Things to Do in Tokyo in August 2024: Guide to Events, Summer Festivals, and Must-See Attractions

Events at Popular Theme Parks and Attractions: From Disney and Pokémon to Indoor Flower Events

Summer at Tokyo Disney Resort (Maihama)

©Disney

At Tokyo Disneyland, you can enjoy a variety of summer programs that will leave you soaked. The highlight is “Baymax’s Mission: Cool Down,” where Baymax, the care robot, parades along the route, spraying cool mist. Toon Town transforms into “Soaked Toon Town,” with cool mist and waterfall-like water sprays. At Tokyo DisneySea®, the “Aquatopia” ride offers a special version where you can get soaked while enjoying its unpredictable movements.

Both parks feature “Soaked Time,” where cast members spray you with cool mist from barrels. Refreshing treats like new flavored shave ice, cold churros, and chilled noodles are also available to help you cool down in the summer heat.

Event Details
・Venue: Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea
・Dates: July 2–September 18, 2024
・Times: Check the official website for varying schedules
・Cost: Check the official website for varying prices
・Phone: 0570-00-8632 (Navi Dial)

Pokémon and the Clear Blue Skies of Tokyo Skytree®: Shining Memories with You and Pokémon (Oshiage)

©Nintendo・Creatures・GAME FREAK・TV Tokyo・ShoPro・JR Kikaku ©Pokémon ©TOKYO-SKYTREE

©Nintendo・Creatures・GAME FREAK・TV Tokyo・ShoPro・JR Kikaku ©Pokémon ©TOKYO-SKYTREE

Tokyo Skytree is hosting its first collaboration event with the popular TV anime “Pokémon.” The event features exclusive displays and photo spots with characters in the Tembo Galleria, 450 meters above ground. Limited edition merchandise will be available at the “SKYTREE SHOP” on the first floor. Special Pokémon-themed lighting displays and screenings at the “SKYTREE ROUND THEATER®” on the Tembo Deck, 350 meters above ground, will transform the Skytree into a Pokémon paradise. Captain Pikachu will also make appearances for greetings on the first-floor group area from August 19–22, 2024. Free greeting tickets are required and can be reserved from July 18, 2024, at 12 PM. Check the official website for the latest details on times and schedules.

Event Details
・Venue: Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck, Tembo Galleria, 1st Floor
・Dates: June 25–September 24, 2024
・Times: Check the official website for varying schedules
・Cost: Combo Ticket (Tembo Deck + Galleria): Adults (18+) 3,500 yen (3,800 yen on holidays); Tembo Deck only: Adults 2,400 yen (2,600 yen on holidays); Advance tickets and different rates for those under 17 available

Tokyo Tower Highball Garden 2024 (Minato Ward)

The beer garden at Tokyo Tower takes place at both the 1st-floor main entrance and the Foot Town rooftop, offering a unique and special location. Enjoy drinks and food in an open-air, lively atmosphere while gazing up at Tokyo Tower. The highlight drink at the main entrance is the “Cho-Ten Highball,” served in a frosty mug filled with ice, featuring strong carbonation, whiskey aroma, and a hint of lemon—perfect for a hot summer day. This highball meets Suntory’s strict quality standards, ensuring top-notch taste. Pair it with the “Tokyo Tower Combo,” a crispy, large cod cutlet with ketchup art depicting Tokyo Tower.

At the Foot Town rooftop, enjoy an all-you-can-eat Jingisukan barbecue.

Event Details
1F Main Entrance
TOKYO TOWER “CHO-TEN” HIGHBALL GARDEN
・Venue: Tokyo Tower 1F Main Entrance
・Dates: April 18–October 6, 2024
・Times: 4 PM–10 PM (Sat, Sun, and holidays: 12 PM–10 PM, L.O. 9:30 PM)

Foot Town Rooftop
TOKYO TOWER “ROOF TOP” HIGHBALL GARDEN
・Venue: Tokyo Tower Foot Town Rooftop
・Dates: April 11–October 14, 2024
・Times: 5 PM–9:30 PM (L.O. 9 PM)
・Cost: 120-minute all-you-can-eat and drink: Adults (20+) 5,800 yen; different rates for minors

SHIBUYA SKY FLOWer View: Flower Walk 229m Above Shibuya (Shibuya Ward)

Connected to Shibuya Station, Shibuya Scramble Square is a high-rise complex featuring the “SHIBUYA SKY” observation facility on its 14th, 45th, 46th floors, and rooftop. The 46th-floor “SKY GALLERY” will host a special event from August to September called “FLOWer View: Flower Walk 229m Above Shibuya.” This event will transform the corridor with vibrant, 2-meter-tall giant art flowers, creating a botanical garden-like atmosphere with stunning views of Shibuya below.

