In Tokyo, you can enjoy captivating events throughout the year, from spring cherry blossom festivals and summer firework displays to autumn foliage and winter illuminations. This article provides a seasonal breakdown of Tokyo's annual events with useful information to help you plan your trip. From traditional festivals and popular fireworks to Christmas markets and anime events, this is your complete guide to experiencing the best of Tokyo.
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Tokyo Events in Spring (March, April, May)
In Tokyo, spring is the most vibrant season of the year, as the city is colored with cherry blossoms and other flowers. You can enjoy a variety of springtime traditions, including cherry blossom viewing and festivals, lively Golden Week events, the traditional Girls' Day (Hinamatsuri) celebration, and events for tulips and wisteria.
For more detailed event information, please also refer to the [Recommended Events in Tokyo & Yokohama for March, April, and May].
Tokyo Cherry Blossom Viewing and Festivals
The springtime in Tokyo is bustling with cherry blossom viewing and festivals. Sumida Park, along the Sumida River, has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan," where the rows of cherry trees blooming on both sides of the river are a truly impressive sight. Furthermore, at Chidorigafuchi, the moat of the Imperial Palace, over 1,000 cherry trees are planted, and it's popular to enjoy cherry blossom viewing from a boat during the "Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival." Ueno Park, one of Tokyo's premier cherry blossom spots, also attracts a huge number of visitors.
- Main Locations: Sumida Park, Chidorigafuchi, Ueno Park, etc.
- Main Period: Late March to early April
🌸 Top 10 Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots in Kanto
Tokyo Events During Golden Week
During the large holiday period from late April to early May, numerous events are held across Tokyo for families and tourists to enjoy. One of the most famous is the display of 333 koinobori (carp streamers) at Tokyo Tower, a number chosen in honor of the tower's height of 333 meters. These colorful carp streamers, flying in the sky to celebrate Children's Day, are a spectacular sight. Additionally, gourmet and world festivals are held at Yoyogi Park and Hibiya Park, adding to the festive holiday atmosphere of spring.
- Main Locations: Tokyo Tower, Yoyogi Park, Hibiya Park, etc.
- Main Period: Late April to early May
🎪 What is Japan's "Golden Week" and when is it?
Tokyo Hinamatsuri Events
In conjunction with "Hinamatsuri" on March 3rd, various events are held in Tokyo. A traditional event called "Edo Nagashi Bina," where dolls are floated down the Sumida River in Taito City, ushers in the feeling of spring. Additionally, elaborate and gorgeous Hina doll displays at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo and Keio Plaza Hotel are popular tourist attractions.
- Main Locations: Sumida River, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel, etc.
- Main Period: Late February to early March
Spring Flower Events in Tokyo: Tulips, Wisteria, and more
Even after the cherry blossoms fall, colorful flower events continue in Tokyo. At Showa Kinen Park, the "Tulip Garden" with its approximately 700,000 blooming tulips is a main attraction. At Hama Rikyu Gardens, a vast expanse of canola blossoms colors the spring landscape, and at Kameido Tenjin Shrine, beautiful wisteria trellises captivate many tourists.
Additionally, Nezu Shrine's "Azalea Festival" attracts a large number of visitors every year.
- Main Locations: Showa Kinen Park, Hama Rikyu Gardens, Kameido Tenjin Shrine, etc.
- Main Period: April to May
🌷 List of Recommended Events in Tokyo & Yokohama in March, April, and May
Tokyo Events in Summer (June, July, August)
Tokyo's summer is full of seasonal events, including fireworks displays that light up the night sky, lively Bon Odori dances, and traditional Tanabata and summer festivals. Walking through the city in a yukata (summer kimono) lets you feel the unique charm of a Tokyo summer.
For more information on summer events, please also check out [Recommended Events in Tokyo for June, July, and August to Experience Japanese Culture] .
Tokyo's Summer Fireworks Displays
Fireworks displays are held in various locations throughout Tokyo in the summer, bringing the entire city to life. The "Adachi Fireworks" and the "Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival" are particularly famous. You can find more details on major fireworks festivals in the city in the [List of Tokyo's Fireworks Festivals].
Tokyo Tanabata Festivals
During the Tanabata season in Tokyo, the streets are decorated with paper strips (tanzaku) and bamboo ornaments. The Asagaya Tanabata Festival, held in early August, is especially famous. The shopping arcade stretching from the station is lined with giant, colorful, handmade decorations, attracting a large number of visitors.
- Main Locations: Asagaya Pearl Center Shopping Street, various station fronts and commercial facilities
- Main Period: July to August (Asagaya Tanabata Festival is in early August)
Tokyo Bon Odori Dances
When it comes to events that liven up a summer night, Bon Odori (Bon dances) are a must. In Tokyo, various Bon Odori events, both large and small, are held primarily at local parks and shrines. The Anisong(anime song) Bon Odori at Kanda Myojin Shrine is particularly noteworthy. A large-scale Bon Odori is also held at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, where you can enjoy food stalls and other treats.
- Main Locations: Kanda Myojin Shrine, Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, parks and shrines throughout the city
- Main Period: July to August
Tokyo's Summer Festivals
There are also many traditional festivals that color Tokyo's summer. The Kagurazaka Matsuri features a Hozuki (Ground Cherry) Market and an Awa Odori dance tournament, allowing you to feel the lively, nostalgic summer charm of the downtown area. The Koenji Awa Odori, held in late August, has become an established summer tradition that brings the season to a close in Tokyo.
