November 10, 2024
3 best Japanese festivals happening in Tokyo this July 26-27 weekend

A difficult conundrum for sure, but the hottest time of the year in Tokyo, when you just want to stay indoors under air-conditioning, is also the liveliest time to be out and about in the city. There’s so much happening in Tokyo this July 26-28 weekend that it’s hard not to be swept up by intense fomo.

For starters, there are three fireworks festivals happening across the city this Saturday July 27, with the one in Sumida being the biggest and grandest (also the most crowded) of them all. On top of that, you’ll find the classic summer Bon Odori festival taking place outside Ebisu and Tokyo stations. And if you’re in Shinjuku, the Eisa dancers will be parading down the streets from 1pm to 7pm.

So stock up on cooling products and slap on some sunblock – because we are definitely going all out this weekend.

Marunouchi Summer Festival
Photo: Mitsubishi Jisho Property ManagementBon Odori scene from 2019

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 (thanks goodness!). Everyone is welcome to join the communal Bon Odori dance against the striking backdrop of Tokyo Station, and the best part is, the cold mist will surely feel like a treat. Moreover, on Saturday starting at 6pm, DJ Tomono will be spinning city pop and disco tracks from the yagura, transforming the bustling plaza into a party zone.

At the festival site, expect to see food trucks selling street grub from around the world, such as Vietnamese banh mi, French galettes and Korean sotteok sotteok skewers. Plus, there will be two shaved ice vendors serving up cooling treats to help you beat the heat.

Don’t miss the opening ceremony on July 26 (5pm-7pm) – there will be a demonstration of a traditional water sprinkling ritual known as uchimizu.

Ebisu Bon Odori
Photo: Colopl

When: FridaySaturday, July 2627
Where: Ebisu Station west exit

Join in the dance led by the infectious rhythm of taiko drums at the Ebisu Station Bon Odori festival on July 26 and 27. This summer tradition will surely attract large crowds, as the event is held right in front of Ebisu Station, occupying a fairly spacious area outside the west gate.

For two days, a towering yagura stage will take over the taxi and bus drop-off zone while the entire area is closed off to traffic, allowing the public to move and dance around freely. Moreover, there will be food stalls on Friday, serving up delicious festival grub such as fried dumplings, cucumber on a stick and fried chicken.

Shinjuku Eisa Festival
Photo: Wasabi53/Dreamstime

When: Saturday July 27
Where: Various streets around Shinjuku Station

Eisa is a dance from Okinawa usually performed to mark the end of the Obon period (an annual Buddhist event to honour one’s ancestors). Like most things Okinawan, it’s been enthusiastically embraced by the rest of the country, as demonstrated by this Shinjuku parade.

A total of 22 Eisa dance troupes are expected to take to the streets around Shinjuku Station. Performances during the day (1pm-4pm) will take place near the station’s east exit on Shinjuku Avenue, while evening performances (5pm-7pm) will be held near Yodobashi Camera, Odakyu Halc and Shinjuku Mitsui buildings.

Expect to see dancers twirling their way through the crowds to the beat of portable taiko drums. This will surely be a boisterous and colourful event to brighten up your Saturday. Slap on some sunscreen, grab a handheld fan and get there early: it’s guaranteed to be crowded.

For more things to do this weekend, see our curated list of events.

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