This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For July 27-28
Splash, Scares, and Festivals In The City
The last weekend of July brings together a series of summer festivals and events that will keep you busy and entertained despite the heat! From the city's most famous fireworks to Taiwan and Cosplay celebrations, to Bon-Odori festivals and a fun water game in Yokohama for kids and adults, this is a weekend full of exciting events you can't miss!
Local Sights
Kagurazaka Matsuri
A combination of traditional and modern Japan, explore the backstreets of this lovely downtown Tokyo neighborhood as you enjoy the food, drinks, and other booths at this annual summer festival. On Friday and Saturday evening, the famous Awa Odori dance procession will take place, drawing crowds of spectators for two performances by a group of children and adults. One of the liveliest local matsuris, this one is a must-see!
- Date
- WED, JULY 24-SAT, JULY 27, 2019
- Time
- VARIOUS, (DANCE PARADE)7 P.M.-9 P.M. ON FRI & SAT
- Location
- KAGURAZAKA 1 - 6 CHOME, SHINJUKU-KU, TOKYO. STATION: IIDABASHI OR KAGURAZAKA
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, COUPLES, FANS OF JAPANESE CULTURE
Cosplayers Unite
World Cosplay Summit In Tokyo
The World Cosplay Summit has been held in Nagoya since 2003. This year, it will be held in Tokyo for the first time! The World Cosplay Championship is the main event of the weekend; representatives from 40 countries and regions who have won the preliminary round will compete on the finals stage to win the crown. Other cosplay events will be held around Tokyo Dome City such as photo sessions and performances. Also, it’s recommended to check the English rule list on the official website beforehand, especially for those planning to cosplay it up.
- Date
- SAT, JULY 27-SUN, JULY 28, 2019
- Time
- 10 A.M.-8 P.M.
- Location
- TOKYO DOME CITY, 1-3-61 KORAKU, BUNKYO, TOKYO
- Fee
- ¥2,000 (ADULTS), ¥500 (CHILDREN) DISCOUNTED PRESALE TICKETS AVAILABLE (CHANGING ROOM TICKETS COST EXTRA)
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: COSPLAYERS, COSPLAY FANS, MANGA/ANIME FANS, FRIENDS, FAMILY
Street Dance
Shinjuku Eisa Matsuri
Born on the island of "chinsuko" cookies and brown sugar, Okinawa’s dance and music culture has always been different from that of the mainland, and Eisa Matsuri is no exception. This weekend, join the nearly 30 teams from across Japan who will be showing their interpretation of the island's traditional dance. A powerful performance that will keep you on your feet throughout the whole event, this is something you don't want to miss!
- Date
- SAT, JULY 27, 2019
- Time
- 12 P.M.-8 P.M.
- Location
- SHINJUKU STATION EAST/WEST EXIT
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: DANCERS, JAPAN CULTURE FANS, FRIENDS, FAMILIES, SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS
Splash & Dash
Fun! Fun! Splash!!!
Join Tokyo's largest water war to get your mind and body off the scorching heat. The game begins as soon as you register and you'll have the best time throwing water balloons and getting sprayed with water while listening to live music. With a special kids zone, this event is perfect for the whole family, so grab a T-shirt and shorts and join the battle!
- Date
- SAT, JULY 27-SUN, JULY 28, 2019
- Time
- 10 A.M.-6 P.M.
- Location
- YOKOHAMA HAKKEIJIMA SEA PARADISE, HAKKEIJIMA, KANAZAWA, YOKOHAMA, KANAGAWA
- Fee
- ¥6,800 (ADULTS), ¥2,500 (CHILDREN) DISCOUNTED PRE-SALE TICKETS AVAILABLE
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, FRIENDS, CHILDREN, COUPLES
A New Take On Old Traditions
Hibiya Oedo Matsuri 2019
The ultimate Japanese recreation of a carnival, this brand new event combines everything you can expect from a traditional Japanese festival: Yosakoi and Awa Odori dances, live music, taiko drums, game stalls, mikoshi parades, apple candy and goldfish scooping — and of course, many food and drink stalls! Stop by for a weekend fix of traditional Japanese culture and positive vibes.
- Date
- FRI, JULY 6-SUN, JULY 8, 2019
- Time
- 10 A.M.-8 P.M. (FRI & SAT), 10 A.M.-6 P.M. (SUN)
- Location
- HIBIYA PARK, FOUNTAIN SQUARE, HIBIYA PARK, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: MATSURI FANS, FAMILIES, FRIENDS, INSTAGRAMMERS
Instant Travel
Taiwan Festa 2019
A popular location for "joshitabi" (girls travel), Taiwan is a country rich with nature, delicious food and many (yet) undiscovered adventures. This weekend, you can experience all of that in central Tokyo! Grab a bite of braised minced pork rice or Taiwanese fruit-filled shaved ice while jamming to the live performances all day.
