【2025】 Recommended Events in Tokyo for June, July, and August to Experience Japanese Culture

Summer in Tokyo offers a perfect opportunity to experience both traditional and modern Japanese culture, from classic fireworks festivals and traditional matsuri to anime and manga-related events. In this article, we’ll introduce some recommended events happening in Tokyo during June, July, and August 2025 to help you enjoy your summer!

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Average Temperatures in Tokyo for June, July, and August: What to Wear During Summer

*Source: Meteorological Research Institute (https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/index.html)

Tokyo is characterized by a basin-like topography with Tokyo Bay to the east and mountains to the west. The summer season is notably humid and sticky. Even during the rainy season in June, the high humidity makes the perceived temperature feel higher, even on rainy days. Around mid-July, when the rainy season ends, the full-fledged summer begins. It's not uncommon for temperatures to reach close to 40°C (104°F). During this time, cool and light clothing is appropriate. Recommended attire includes short-sleeved T-shirts, sleeveless tops, shorts, and skirts that allow for good air circulation. Also, due to the strong sunlight, hats, sunglasses, and parasols can be useful. Moreover, because of the significant temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, it's convenient to carry a light cardigan or long-sleeved shirt.

When participating in summer events such as fireworks displays or Bon dance festivals, it's also recommended to try renting a yukata (a casual summer kimono). Walking through the streets in a cool yukata will elevate your mood and allow you to fully enjoy the Japanese summer experience.

【kkday】👉 Tokyo | First Kimono Yukata Rental Experience, Asakusa Store

Related article: 👉 15 Essential Items for Summer Travel in Japan: How Hot Does It Get in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo?

Sumida River Fireworks Festival

Sumida River Fireworks Festival is Japan’s oldest fireworks festival, originating from the "Ryogoku River Opening Fireworks" launched by Tokugawa Yoshimune, the eighth shogun of the Edo period. The festival features a fireworks competition where top performers from firework events across Japan participate. Every year, many visitors gather to watch around 20,000 fireworks light up the night sky.

• Date: July 26, 2025 (Sat)
• Location: Along the Sumida River

Edogawa Fireworks Festival

This fireworks festival is known as one of Tokyo’s two major fireworks displays alongside the Sumida River Fireworks Festival. Its famous opening features 1,000 fireworks launched in just five seconds. In 2025, celebrating its 50th anniversary, special events are planned, including a public contest for firework designs and an attempt to set a Guinness World Record™.

• Date: August 2, 2025 (Sat)
• Location: Edogawa Riverbank

Torikoe Festival

This festival is held at Torikoe Shrine, which boasts a history of about 1,400 years. The "Senkan Mikoshi," the heaviest portable shrine in Tokyo, is carried around the local neighborhoods throughout the day. Additionally, around 250 stalls, the largest scale in Tokyo, line up around the shrine. These include not only food stalls but also many traditional game stalls such as goldfish scooping and target shooting. For those collecting goshuin (shrine stamps), don't forget to check out the special goshuin distributed during this period!

• Event Dates: June 6 (Fri) - 9 (Mon), 2025
• Location: 2-4-1 Torigoe, Taito-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5-minute walk from Kuramae Station

Kagurazaka Festival

Over the course of four days, the Hozuki Market and Awa Odori Dance Festival will be held for two days each. At the Hozuki Market, pots of hozuki (Chinese lantern plants) are sold at the Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple grounds, and food stalls offering Kagurazaka gourmet treats line the streets.

During the Awa Odori Dance Festival, you can enjoy not only traditional dances performed by local dancers but also adorable performances by elementary school students, as well as children from kindergartens and daycare centers.

• Date: July 23 (Wed) - 26 (Sat), 2025
• Location: Around Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple, 5-36 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 7-minute walk from Iidabashi Station, 6-minute walk from Kagurazaka Station or Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station

Tsukiji Hongwanji Bon Odori Festival

The Bon Odori Festival, held annually at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, a National Important Cultural Property, is a spectacular event. The majestic main hall serves as a backdrop to numerous lanterns that illuminate the night sky, creating a magical atmosphere. The festival features special dances unique to this venue, captivating many Bon Odori enthusiasts. Moreover, the event is known as "Japan's most delicious Bon Odori festival," boasting numerous food stalls offering a wide variety of delectable treats for visitors to enjoy.

