This Week: Tokyo Area Events for Aug. 21 – 27

Celebrate the last few days of August by heading to the different dance festivals happening all over town. From Koenji to Harajuku to Saitama, watch traditional Japanese performances, snack on traditional street food and enjoy summer while it lasts.

Laugh Out Loud

Join GaijinPot Meet Comedy Night!

This time around we’ll be meeting you at the Tokyo Comedy Bar, conveniently located near Shibuya station. In addition to our usual mingling and drinking, you’ll be treated to over 25 minutes of comedic performances by some of Tokyo’s finest comedians.

Date

Thu, Aug. 24, 2023

Time

6 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

Location

3F The Renga, 1-5-9 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo - Map

Fee

¥1,000

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, COUPLES

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© Photo by TokyoKoenjiAwaodori Nonprofit Organization

The City's Most Famous Dance Fest

Koenji Awa Odori

The annual Koenji Awa Odori is one of the most popular dance festivals in Tokyo. Just a few stops away from Shinjuku, come and see the nearly 170 teams dance the night away under traditional tunes and drums, forming a one-of-a-kind spectacular show!

Date

SAT, AUG. 26 - SUN, AUG. 27, 2023

Time

5 P.M. - 8 P.M.

Location

2-1-2 Koenjikita, Suginami City, Tokyo - Map

Fee

FREE!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, COUPLES

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Move to the Rhythm

Harajuku Super Yosakoi Festival

Yosakoi is a traditional dance originating from Kochi prefecture. Also a competition, each team invests much into costumes, hair styles and originality. The Harajuku Omotesando Super Yosakoi, gathers 106 teams this year — one of the largest ever! Warning: expect some crowds, but don't miss out on this one!

Date

Sat, Aug. 26-Sun, Aug. 27, 2023

Time

10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Location

Various stages near Harajuku: Harajuku Omotesando, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Yoyogi park, Keyaki avenue in front of NHK - Map

Fee

Free

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, COUPLES

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Dance, Dance, Dance

Minami Koshigaya Bon Odori

Finally back on after four long years, the Minami Koshigaya Bon Odori Festival is one of the largest and best known summer festivals in Saitama and sees two full days of various bonodori styles and rhythmic sounds. Wear a yukata and celebrate summer the traditional way.

Date

Fri, Aug. 25 - Sun, Aug. 27, 2023

Time

5:10 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Location

Minami Koshigaya Chuodori Street and the surrounding areas - Map

Fee

Free

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, COUPLES

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In The Heat Of The Night

Azabu-Juban Matsuri

Another event thats back with a vengeance! The Azabu-Juban Summer Festival has a history of over 40 years. Check out what each of the different shops and boutiques in the area have in store for an afternoon of fun and tasty treats.

Date

SAT, AUG. 26 - SUN, AUG. 27, 2023

Time

3 P.M. - 9 P.M.

Location

Azabujuban Shopping Area, 2-2-3 Azabujuban, Minato City, Tokyo - Map

Fee

FREE!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, COUPLES

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© Photo by iStock:CreativaImages

Splash Around

Children's Water Park

Spend an hour or two having your little ones cool off at the Tokyo Dome City Children's Water Park. There are four different types of attractions from a bubble area to water slides it'll be a fun summer afternoon to remember.

Date

Now until Sun, Sep. 3, 2023

Time

10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Location

1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo - Map

Fee

¥1,500

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

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Nocturnal Adventures

Night Zoo At Zoorasia

Let the kids stay up for a little longer and take them on a date to a night zoo where they can see the usually sleeping fauna in their usual habitats late in the evening. The zoo will also be illuminated for the event, turning it into quite a unique date spot.

Date

SAT, AUG. 5 -SUN AUG. 27, 2023 (WEEKENDS ONLY)

Time

4:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

Location

ZOORASIA, 1175-1 KAMISHIRANECYOU, ASAHI-KU, YOKOHAMA - Map

Fee

¥800 (ADULTS), FREE (UNDER 6)

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS

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City Breeze

Midtown Summer 2023

Tokyo Midtown once again shows us what it's like to be the coolest event organizer in a city that already has it all. This summer, stop by at Midtown in Roppongi for an experience of traditional Japanese summertime right in the heart of Tokyo: From a digital art space surrounded by mist at night to foot bathing in a brook to windchime-filled walls and cafes. A great place to bring friends to if they're visiting you in town.

Date

FRI, JUL. 14-SUN, AUG. 27, 2023

Time

DIGITAL ART GARDEN: 5 P.M.-11 P.M., FOG: 3 P.M.-11 P.M.

Location

TOKYO MIDTOWN, 9-7-1 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU, TOKYO - Map

Fee

FREE!

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FRIENDS, FAMILIES, COUPLES, TOURISTS

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© Photo by iStock: Ababsolutum

Get Close To The Land With These Easy-Growing Projects!

5 Japanese Vegetables to Grow on Your Balcony

Not every tasty vegetable on your plate in Japan can be easily grown in a pot (looking at you, gobo!). But, the five below take well to planters if you provide them with their preferred soil, water and light preferences.

Date

ANYTIME

Location

ANYWHERE

Fee

VARIOUS

Info

RECOMMENDED FOR: FRIENDS, FAMILIES, COUPLES,

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What are your plans for the weekend? If you’re organizing a fun or interesting online event, or you know someone who is, contact us to get it listed!

Attending any of these events? Send us photos through Facebook or Instagram for a chance to be published on the site. #SavvyTokyo