During this event, the rooftop bar “THE ROOF SHIBUYA SKY” and the 46th-floor “Paradise Lounge” will offer unique, limited-time menus.

Event Details
・Venue: Shibuya Scramble Square, SHIBUYA SKY 46th Floor SKY GALLERY
・Dates: August 1–September 30, 2024
・Times: 10 AM–10:30 PM (Last entry at 9:20 PM)
・Cost: Online tickets 2,200 yen, on-site tickets 2,500 yen; different rates for high school students and below, check the official website for details.

Traditional Festivals: Bon Odori Dance Events and Urban Fireworks Shows with Concerts Draw Crowds

65th Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori (Suginami Ward)

On August 24 and 25, from 5 PM, the “65th Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori” will take place around Koenji Station’s north and south shopping streets and along Kōnan Street. Awa Odori, a traditional Bon dance from Tokushima City, Shikoku, is held annually during Obon. The Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori began in 1957 to invigorate the local shopping district, initiated by local youths.

The event features eight performance stages set up in the shopping streets around JR Koenji Station and along Kōnan Street. Dance groups, known as “ren,” perform to lively music from flutes, drums, and shamisen, filling Koenji with excitement. In 2023, 156 groups from both Tokyo and Tokushima performed, with about 10,000 dancers and approximately 930,000 spectators.

For those who can’t wait until evening, indoor stage performances are available during the day (2,200 yen per performance). The first show starts at 11:30 AM, and the second at 2 PM. “Odore Koenji Session 2024” will be held at Suginami Hall (a 5-minute walk from Higashi-Koenji Station or a 7-minute walk from Shin-Koenji Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line). “2024 Summer Zā Koenji Awa Odori” will be at Za Koenji 1 (a 5-minute walk from the north exit of JR Koenji Station).

Event Details
・Venue: Shopping streets around Koenji Station and Kōnan Street (including Chūō, Higashi, and Junjō performance stages)
・Dates: August 24–25, 2024
・Times: 5 PM–8 PM
・Cost: Free, with special reserved seats available for 15,000 yen or 10,000 yen

2024 Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival (43rd Edition) (Shinjuku Ward and Minato Ward)

(C) Nikkan Sports News Co.

The 2024 Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival will take place at Meiji Jingu Stadium and Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in August. This annual event draws about a million visitors to the surrounding areas. Unlike other fireworks festivals, it features live music performances by various artists. At Meiji Jingu Stadium, Japanese actor and singer Ken Matsudaira will perform, while Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium will host CHANSUNG from the popular Korean idol group 2PM, and voice actress Nagisa Aoyama (with more performers to be announced on the official website).

Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium is easily accessible and offers stunning views of the fireworks over the rugby field. Be sure to arrive early as opening acts start from the beginning of the event. Tickets are required for entry.

Event Details
・Venue: Meiji Jingu Stadium and Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Meiji Jingu Gaien, Tokyo
・Date: August 10, 2024 (Saturday); in case of heavy rain, postponed to August 11 (Sunday)
・Time: Fireworks from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Meiji Jingu Stadium: Gates open at 4 PM / Performances start at 5 PM
Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium: Gates open at 3 PM / Performances start at 3:30 PM
・Cost: Meiji Jingu Stadium (all reserved seating): Arena SS seats 13,000 yen, others available
Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium (all reserved seating): Stand seats 7,000 yen
・Tickets: General sales start July 13, 2024, at 10 AM on Ticket Pia WEB and other platforms

Seasonal Flower Events: Enjoy Fields of Yellow Sunflowers, Photo Spots, and Food Stalls

Zama City 2024 Sunflower Festival (Zama City, Kanagawa)

Kanagawa Prefecture’s Zama City, where the sunflower is the city flower, hosts the annual “Zama City Sunflower Festival” in mid-August. The festival spans two areas, Zama and Yotsuya, covering over 5.5 hectares with approximately 550,000 sunflowers in bloom. The Zama site boasts a stunning expanse of yellow sunflowers, while the Yotsuya site features two different sunflower varieties. Stroll along the paths and take in the vibrant views.