• Date: Early August 2025
• Location: Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, 3-15-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Directly from Tsukiji Station, 5-minute walk from Shintomicho, Higashi-Ginza, or Tsukijishijo Stations

Comic Market 106

The world's largest doujinshi (self-published works) fair held annually in summer at Tokyo Big Sight. Affectionately known as "Summer Comi," this event attracts not only amateur creators but also companies that set up booths to sell exclusive merchandise and host special events. Many cosplayers dressed as popular anime and game characters also gather, adding color to the venue. It's a celebration of Japanese subculture where you can experience the cutting edge of manga and anime culture.

• Date: August 16 (Sat) - 17 (Sun), 2025
• Location: 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo (Tokyo Big Sight)
• Access: 3-minute walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station, 7-minute walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station

Design Festa vol.61

"Design Festa," which started in 1994, is one of Japan's largest art events that provides a "space for free expression" regardless of whether participants are professionals or amateurs. As only original works are exhibited and sold, derivative works are not seen. It has now grown into one of the largest art events in Asia, attracting about 50,000 visitors over two days. The well-equipped food area is also one of its attractions, allowing visitors to enjoy various cuisines while appreciating art.

• Date: July 5 (Sat) and 6 (Sun), 2025
• Address: 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo (Tokyo Big Sight)
• Access: 3-minute walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station, 7-minute walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station

Kanda Myojin Noryo Festival

A summer festival held at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Akihabara, the holy land of subcultures such as anime and manga. In addition to traditional Bon dancing, the "Anison Bon Dance," which incorporates anime songs, is hugely popular.

Visitors can experience a uniquely Tokyo festival that fuses Japanese anime culture with tradition.

• Date: August 8, 2025 (Fri) Anison Bon Dance / August 9, 2025 (Sat) Chiyoda Ward Folk Dance Federation Bon Dance / August 10, 2025 (Sun) Chuo Ward Hamacho Ondo Preservation Society Bon Dance
• Location: 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station, 7-minute walk from Akihabara Station

Asagaya Tanabata Festival

The highlight of the Asagaya Tanabata Festival is the numerous "haribote" suspended in the shopping streets. "Haribote" are dolls made by pasting paper on frames constructed from bamboo or wood.

Every year, nearly one million people gather to see these "haribote," which are created based on popular characters and current social trends, making it a nationally famous festival. Interestingly, the train chime at JR Asagaya Station plays the children's song "Tanabata-sama."

• Date: Early August 2025
• Location: Asagaya Pearl Center
• Access: Immediately accessible from Asagaya Station

Harajuku Omotesando Genki Festival Super Yosakoi 2025

The "Yosakoi Festival" is the largest of its kind in the Tokyo metropolitan area, held annually since 2001. Set in the Harajuku-Omotesando area, it features over 100 teams from across Japan, including the birthplace of Yosakoi, Kochi, showcasing their unique dance performances. The festival captivates spectators with vibrant costumes, powerful dances, and creative music that bring color to the streets. Additionally, the "Jiman-ichi" (Pride Market) is held simultaneously at the Yoyogi Park event plaza within the same area, offering local delicacies from various regions.

• Date: August 23 (Saturday) and 24 (Sunday), 2025
• Location: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku-Omotesando, Yoyogi Park, Keyaki Avenue in front of NHK, and other areas

Asakusa Samba Carnival

Celebrating its 40th year this year, the Asakusa Samba Carnival is a summer tradition in Asakusa. Dubbed "the largest in the Northern Hemisphere," this carnival attracts around 500,000 spectators every year. In sync with the rhythm played by the passionate bateria team, gorgeous dancers perform dazzlingly, enveloping the crowd in the same vibrant energy as Rio de Janeiro's carnival.

 Additionally, the procession of allegorias (decorated floats) parading through the streets is truly breathtaking. This is an unmissable grand event that blends the cheerful spirit of the tropics with Japan's summer vibe.

• Date: August 30, 2025 (Sat)
• Location: Asakusa Umamichi Street to Kaminarimon Street