This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For July 28-29
Culture, Festivals, And Fun In The City
The last weekend of July brings together a series of classic and not so much summer festivals and events that will keep you busy and entertained despite the heat! From the city's most famous fireworks to Taiwan and Indonesia celebrations in two of the largest Tokyo parks, to eccentric (and slightly creepy) new style Bon-Odori festivals and a fun water game in Odaiba for kids and adults, this is a weekend full of exciting events you can't miss!
Local Sights
Kagurazaka Matsuri
(UPDATE: The Awaodori parade on Saturday has been canceled) Explore the backstreets of this lovely downtown Tokyo neighborhood combining traditional and modern Japan as you stroll around food, drinks and other booths for this annual summer festival. On Friday and Saturday evening, the famous Awaodori dance procession will take place, drawing crowds of spectators for two performances by a group of children and adults. One of the liveliest local matsuri, this one is a must-go!
- Date
- WED, JULY 25-Sat, JULY 28, 2018
- 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
Splash & Dash
Fun! Fun! Splash!!!
(UPDATE: Saturday has been canceled due to the typhoon. Sunday will be on if the weather is fine.) Join Tokyo's largest water war to get your mind and body off the scorching heat. The game begins as you register and you'll have the biggest fun spraying water on people and throwing water balloons while listening to loud live music! With a special kids zone, this event is perfect for the whole family, so grab a T-shirt and short pants and join the battle!
- Date
- Sat, July 28-Sun, July 29, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Location
- Odaiba, Special Event Stage Aomi J, 2-1 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥6,800 (Adults), ¥2,500 (Children)
- Info
- Recommended for: Families, Friends, Children, Couples
Instant Travel
Taiwan Festa 2018
A popular location for "joshitabi" (girls travel), Taiwan is a country rich with nature, delicious foods 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 28-SUN, JULY 29, 2018
- Time
- 10 A.M.-8 P.M. (SAT), 10 A.M.-9 P.M. (SUN)
- Location
- YOYOGI PARK EVENT SQUARE, 2-1 JINNAN, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Foodies, Fans of Taiwan, Families, Friends, World Travelers
Street Dance
Shinjuku Eisa Matsuri
Born on the island of chinsuko 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 traditional dance. A powerful performance that will keep you on your feet throughout the whole event, this one is a must-see!
- Date
- Sat, July 28, 2018
- Time
- 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Location
- Shinjuku station East exit
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Dancers, Japan Culture Fans, Friends, Families, Social Media Influencers
Summer Spirits
Onryo Zashiki Extreme: Haunted House
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 get you the chills? This creative hunted 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? Chills guaranteed.
- Date
- Now through Mon, Sept 24, 2018
- Time
- Scare level 5: From opening until 4 p.m., Scare level max: From 5 p.m. until close
- Location
- Tokyo Dome City, LaQua area, 1-3-61, Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥1,030
- Info
- Recommended for: Friends, Families, Children above 6, Couples, People who aren't afraid of 'ghosts'
Sky Lights
Sumidagawa Fireworks
One of the most iconic firework festivals in Japan, the Sumidagawa hanabi attracts 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, however, expect some crowds, especially on your way back home!
- Date
- Sun, July 29, 2018 (Changed from Sat due to expected bad weather)
- Time
- 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
Happy 60th!
Festival Indonesia 2018
Held to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Japan, this festival brings the best of the sunny country in the heart of Tokyo through various food and drink stalls, live stages, music, dancing and a lot of kid-friendly events. Come and spend an exciting day immersed in modern and traditional Indonesian culture, arts and food!
- Date
- Sat, July 28-Sun, July 29, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Location
- Hibiya Park, 1-2 HIBIYAKOEN, CHIYODA-ku, TOKYO
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Families, Friends, Indonesia Fans and former expats, People interested in foreign cultures
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 refreshment and praying for air safety!!
- Date
- Fri, July 27-Sun, July 29, 2018
- Time
- 8 a.m.-Evening (Parade on Sunday from
- Location
- Haneda Shrine, 3-9-12 Honhaneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free!
- Info
- Recommended for: Matsuri fans, Families, Friends
Music & Style
Summer Splash Party 2018
A very Manhattan-kind of summer night fit for an audience who knows how to party, this event welcomes legendary Ibiza DJ Lenny Ibizarre and other popular names from Japan, including the female duo DJ Usea. The evening includes various performances, uniques dance shows and even a sword live performance by Kamui, the coolest modern-day samurai in Japan. Enjoy the party and the sunset from the venue — it's regarding as one of the most beautiful ones in the whole of Tokyo!
- Date
- Sun, July 29, 2018
- Time
- 3 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
- Location
- Hotel Intercontinental Tokyo Bay 6F, 1-16-2 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥4,500 (includes one drink)
- Info
- Recommended for: Party people
Before The Goodbye
Namie Amuro Final Space: Exhibition
Japan's beloved idol is bidding goodbye to her 25 years in the spotlight in only a few months from now on, but before she does that she is launching a special exhibition where fans can see the best of her in a single showroom! This interactive exhibition will guide fans through the 25 years of Amuro's career, while costumes she has worn in her best years and videos, will be on display for fans of Amuro and fashion as a whole. Fan or not, there's much to see here!
- Date
- Thu, July 26-Sun, Sept 16, 2018
- Time
- 10 a.m.―9 p.m.
- Location
- Shibuya Hikarie, Hikarie Hall, 9F, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥1,500 (Book tickets online in advance)
- Info
- Recommended for: Amuro fans, Fashionistas
Silent Swings
Neo Bon Odori: Silent Dancing
Probably one of the most eccentric festivals ever held in Japan, this one gathers people wearing animal masks and headphones to dance silently to a bon dance festival. Though it looks like they'll be dancing in silence, there will be DJs navigating the show and people's moves, so if you're one who's always wanted to join a bon-odori but never had the guts to do it, this could be your chance — no one'll know who you are anyway! For those who wish to participate, go empty hands — everything will be provided for you. For those watching — enjoy silently and don't be scared! Located close to the Haneda Matsuri, if you have the chance —see both this weekend!
- Date
- Fri, July 27-Sat, July 28, 2018
- Time
- 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
- Location
- Honkamata Park, 5-35-1 Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- ¥1,500 (for participants), Free for watching!
- Info
- Recommended for: Friends, Eccentric people, Social Media Influencers
Attending any of these events? Send us photos through Facebook or Instagram for a chance to be published on the site. #SavvyTokyo
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