- Date
- SAT, JULY 27-SUN, JULY 28, 2019
- Time
- 10 A.M.-8 P.M.
- Location
- YOYOGI PARK EVENT SQUARE, 2-1 JINNAN, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: FOODIES, FANS OF TAIWAN, FAMILIES, FRIENDS, WORLD TRAVELERS
Summer Spirits
Haunted House: Onryo Zashiki Extreme
Aside from fireworks, shaved ice and local matsuri, Japanese summer is also all about ghosts and spirits — and with the scorching weather outside what better way to give you the chills? This creative haunted house attraction invites you to experience the creepy sounds and effects of a very, very revengeful woman who can't move on quite yet — but maybe you can help her by visiting?
- Date
- NOW THROUGH MON, SEPT 23, 2019
- Time
- SCARE LEVEL NORMAL 10A.M.-4P.M., MAX 5 P.M.-10 P.M.
- Location
- TOKYO DOME CITY, LAQUA AREA, 1-3-61, KORAKU, BUNKYO-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- ¥1,030
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: CHILDREN AGED OVER 6, FRIENDS, FAMILIES, COUPLES, PEOPLE WHO AREN'T AFRAID OF 'GHOSTS'
Sky Lights
Sumidagawa Fireworks
One of the most iconic firework festivals in Japan, the Sumidagawa fireworks attract over 957,000 admirers every year. Marvel at colorful fireworks blooming across the night sky over the shimmering Tokyo horizon and Sumida river. As it is a popular event, expect some crowds, especially on your way back home!
- Date
- SAT, JULY 27, 2019
- Time
- FROM 7 P.M.
- Location
- SUMIDA RIVER, BETWEEN SAKURA AND KOTOTOI BRIDGES AND BETWEEN KOMAGATA AND UMAYA BRIDGES, TAITO-KU
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: COUPLES, FRIENDS, PEOPLE WHO DON'T MIND HUGE CROWDS
Sky And Ocean Festivities
Haneda Matsuri
Held annually, this lively summer festival brings together some 3,000 people to carry a massive mikoshi, while 30,000 visitors watch them parade around Haneda Shrine. As Haneda used to be a fishermen's town, the mikoshi at this festival is carried in a unique way called "yokota," that is reminiscent of a boat swaying on the ocean. Employees of ANA and JAL will also be there serving free refreshments and praying for air safety!
- Date
- FRI, JULY 26-SUN, JULY 28, 2019
- Time
- FROM 8 A.M.
- Location
- HANEDA SHRINE, 3-9-12 HONHANEDA, OTA-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: MATSURI FANS, FAMILIES, FRIENDS
City Breeze
Midtown Loves Summer 2019
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, JULY 12-SUN, AUGUST 25, 2019
- 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
- Fee
- FREE!
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: FRIENDS, FAMILIES, COUPLES, TOURISTS
Calling All It Girls
Cosmopolitan Summer Party
By popular demand, Cosmo is holding for the second year in a row its glamorous annual summer event. The It Girls of Cosmo will gather again at the popular resort-like rooftop spot, PLUSTOKYO, to mix and mingle with all the guests. Enjoy live music, the Miss Cosmo contest, and even a drag queen performance! A complimentary gift bag and food & drink ticket are included with entrance fee so you won't be leaving this fabulous event empty-handed.
- Date
- SAT, JULY 27, 2019
- Time
- Day Time 2 P.M.-4 P.M., Night Time 6 P.M.-9 P.M.
- Location
- PLUSTOKYO Rooftop and 12F, 1-8-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- Day Time ¥3,000, Night Time ¥5,000
- Info
- RECOMMENDED FOR: PARTY-GOERS, ROOFTOP LOVERS
What are your plans for the weekend? If you’re organizing a fun or interesting event, or you know someone who is, contact us to get it listed!
Other Articles by The Savvy Team
Related Articles You Might Like
5 Tokyo Summer Terraces to Have Your Next Girls’ Night Out
The summer heat is worth it when it means you can eat and drink to your hearts' desire with your best friends by your side.
Exploring The Studio Ghibli Museum
Glimpse inside the making of Hayao Miyazaki’s films and his lovable characters at the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. Learn how the magic is created,...
Cooling Down at 5 of Tokyo’s Mud Parks
Children love playing at so-called ‘mud parks’ where they have the rare freedom to create unique, ever-changing play spaces all of their own.
An Insider’s Guide To Hiking Mt. Jinba
Mt. Jinba lies a couple of kilometers away from the popular day-trip hiking destination Mt. Takao. The summit of this little-known mountain, easily accessible from...
Leave a Reply