This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For August 26-27
Dance, Dance, Dance Festivals And Fun In The City
If there's one single weekend gathering all traditional Japanese dance events in Tokyo, it's definitely this one. Get ready for a busy weekend, because there's a lot to experience and explore: from Koenji's Awa Odori and Harajuku's Yosakoi, to Asakusa's Samba Festival, Hibiya's Bon Odori and a few local festivals, this is, by all means, the hottest weekend of the summer! Get your cameras ready!
Latin Rhythms
Asakusa Samba Carnival
The largest Samba festival in Japan gathers thousands of spectators in Asakusa to watch a powerful parade of competing teams dancing to the rhythm of Latin soul. Held for the 36th time this year, the Asakusa Samba Carnival is a classic summer show you shouldn't miss.
- Date
- SAT, AUG. 26, 2017
- Time
- 1 P.M. - 6 P.M.
- Location
- UMAMICHI-DORI STREET AND KAMINARIMON-DORI STREET NEAR ASAKUSA STATION
- Fee
- Free!
© Photo by TokyoKoenjiAwaodori Nonprofit OrganizationThe City's Most Famous Dance Fest
Koenji Awa Odori
Another major dance event on the list this weekend, the annual Koenji Awa Odori is one of the largest of its kind in the capital. Come and see the nearly 170 teams dance the night away under traditional tunes and drums, forming a one-of-a-kind spectacular show! Be warned that the popularity of this event brings thousands of visitors, and it can get hot and crowded.
- Date
- SAT, AUG. 26 - SUN, AUG. 27, 2017
- Time
- 5 P.M. - 8 P.M.
- Location
- ALONG THE SHOPPING STREETS NORTH AND SOUTH OF JR KOENJI STATION
- Fee
- FREE
Golden Night
Golden Gai Summer Matsuri
Behind the city noise and flashy neon lights there's another side of Shinjuku — the Golden Gai alley of bars and diners bearing a touch of nostalgic Showa Japan. This Sunday, Golden Gai's 250-something bars and restaurants will celebrate the summer with drinks and special food menus, as well as various fun events at each corner. Visit for a different perspective of Japan, meet new faces and find your favorite Golden Gai spot.
- Date
- SUN, AUG. 27, 2017
- Time
- 3 p.m.-11 p.m.
- Location
- GOLDEN GAI, 1-1-6 KABUKICHO, SHINJUKU-KU, TOKYO
- Fee
- ¥500 Per drink/food at every participating bar
Dance Parades
Harajuku Super Yosakoi Festival
Yosakoi, a traditional dance originating from Kochi prefecture, is an up-tempo powerful and empowering dance that will get you up and willing to join yourself. Also a competition, each team invests much into costumes, hair styles and, of course, performance originality, making one of the best sights for spectators interested in Japanese culture. One of the most famous festivals in Tokyo, 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. 16-Sun, Aug. 27, 2017
- Time
- From 10 a.m. (see website for details of each stage)
- Location
- Various stages near Harajuku: Harajuku Omotesando, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Yoyogi park, Keyaki avenue in front of NHK
- Fee
- Free
It's Beer O'Clock!
World Beer Garden
It's been raining a lot lately, but starting this week, it looks like summer's back, so it's time for a pint of beer to cool down! With pints coming from various countries, this beer garden in central Tokyo is the perfect place to explore new tastes and find the one you may have been missing for a while.
- Date
- Now through Fri, Sept. 29, 2017
- Time
- 5:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. (Weekdays), 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. (Weekends)
- Location
- Tokyo Sankei Building 1F Outdoor Space, 1-7-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free
What's In A Face?
60 Faces: Photo Exhibition
Thirty artists from Japan are selected to present at this unique two-part exhibition focusing on people's faces and how they are depicted through art. Each part will be displaying thirty works, showing a total of sixty through late September. From oil painting to monochrome drawings, come and see the variety of human faces as seen through the eyes of Japanese artists.
- Date
- Part I: Fri, Aug. 25-Sat, Sept. 9, 2017. Part II: Thu, Sept 14 - Sun, Sept 30, 2017. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
- Time
- Noon-7 p.m.
- Location
- Reijinsha Gallery, Mitsuwa Blds. B1F, 6-7-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free
Get In The Circle
Hibiya Park Bon Odori
Held for the 15th consecutive time this year, people will gather in Hibiya Park to dance the traditional bon odori in groups, forming quite a show for spectators. One of the largest in the city, this annual event gathers over 40,000 visitors and counting. A great way to bid goodbye to August.
- Date
- Fri, Aug. 25-Sat, Aug. 26, 2017
- Time
- 3 p.m.-9 p.m.
- Location
- Hibiya Park Fountain area, Hibiya koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Fee
- Free
In The Heat Of The Night
Azabu Juban Noryo Matsuri
Literally meaning "cool the night," the Noryo Festival is a typical Japanese summer event held by local areas to cool down on hot summer nights. The Azabu Juban shopping district will heat up this weekend with a number of food stalls, game corners for the kids and families, and many other events. Stop by if you're in the area for a quick yakisoba, choco bananas and a few local shots! The Bon Dance in the evening is also a must-see experience.
- Date
- Sat, Aug. 26 - Sun, Aug. 27, 2017
- Time
- 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Location
- Azabu Juban Shopping District (Patio-dori Street, Zoshiki-dori Street, etc.) Access: Azabu Juban station
- Fee
- Free!
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