- Main Locations: Kagurazaka Street (Kagurazaka Matsuri), Koenji Station area (Koenji Awa Odori)
- Main Period: June to July
🌅 Recommended Events in Tokyo for June, July, and August to Experience Japanese Culture
Tokyo Events in Autumn (September, October, November)
Tokyo's autumn is packed with events that let you feel the change of seasons, from fireworks displays that shine in the clear sky to vibrant autumn foliage and the traditional Torinoichi market that has continued since the Edo period.
For other events, please refer to the [List of events to be held in Tokyo in September, October, and November. Fireworks displays, festivals, music festivals] .
Tokyo's Autumn Fireworks Displays
Fireworks displays are also held in Tokyo in the autumn. The Chofu City Fireworks Festival and the Setagaya Tamagawa Fireworks Festival are typical examples. The grand flowers of light that spread across the clear sky have a different charm from summer fireworks. For more details on major fireworks displays in the city, please see the [List of Tokyo's Fireworks Festivals] .
Tokyo's Autumn Foliage Events
In Tokyo's parks and gardens, the autumn leaves are at their best, especially in November. At Showa Kinen Park and Hibiya Park, the vast grounds are beautifully colored with maple and ginkgo trees. Furthermore, the ginkgo tree avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien is one of Tokyo's most famous autumn foliage spots. The golden, glittering street is extremely popular as a photogenic location.
- Main Locations: Showa Kinen Park, Hibiya Park, Meiji Jingu Gaien
- Main Period: November
Torinoichi Fair
"Torinoichi," a traditional event that has continued since the Edo period, is held at shrines in Tokyo on the day of the rooster (tori) as in November. Asakusa's Ohtori Shrine is particularly famous. The shrine grounds are lined with stalls selling elaborate kumade (decorative bamboo rakes), and they are crowded with visitors praying for business prosperity and good luck.
- Main Locations: Ohtori Shrine (Asakusa), Hanazono Shrine (Shinjuku), etc.
- Main Period: November (on the Day of the Rooster)
Tokyo Events in Winter (December, January, February)
In winter, Tokyo is enveloped in festive illuminations, and many enchanting and heartwarming events are held, including New Year's countdowns and Christmas markets.
For other winter events, please refer to the [Top 10 Recommended Events in Tokyo in December].
Tokyo Illuminations
Winter in Tokyo is a time when various parts of the city are lit up with beautiful illuminations. There are many famous spots like Marunouchi, Roppongi, and Ebisu, making it a wonderful season for an evening stroll. For more details, we have compiled a list of the [Top 12 Illuminations & Christmas Markets in Tokyo and Yokohama].
New Year's Eve Countdown
From New Year's Eve to New Year's Day, "Joya no Kane" (the ringing of the temple bell 108 times) and countdown events take place across Tokyo. Zojoji Temple is particularly famous for its bell ringing, which is often broadcast on television. Elsewhere in the city, lively countdown events are held. Meanwhile, at places like Meiji Jingu, a large number of people gather for Ninen-mairi—a traditional visit to a shrine or temple spanning New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
- Main Locations: Zojoji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Odaiba area, etc.
- Main Period: December 31 to January 1
⛩ Trivia about New Year's Eve and Hatsumode: How to spend the New Year in Japan
Tokyo Christmas Markets
European-style Christmas markets have become quite established in Tokyo. At the "Tokyo Christmas Market" at Jingu Gaien, you can enjoy hot wine and German food in an illuminated venue. An authentic Christmas market is also held at the new landmark, Azabudai Hills.
- Main Locations: Jingu Gaien, Azabudai Hills, and others
- Main Period: Late November to December 25
🎄 Top 12 Illuminations & Christmas Markets in Tokyo and Yokohama
Tokyo Festivals: What are the Three Great Festivals of Edo? (Kanda Matsuri, Sanno Festival, Fukagawa Festival)
In Tokyo, a variety of festivals are held, from traditional events that have continued since the Edo period to local markets that have become beloved seasonal traditions. The Three Great Festivals of Edo are a collective term for the three most representative festivals of Edo (present-day Tokyo). By experiencing their history and culture, you can enjoy a deeper level of Tokyo sightseeing.
🌌 【Japan Festivals】A Summary of Traditional Festivals that Color the Summer
Kanda Matsuri (Kanda Myojin Shrine)
This festival is held biennially and is famous for its elaborate parade of portable shrines (mikoshi) that has continued since the Edo period. You can feel the history of the festival, which protected the Edo castle town. It is held in May.
Sanno Festival (Hie Shrine)
Considered the most prestigious of the Three Great Edo Festivals, it is a venerable festival that even the Tokugawa shoguns are said to have viewed. It is held in June.
Fukagawa Festival (Fukagawa Hachiman Shrine)
Also known as the "Water Throwing Festival," it's a dynamic festival where people along the streets pour large amounts of water on the parading mikoshi. It is held in August.
For more detailed information, click on [Japanese Festivals: A Summary of Traditional Festivals that Color the Summer] !
Tokyo Anime & Manga Events
A representative event is "Comic Market (Comiket)," which is held annually in August and December at Tokyo Big Sight. The event is as lively as a festival, with visitors looking for fan-made comics (doujinshi) and merchandise. Additionally, the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival attracts many cosplayers from both Japan and overseas, transforming the entire Ikebukuro area into a surreal atmosphere.
Experience Tokyo's Events and Festivals All Year Round!
In Tokyo, a variety of captivating festivals and events are held throughout the year, from seasonal flowers and fireworks to traditional ceremonies and the latest pop culture events. By participating in these events, you can experience a new side of Tokyo.
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