3 Traditional Japanese Festivals Happening in Tokyo This July 26-27 Weekend
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Loading... - Touki Yuma
- 25 Jul 2024
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This weekend in Tokyo is one of the liveliest and most festive times of the year, with multiple Bon Odori festivals and parades taking over the city. If you're in Tokyo from July 26-27, you're in for a treat with traditional music, dance, and fireworks. Here are three traditional Japanese festivals you shouldn't miss.
1. Marunouchi Summer Festival
When: Friday–Saturday, July 26–27
Where: Gyoko Street opposite Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi exit
This fun-filled event revolves around a Bon Odori yagura stage equipped with a cooling mist fan, providing a refreshing experience amid the summer heat. Everyone is welcome to join the communal Bon Odori dance against the striking backdrop of Tokyo Station. On Saturday at 6pm, DJ Tomono will spin city pop and disco tracks from the yagura, transforming the bustling plaza into a vibrant party zone.
2. Ebisu Station Bon Odori
When: Friday–Saturday, July 26–27
Where: Ebisu Station west exit
Join in the dance led by the infectious rhythm of taiko drums at the Ebisu Station Bon Odori festival. This summer tradition attracts large crowds, held right in front of Ebisu Station. For two days, a towering yagura stage will take over the taxi and bus drop-off zone, allowing the public to move and dance freely. Food stalls will be available on Friday, serving festival favorites such as fried dumplings, cucumber on a stick, and fried chicken.
3. Shinjuku Eisa Festival
When: Saturday July 27
Where: Various streets around Shinjuku Station
Eisa is a traditional dance from Okinawa usually performed to mark the end of the Obon period, a Buddhist event to honor one's ancestors. This Shinjuku parade demonstrates the nationwide embrace of Okinawan culture. A total of 22 Eisa dance troupes will take to the streets around Shinjuku Station. Daytime performances (1pm-4pm) will occur near the station's east exit on Shinjuku Avenue, while evening performances (5pm-7pm) will be near Yodobashi Camera, Odakyu Halc, and Shinjuku Mitsui buildings.
Three major fireworks festivals will also take place on Saturday, July 27. The Sumida Fireworks Festival is the biggest and most grandiose, although it is expected to be crowded. At the Marunouchi Summer Festival, cooling mist fans will be installed to help keep attendees comfortable.
Tokyo's summer festivals are a fantastic way to experience traditional Japanese culture and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the city. Whether you're interested in traditional dances, delicious festival food, or spectacular fireworks, there's something for everyone to enjoy this weekend.