The festival includes observation decks and photo spots for panoramic views of the sunflower fields. During the event, local shops will offer cut sunflowers, agricultural products, and specialties. There will also be fun activities like Ayu fish catching (available only on August 10–11, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM).

You can reach the venue from Shinjuku in about an hour and a half by train or bus. Take the Odakyu Line to Soubudaimae Station, then transfer to a special direct bus (240 yen one way). Alternatively, take the Odakyu Line to Zama Station, then a local bus towards Zama Yotsuya, get off at Jinja-mae, and walk about 10 minutes.

Event Details
・Venue: Zama City, Zama Area and Yotsuya Area
・Dates: August 10–13, 2024
・Times: 9:30 AM–5 PM
・Cost: Free

Festivals & Cultural Goods: Summer Night Cruises and the World’s Largest Doujinshi Market

Tokyo Bay Summer Night Cruise (Tokyo Bay)

Tokyo Bay Noryosen (“Tokyo Bay Summer Night Cruise”), operated by Tokai Kisen Co., offers a delightful summer evening experience aboard the 6,000-ton-class cruise ship “Salvia Maru.” Departing from Takeshiba Pier at 7:15 PM, the cruise tours scenic spots around Tokyo Bay and returns to Takeshiba Pier at 9 PM. A cruising navigator provides commentary on the beautiful night views of Tokyo Bay.

The cruise features a variety of food options such as yakisoba, fried rice cakes, and churros. Enjoy onboard activities like a mystery-solving event and music performances, making it fun for both adults and children. There is also a yukata discount (1,000 yen off; see the official website for details and conditions). A “Tokyo Bay Summer Night Cruise Official Yukata Shop” will open inside the Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal, just a 2-minute walk from the pier, offering women’s yukatas for 5,300 yen and men’s for 4,300 yen, among other options.

Event Details
・Venue: Tokyo Bay, boarding at Takeshiba Pier
・Dates: July 5–September 23, 2024
・Times: Departs Takeshiba Pier at 7:15 PM, returns at 9 PM
・Cost: 2,000 yen (500 yen for elementary school students); drinks and food are extra. See the website for details on yukata discounts and reserved seat plans.

Comic Market 104 (Koto Ward)

(Photo: PIXTA)

The world’s largest doujinshi market, held at Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center) in Ariake, is a major event where individual circles sell self-produced doujinshi and goods. Attracting tens of thousands of visitors each day, this event is held twice a year, in summer and winter, and is so popular that it is often covered by the media.

The main appeal is that it’s an amateur-driven event where fans gather to share their self-published works and original merchandise. It’s also a popular spot for cosplayers. The event features a wide range of genres, including shonen and shojo manga, anime, original crafts, game software, music, and videos. Admission requires either a ticket or a wristband-style participation certificate.

Event Details
・Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
・Dates: August 11–12, 2024
・Times: Early entry 10:30 AM–4 PM, morning entry 11 AM–4 PM, afternoon entry 12:30 PM–4 PM, changing rooms open 10:30 AM–5 PM (early entry at 9:30 AM)
・Cost: 5,000 yen and others; tickets are sold out, wristband participation certificates go on sale July 13. For ticket purchase details for international residents, see the official website (English page available).

Fireworks festivals that start in the evening and water events at theme parks are great options for those who find the heat overwhelming. August in Tokyo is the peak of summer, with many days seeing temperatures soar above 35°C (95°F). Be sure to take precautions against heatstroke, such as using a sun umbrella, wearing a hat, and staying hydrated.

(The information in this article is current as of July 2024. Please check official websites for the latest updates.)

Written by:

Kaori Kimura

Kaori Kimura is a Japanese travel writer with roughly 20 years of experience in editing and publishing travel guides. After graduating from university, she worked at a publishing company for about 10 years, specializing in travel guides. She has undertaken numerous assignments both internationally, including in places like Paris, France, and Taiwan, as well as domestically in areas such as Hokkaido and Kyushu. Following this, she lived in Guangzhou, China for about two years as an expatriate spouse and contributed to local media, writing on economics and travel guides. Upon returning to Japan, she gained experience in editing and writing for web media. A key strength of hers is her involvement in creating travel guide articles for both inbound and outbound tourism. She possesses the highest level (HSK-6) of the standardized Chinese language proficiency test, level 2 in Japan’s French language test, and EIKEN Grade Pre-1.