Tokyo Events

Kanda Matsuri (Kanda Festival)

For a lavish display of portable shrines and floats, visit Tokyo during the three-day festival that honours the deities of the Kanda Myojin Shrine. Worshippers parade ornate golden mikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets in one of the three largest festivals in Japan. Revel in the Edokko spirit, famed for knowing how to have a good time.

Date: 01 May 2021 - 31 May 2021
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Kanda Myojin Shrine.
Cost:

Free.

Asakusa Sanja Matsuri (Sanja Festival)

At one of Tokyo’s biggest shrines, May sees one of Tokyo’s biggest festivals. Thousands fill the streets to watch the mikoshi (portable shrines) wobble along the streets on the shoulders of men, women and children. If the wobble looks like an intentional jolt, don’t be surprised. Jolting is supposed to increase the power of the deities.

Date: 21 May 2021 - 23 May 2021
Venue: Asakusa Shrine.
Website: http://www.asakusajinja.jp/english
Cost:

Free.

Sanno Matsuri (Sanno Festival)

This is another big festival involving parades of portable shrines through the streets of Tokyo. This one sets itself apart by having a phoenix on display plus a number of legendary goblins called Tengu. This creature with a red face and a long nose has supernatural powers (but apparently nothing to do with Pinocchio). Look out for flower displays and plenty of food stalls.

Date: 01 June 2021 - 30 June 2021
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Hie-jinja Shrine.
Website: http://www.hiejinja.net/en/
Cost:

Free.

Sumida Hanabi (Sumida Fireworks Festival)

Tokyo's biggest and most spectacular fireworks display erupts over the Sumida River, to commemorate those who died in the Great Famine of the Edo Period. Over the course of an hour, countless rockets are launched from the banks of the river into the Tokyo sky in one of the most spectacular displays anywhere in Japan. Stalls and kiosks selling mulled sake and Japanese specialities add to the bustling, party atmosphere.

Date: 01 July 2021 - 01 July 2021
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Two sites along the Sumida River – see website for details.
Website: http://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/index_eg.html
Cost:

Free.

Tokyo International Film Festival

Japan's annual film extravaganza is held at various venues throughout the metropolis. Expect an international display that leaves you with plenty to think about.

Date: 30 October 2021 - 08 November 2021
Venue: Various venues including TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills.
Website: http://www.tiff-jp.net/en
Cost:

Various.

O-Shogatsu (New Year)

After the convenient bonenkai parties, designed to forget the old year and start the new one with a clean slate, New Year in Japan signals the start of a major holiday. Unlike the West, it’s important to see the first sunrise rather than the switching of the clock from 23:59 to 00:00. People display pine and bamboo ornaments and it’s traditional to visit a shrine.

Date: 01 January 2022 - 01 January 2022
Venue: Shrines across the city, but the Meiji Shrine in particular.
Cost:

Free.