Top 7 Summer Festivals in Tokyo

From fireworks to lanterns and legendary mikoshi, here’s your ultimate guide to the season’s most iconic experiences

As the humid Tokyo summer heats up, the streets of Japan come alive with fireworks displays, traditional dance and vibrant yukata. Whether you’re new to the matsuri scene or a seasoned festivalgoer, 2025 offers a fresh chance to connect with the culture, community and unforgettable energy of Japan’s top summer celebrations.

From neighborhood lantern festivals to international music showcases, here are 7 summer festivals to add to your calendar.

Mitama Matsuri at Yasukuni Shrine 

Chiyoda | 📅 July 13–16
One of the capital’s most spiritual summer festivals, Mitama Matsuri features more than 30,000 glowing lanterns lining the paths of Yasukuni Shrine. There’s Bon Odori dancing, traditional performances and a nostalgic atmosphere that blends reverence with celebration.

Closest stations: Ichigaya Station, Kudanshita Station, Iidabashi Station

Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival

Sumida River, Asakusa | 📅 July 26
This is Tokyo’s most famous fireworks event—and for good reason. Nearly a million spectators gather along the Sumida River to watch more than 20,000 fireworks light up the night sky. Expect early crowds, festive food stalls and one of the most breathtaking hanabi experiences in Japan.

Closest stations: Tokyo Skytree Station, Honjo-azumabashi Station, Hikifune Station

Chidorigafuchi Lantern Floating

📍 Near the Imperial Palace | 📅 July 30–31
This elegant event is unlike anything else—thousands of lanterns floating silently on the water near Chidorigafuchi Moat. Perfect for a peaceful summer evening, and a beautiful photo opportunity.

Closest station: Kudanshita Station – Exit 2 on the Tokyo Metro Tozai, Hanzomon, and Toei Shinjuku Lines, approximately a 10-minute walk to the main pier

Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi 

📍Near the Omotesando 📅 August 23 -24
Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi is one of Tokyo’s most energetic and colorful summer festivals, taking place each August in the stylish districts of Harajuku and Omotesando. This vibrant celebration showcases the dynamic spirit of Yosakoi, a modern twist on traditional Japanese dance, featuring hundreds of teams from across Japan. 

Dancers in colorful costumes fill the streets with synchronized movements, creating an unforgettable spectacle for visitors of all ages. The Super Yosakoi is a must-see event that captures the creative and youthful soul of Tokyo.

Closest station: JR Yamanote Line: Harajuku Station – just steps from Harajuku venue

Fukagawa Hachiman Festival

📍 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, Koto | 📅 August 13–16
Nicknamed the “Water-Throwing Festival,” the Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri is one of Tokyo’s liveliest and most exhilarating traditional summer events. Held every three years in its grand form, this year’s festival promises full-scale excitement, featuring more than 50 mikoshi (portable shrines) carried through the streets of Koto Ward. 

What sets this festival apart is the enthusiastic water-splashing—locals and onlookers pour buckets of water on the shrine-bearers, symbolizing purification and providing much-needed relief from the summer heat. The festive energy is contagious, with taiko drumming, traditional chants and colorful happi coats creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

This historic event traces its roots back to the Edo period and is dedicated to the deities enshrined at Tomioka Hachimangu, a spiritual center for sumo and maritime safety. Alongside the parades, visitors can enjoy food stalls with plenty of seasonal treats. 

Closest stations: Monzennakacho Station (Tozai Line/Oedo Line), Kiba Station, Etchujima Station.

Azabu Juban Noryo Festival: Traditional Charm Meets Tokyo Chic

📍 Azabu Juban | 📅 August 23–24
One of Tokyo’s most beloved summer festivals, the Azabu Juban Noryo Festival blends old-school charm with the upscale energy of this stylish neighborhood. Held over a weekend in late August, the festival fills the streets with colorful yukata-clad visitors, lively music, traditional dance and more than 300 food and craft stalls from both local shops and regional vendors across Japan.

Visitors can sample local delicacies such as handmade soba, grilled seafood and regional specialties rarely found in the city, while exploring artisan booths featuring handmade goods and traditional toys. The event is especially popular in the evenings, when lanterns illuminate the streets. Perfect for families, couples and anyone looking to enjoy a Tokyo summer night with style, the Azabu Juban Noryo Festival is an unmissable celebration of community, culture and culinary discovery.

Closest station: Azabu-Juban Station

Shinjuku Eisa Festival

📍Shinjuku  | 📅 July 27, 2025
Experience the vibrant rhythms of Okinawa in the heart of Tokyo at the Shinjuku Eisa Festival 2025, taking place on Sunday, July 27. This energetic celebration transforms the bustling streets of Shinjuku into a dynamic stage, where dozens of Eisa dance troupes from across Japan perform traditional Okinawan drum dances. The air fills with the thunder of taiko drums, the swirl of brightly colored costumes and the joyous energy of performers executing their powerful, synchronized choreography.

First held in 2002 to promote cultural exchange and bring a touch of Okinawan summer to Tokyo, the festival has since grown into one of the city’s most beloved annual events. Beyond the parades, visitors can enjoy live music, street food stalls and interactive booths offering insights into Okinawan culture, crafts and cuisine. Don’t forget to arrive early for a good spot along the route!

Closest Station: JR Shinjuku Station (East Exit)

GoConnect Tip

Bring cash, wear comfortable shoes and, if you’re going for fireworks, arrive early or book a rooftop or riverside spot in advance. Many convenience stores sell foldable fans, cooling sprays and even disposable yukata to complete the matsuri look.

What’s your favorite Tokyo summer festival? Tag us in your matsuri photos on Instagram at @japan.goconnect