With one stride in the past and one stride in the future, Tokyo embraces both its ancient and modern times, unlike many other renowned cities. The urban jungle shaping the cosmopolitan metropolis and the wooden fortresses adding the hint of days gone by, Tokyo envelops some of the most captivating experiences. Renowned for tightly embracing its culture, the capital city of Tokyo allows visitors to partake in celebrations of everything ranging from age-old rituals to the latest popular culture. Tokyo festivities allure throngs of tourists from various parts of the globe. From music and movies to art and botanical wonders, every aspect is commemorated in this enchanting capital city of Japan. With a festival or another being celebrated all year round, visitors have ample opportunities to witness the vibrant and animated city that Tokyo epitomizes. Explore this compilation of major festivals in Tokyo that one undoubtedly should experience at least once in their lifetime!
Summer Festivals In Tokyo
Summer festivals in this captivating capital city of Japan revolve around commemorating the traditions and cultures that have been integral to the lives of locals for countless years. Vibrant embellishments, customary attire, local cuisine, breathtaking lanterns, and jovial energy permeating the city are a few highlights of Tokyo’s summer festivals. Let’s delve into three of the top festivals that one must partake in when visiting Tokyo during the summer season.
1. Mitama Matsuri
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Dedicated to honoring the spirits of the departed, Mitama Matsuri is a summer festival in Tokyo that occurs around Yasukuni Shrine. Uniting communities and individuals, twenty thousand lanterns are illuminated for four days during this festival. Mitama Matsuri showcases authentic cuisine, traditional dancing and theatrical displays, and a pervasive sense of spirituality. Locals can be spotted donning traditional cotton kimonos known as yukata.
Month: July
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2. Tsukiji Honganji Temple Bon Odori Festival
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Tsukiji Honganji Temple Bon Odori Festival is a four-day celebration that is organized by Tsukiji Honganji Temple each year. Attracting numerous visitors from all over the country and overseas, this festival showcases some of the exquisite and traditional dance that anyone can participate in. The mixture of traditional songs like ‘Tsukiji Ondo’ and live taiko drum performances are some of the main attractions of this festival.
Month: Late July to Early August
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3. Harajuku Omotesando Super Yosakoi
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Showcasing a team performance dance competition, Harajuku Omotesando Super Yosakoi takes place on a grand scale. Allowing spectators to witness the Japanese culture in an extremely enjoyable manner, there are approximately 6,000 performers showcasing various traditional dance forms of the country. The sounds of laughter, atmosphere of happiness, and melodies of traditional songs fill the air of the capital city of Japan, Tokyo.
Month: August
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Music Festivals In Tokyo
Emerging as one of the popular cosmopolitan cities in the world, music festivals in Tokyo are truly unique. Allowing travelers to witness mind-blowing performances by both local and international artists, these festivals showcase some of the most renowned genres of music including rock, hip-hop, electronic, pop, and much more. Take a look at these music festivals in Tokyo that will undoubtedly make one dance the night away.
1. Summer Sonic
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One of the largest music festivals in Japan, Summer Sonic Festival occurs annually in Tokyo as well as Osaka. Witnessing performances by notable local and international bands, the Summer Sonic Festival draws thousands of tourists and locals to groove to the beats and dance throughout the night. This rock festival lasts for two to three days and offers tourists and locals the opportunity to see famous bands such as Coldplay, the Chainsmokers, Weezer, and others.
Month: August
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2. Ultra Japan
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A portion of the globally recognized Ultra Music Festival, Ultra Japan entices visitors to dance energetically to amazing tunes and groove without inhibition. Celebrating the genre of electronic dance music, this festival magnetizes a multitude of travelers and locals, particularly the young generation. The festival comprises three stages, each hosting different types of performers. The first stage features renowned EDM artists, the second stage showcases underground techno musicians, while the third stage highlights local or emerging talents.
Month: September
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3. S20 Japan Songkran Music Festival
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Giving a fantastic opportunity to visitors to escape the scorching summer temperatures of Tokyo, s20 is a festival that combines music, dance, and water. Collaborating with the traditional Thai festival, s20 showcases performances by some of the top DJs from around the world and allows attendees to dance to their heart’s content under refreshing water showers! Established in 2018, this festival is destined to be celebrated annually, without any breaks!
Month: July
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Art Festivals In Tokyo
Enabling visitors to witness both ancient and contemporary art, art festivals in Tokyo showcase hundreds of artworks by local and renowned artists. Nothing short of a paradise for art enthusiasts, Tokyo is home to a considerable number of galleries and museums. Explore this compilation of art festivals that will foster an appreciation for diverse art forms.
1. Roppongi Art Night
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Taking place on the streets of Tokyo’s Roppongi district, Roppongi Art Night is an art extravaganza that lasts all through the night. This festival showcases exhibitions of contemporary art, design, music, and much more across the entire town. Roppongi Art Night offers travelers and locals alike an extraordinary experience and an unforgettable night. Originating in 2009, this festival attracts numerous tourists from all corners of the globe, particularly art enthusiasts. It is one of the most unconventional Tokyo festivals celebrated in Japan.
Month: May
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2. Echigo Tsumari Art Triennale
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Celebrating contemporary art, the Echigo Tsumari Art festival takes place at the Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art. Showcasing various forms of art including conceptual, immersive, and progressive, this festival unfolds in an expansive outdoor art space. Echigo Tsumari boasts around 200 artworks by both local and international artists.
Month: Throughout the year
3. The Toshima International City Of Arts And Culture
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Toshima International City Of Arts and Culture is a celebration that honors local artworks, traditions, music, and culture. This festival is held annually and brings together communities like no other. The Toshima International City of Arts and Culture embraces the Japanese art and encourages others- locals and tourists alike, to do the same. Participants adorned in various traditional and mythological costumes are the highlight of this event.
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Movie Festival In Tokyo
Appreciating every form of art, Tokyo also hosts an annual movie festival celebrating the emerging film industry in the world. The movie festival takes into account all genres of films including love stories, comedies, thrillers, action-packed movies, sci-fi films, and much more. Find below the complete details of the International Film Festival in Tokyo that one should not miss out on!
Tokyo International Film Festival
: tiff-jp
Taking place every year, the Tokyo International Film Festival is one of Asia’s notable film festivals. An award ceremony being the main highlight of this festival, TIFF is held over one week. Awards for outstanding actor, exceptional movie, remarkable actress, exceptional director, and many others are presented to the deserving individuals. The festival showcases open-air screenings, premiers, voice-over screenings, seminars, symposiums, and much more. The actors appearing to promote their movies or for the premiers add an extra level of excitement. This festival allows visitors to experience a night filled with glamour!
Month: October
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Celebrating every form of art, Tokyo festivals showcase the energetic, lively, and vibrant side of this beautiful capital city. Traditional outfits, vibrant decorations, international DJs, authentic cuisine, cheerful crowd, contemporary art displays, screening of renowned films, and positive vibes are some of the captivating features of festivals in Tokyo. Embracing the culture and art, Tokyo covers festivals for all types of art enthusiasts, ranging from movies and music to art and dance. When planning an adventure to Japan, make sure to include these festivals on your bucket list!
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