Lantern Festival to commemorate the event. Thousands of coloured lanterns are lit alongside the seashore, making a mesmerizing show when seen from above.
Performances, Food, and Fun
While eagerly awaiting the sundown, guests can enjoyment of stay performances by native musicians and singers on the beachside café. Sample freshly grilled oysters from road distributors or just take a night stroll alongside the shore. The Odaiba Lantern Festival guarantees a magical expertise you gained’t wish to miss.
Ikebukuro Hula Festival: Summer Pops to the Sound of Aloha Isles (Late Jul)
Aloha Vibes in Tokyo
In late July, Hawaiian spirit takes over Ikebukuro because the suburb hosts its annual Hula Festival. Experience colourful performances by round 3,900 dancers accompanied by soothing Hawaiian tunes. Established in 2002, this competition celebrates the friendship between Ikebukuro and Hawaii—the place 13% of residents are Japanese Americans.
Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival: A Resounding 20,000 Fireworks Display (Jul 25, 2023)
Marking its return because the pandemic, the Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival on Jul 25 guarantees a fair larger spectacle with a complete of 20,000 fireworks.
Getting There: The occasion takes place close to Shibamata Baseball Ground alongside the Edogawa River, a mere 10-minute stroll from Keisei Shibamata Station.
Venue and seating – With vast and flat river banks offering an unobstructed view of fireworks, attendees may have a memorable expertise. Reserved seating (2 or 4 seats) is offered for spectators to get nearer to the motion.
Taiwan Festa at Yoyogi Park: A Cultural Extravaganza- July twenty eighth – July thirtieth, 2023
The annual Taiwan Festa returns to Yoyogi Park, that includes varied cubicles associated to Taiwanese tradition, gastronomy, tourism, and extra. Started in 2016 to strengthen Japan-Taiwan relations, the occasion has beforehand attracted as much as 150,000 guests.
Attendees can look ahead to stay music and dance performances, style conventional Taiwanese dishes like xiao lengthy bao (soup dumplings), and store for distinctive souvenirs. Admission to Taiwan Festa is free, however do maintain some yen helpful for meals and memento bills.
Getting There: Yoyogi Park is reachable inside 5 minutes on foot from Harajuku Station through the JR Yamanote Line.
Hachiōji Fireworks Festival: Variety of Explosions (Jul 29, 2023)
Hosted at Hachiōji Shimin Kyūjō Ballpark in Fujimori Park on Jul 29, this small but various firework show options roughly 3,000 fireworks. Easily accessible through a 15-minute stroll from Nishi-Hachiōji Station on the JR Chūō Line or Yamada Station on the Keio-Takao Line.
Tachikawa Festival Showa Kinen Park Fireworks Display (Jul 29, 2023)
Characterized by its highly effective fireworks show that includes uncommon massive balls often called “1-shaku-5-cm-ball”, over 60 years of custom unravel at Tachikawa Festival Showa Memorial Park Fireworks Festival on Jul 29.
With round 5,000 stunning explosions lighting up the night time sky, about 300,000 spectators are anticipated to collect at this extremely anticipated occasion. With free park entrance after 6 pm, guests will take pleasure in a nice night stuffed with yukata and picnic baskets in a festive environment.
The common Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival is ready to make a powerful comeback in late July. With greater than a century of historical past, particular seating choices present an unforgettable view for teams of two to 4 individuals.
Shinjuku Eisa Festival: Celebrating Okinawan Culture in Tokyo (Jul 29)
A Colorful Cultural Display
On Jul 29, witness a vibrant show of conventional Okinawan Eisa dancing on the Shinjuku Eisa Festival. Eisa dancers from the Kanto area captivate audiences with their elaborate costumes, drums, and music. With crowds beforehand exceeding 1,000,000 individuals, count on a grand turnout at this vigorous occasion.
Getting There: The competition takes place close to the east exit of Shinjuku Station, which is accessible through a number of prepare strains, akin to JR Yamanote Line, Keio Line, Odakyu Odawara Line, Toei Oedo Line, and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival: One of Tokyo’s Major Summer Firework Displays (Jul 29)
A Night to Remember
On the final Saturday of July, marvel on the magnificent Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival—certainly one of Japan’s most well-known fireworks shows. With a convention courting again to the Edo Period, vibrant fireworks gentle up each side of the Sumida River in a spectacular present.
Best Viewing Spots
While it is perhaps crowded alongside the riverbanks, watching the fireworks up shut creates an unforgettable environment as guests costume up in conventional yukata and revel in picnics in parks and streets.
The Kagurazaka Matsuri: A Four-Day Festival in Chic Kagurazaka (Jul 26 – Jul 29)
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
From Jul 26 to Jul 29, the Kagurazaka Matsuri brings collectively a mixture of previous and new in a four-day celebration. Known for its stylish pedestrian-friendly slope and historic websites like Akagi Shrine and Edo interval geisha homes, Kagurazaka is the right setting for this vigorous competition.
Festival Highlights
The first two days showcase the Houzuki Market, the place floor cherries are used within the Obon competition. The closing two days function the Awa Odori Festival, the place dancers carry out conventional routines originating in Tokushima Prefecture.
Getting There: To attain Kagurazaka, take the JR Chuo Line to Iidabashi Station or the Oedo Subway Line to Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station and stroll up Kagurazaka Dori.
Experience these July 2023 occasions to get a style of Tokyo’s vibrant tradition and discover completely different aspects of Japanese custom. From fireworks festivals like Adachi Fireworks and Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival to cultural celebrations like Ikebukuro Hula Festival, Shinjuku Eisa Festival, and Kagurazaka Matsuri, there’s something for everybody to take pleasure in!
Get prepared for a summer time to recollect as Tokyo comes alive with distinctive occasions celebrating custom, tradition, and pleasure all through July 2023. Don’t miss this distinctive alternative to immerse your self in these must-see sights that assure lasting recollections.